MEET THE 5 BACKERS / JUDGES
They decide where capital makes the greatest difference.
Three diaspora leaders and two Liberia-based leaders select the businesses they believe are ready for the next step, uniting global capital networks with grassroots operational reality.
THE SELECTION COMMITTEE
THE POWER OF THE HYBRID PANEL
By combining the perspectives of diaspora investors who understand global capital flow with local Liberian business champions who understand day-to-day Monrovia market dynamics, we ensure fair, grounded, and catalytic decisions.
Diaspora Leader • New York
Dr. Clara Mensah
Managing Partner, AfroVenture Equity
"We look for founders with disciplined unit economics, tangible customer traction, and the operational integrity required to absorb catalytic diaspora capital and turn it into permanent community wealth."
Judging Focus:
Unit economics, cash flow discipline, and diaspora market export readiness.
Liberia Leader • Monrovia
Emmanuel Cole
Senior VP, SME & Commercial Banking. $15M+ deployed across informal Liberian commerce.
Diaspora Leader • Atlanta
Marcus Vance
Tech Angel & Diaspora Venture Advisor championing digital distribution and tech enablement.
Liberia Leader • Monrovia
Fatima Sirleaf
Chair, Liberia Business Association (LIBA). Built nationwide supply chains for local products.
Diaspora Lead • Washington DC
Dr. David Barclay
Senior Advisor, Global Development Finance & Multilateral Co-Investment Architecture.
CREATED BY
THE PEOPLE BEHIND ROOTS & RETURNS
Bridging the diaspora, local leaders, and grassroot Liberian entrepreneurs through shared ownership and execution.
James T. Tarpeh II
Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor
Co-Creator, The Palava Hut Pitch • CEO, Tarpeh Global Initiative
Lotten Yeaney
Co-Founder & Executive Producer
Creator, The Palava Hut Pitch • Diaspora Media Catalyst
"Roots & Returns was created to build practical pathways between Liberia, its diaspora and promising local businesses starting with trust."