Contact us - Diaspora Connect Global

Emmanuel Lucky Ardey

Chief Strategy & Operations Officer (CSOO)

Emmanuel Lucky Ardey is a dynamic strategist and trade facilitator, serving as the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer at Diaspora Connect Global. In this role, he leads the organization’s strategic direction, oversees operations, and drives high-level partnerships that bridges diaspora communities with opportunities in Africa. His portfolio covers diaspora commerce, agribusiness, real estate, and climate advocacy, all aimed at fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Over the years, Emmanuel has cultivated strong networks with trade associations, farmer groups, agribusiness actors, and international development partners. His network span institutions such as the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC), Rainforest Alliance, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Directorate of Crop Services), the European Union in Ghana, Denmark Embassy and the Barbados High Commission in Ghana among others. He has also engaged with stakeholders from India, Nigeria, United States, Turkey, Norway, and Austria, strengthening his ability to facilitate cross-border dialogue and trade collaboration.

His international contributions include coordinating projects with ea-Earth Action (Switzerland), The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on sustainability policies affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises. He has also contributed to UNICEF Ghana on youth-focused innovation and foresight initiatives. As well as, serving as a Member – Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Forum.

At Diaspora Connect Global, Emmanuel ensures that strategy translates into execution by leading three core workstreams:
1. Partnerships (Embassies, Government agencies, Ministries, NGOs, corporates, diaspora associations)
2. Trade (diaspora commerce, agribusiness, real estate, investment networks)
3. Community (diaspora relations & engagement)

With a proven track record in building global partnerships, Emmanuel brings vision, diplomacy, and execution to strengthening diaspora engagement and advancing Africa’s role in global trade.

Dr. Queenie Adu-Amankwah Kessie

CEO / Project Lead

Dr. Queenie Adu-Amankwah Kessie is a visionary entrepreneur, transformational leader, and passionate advocate for Africa’s economic and social advancement. With a unique blend of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial innovation, and Kingdom-driven purpose, she has dedicated her career to bridging Africa with the global stage while empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Armed with a diverse academic background in chemistry, business management, business and life coaching, NLP, and leadership development, Queenie continues to expand her expertise through studies in Financial Advising and Project Management. Her journey embodies resilience, excellence, and impact.

She is the Founder & CEO of EMAS Agency (Excellence, Motivation, Achievement, Success), a consultancy driving transformation through coaching, branding, business optimization, and leadership development. Through projects like EMAS Jobs, she is pioneering remote employment opportunities for Africans—reducing migration pressures while strengthening local economies.

Queenie is also the founder of Zillionaire Avenue, a bold fashion brand built on empowerment and self-belief, and she leads Queenie Container Shipping, a family-owned venture facilitating trade between Europe and Africa. In addition, she serves as the African Representative for Fitness Trade Africa, expanding access to fitness, wellness, and lifestyle solutions across the continent.

Her global impact extends into migration and diaspora engagement. As an Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Belgium & Luxembourg under the O-Remit project, Queenie advocates for affordable, efficient remittance solutions to accelerate Africa’s economic development. She also serves on the Diaspora Advisory Board of IOM Belgium & Luxembourg, amplifying diaspora voices and shaping strategies for inclusive growth.

Deeply committed to philanthropy, Queenie founded Better Africa Today, an NGO focused on education and community development. Her family established Regeman Preparatory School in Teacher Mante and is building a new institution in Christian Village, Accra—underscoring their dedication to empowering future generations. She also collaborates with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) to support healthcare improvements in low-resource nations.

Her leadership and influence have earned her multiple recognitions, including Africa’s Under 40 CEOs (Kenya), an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration, listings among Africa 100: The Exceptionals 2024, and the 100 Distinguished African Fashion & Arts Personalities (South Africa).

As the driving force behind Diaspora Connect Global, Queenie is pioneering a movement that unites African diasporans worldwide through verified platforms, investment opportunities, and community-driven initiatives. Her mission is to harness the strength of the diaspora to transform Africa—economically, socially, and spiritually—while building a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.