Abiodun Koya is the Founder & President of LAAP. She is a Classical/Operatic Singer, Poet and a serial entrepreneur by profession. While singing for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today, she has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful voices. Born and raised in Nigeria, she is one of the very few professionally trained Classical singers of African descent and of her generation. Her efforts as an Artist have been to creatively and purposefully display a positive message and influence diverse cultures across America and the rest of the world. Through her non-profit, Abiodun mentors at-risk children in Nigeria and in the US utilizing her “Music Literacy Program” Initiative.
Eric Asiedu is a distinguished and award winning Senior Management and Leadership Executive, widely recognized for his visionary approach and exceptional track record in driving transformative business growth, operational excellence, and long-term profitability. Renowned for his deep expertise in retail banking, sales strategy, and customer experience, Eric has consistently spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that have not only enhanced revenue streams but also strengthened regulatory compliance and significantly elevated customer satisfaction. His leadership stands out for its seamless integration of strategic vision and operational execution, delivering sustained results and operational success across all levels.
In his current role as Manager of Diverse Lending Sales for First Citizens Bank in Southern
California, Eric leads with a relentless focus on driving sales, service excellence, and operational efficiencies. His transformative leadership has led to remarkable increases in employee productivity, engagement, and morale, achieved through the standardization of processes,
comprehensive training programs, and the development of a performance-driven tracking scorecard.
Previously, as Director of Retail Sales for OneWest Bank, Eric demonstrated unparalleled leadership in fostering a high-performance sales and service culture. He played a pivotal role in rapidly growing customer deposit acquisition, improving retention rates, and significantly enhancing employee engagement. His innovative retail banking strategy, coupled with a commitment to cross-functional collaboration, enabled the development of a profitable and sustainable branch network, creating a culture of excellence that continues to thrive across the organization.
Eric's proven ability to blend strategic foresight with tactical execution has solidified his
reputation as a transformative leader and a key driver of business success in the financial sector.
Alexandre Monteiro, is a Native of Cape Verde Islands with BA, MA in Education and Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. For the past twenty-five years, Mr. Monteiro has consistently worked with schools, social service agencies and community groups in assuring that underprivileged children and families receive adequate physical and mental health services, and support structures that positively affect their well-being.
Mr. Monteiro has connected easily with different community groups across various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, thanks to his trilingual capabilities. At the present time Mr. Monteiro is a councilman and Mayor Pro tem for the city of Hawthorne.
Dr. Saley Harou-Kouka is a senior biotechnology executive, entrepreneur, and mentor with over 20 years of global experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and process development. Originally from Niger, West Africa, and now based in Southern California, Dr. Harou-Kouka brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey as an African immigrant and industry leader.
He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and has successfully led CMC operations, facility startups, and global technology transfers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. As founder of Bio-Pharma GMP Consulting LLC and Tantamani Consulting, he champions innovation, regulatory excellence, and sustainability—particularly in minority and underserved communities.
Dr. Harou-Kouka is passionate about mentoring African professionals, fostering cross-continental partnerships, and promoting African talent in STEM, business, and sustainable development. His dedication to professional empowerment and community advancement makes him a valuable contributor to the LAAP board's mission of uplifting African professionals in Los Angeles and beyond.
Her Excellency, Isatu Timbo is a professional nurse and the Honorary Consul General of Sierra Leone in Los Angeles. She is also a philanthropist who has performed immeasurable humanitarian services to mankind.
Her unflinching determination to improve the lives of people in the areas of basic healthcare services, education, and women empowerment has been remarkable and a reference point worth emulating.
She recently commissioned a brand-new Health Center,
Robena Center, a village in Karene District, Northern Sierra Leone. It will serve approximately 5,000 people living in the surrounding villages, offering internal medicine, pediatrics, minor surgery and maternal health care. She also built a community school in this village.
Taofeek Ibrahim is a dedicated healthcare professional with a background in operations
and patient-centered care. He holds MPH, MHA, and MBA degrees and currently serves as
Operations Manager at Private Medical, where he oversees the Los Angeles oDices in
Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Originally from New Jersey, he has also lived in New York
and South Carolina, experiences that have shaped his collaborative and adaptable
approach to leadership. Outside of work, Taofeek enjoys working out, reading, and spending quality time with his wife and two children
Abiodun Koya is the Founder & President of LAAP. She is a Classical/Operatic Singer, Poet and a serial entrepreneur by profession. While singing for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today, she has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful voices. Born and raised in Nigeria, she is one of the very few professionally trained Classical singers of African descent and of her generation. Her efforts as an Artist have been to creatively and purposefully display a positive message and influence diverse cultures across America and the rest of the world. Through her non-profit, Abiodun mentors at-risk children in Nigeria and in the US utilizing her “Music Literacy Program” Initiative.
Abiodun Koya