KESSA conference 2026

Keynote Speakers will highlight select Influential Kenyan Scholarship and Career Success

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Closing Keynote Speaker : Dr. Truphena Choti

Over a career spanning education, international development, policy analysis, research and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Choti has held positions with organizations including Nascent Solutions, University Research Co. (URC), General Dynamics Information Technology, and the National Education Association (NEA). Her work has focused on educational access, leadership development, research, capacity building, and community-driven development. 

 Dr. Truphena Choti
Dr. Truphena Choti is a Kenyan-born educator, social entrepreneur, researcher, and community leader who serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AfriThrive Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing food security, health equity, immigrant empowerment, and community resilience. She holds a Ph.D. in International Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University in Kenya.

In 2019, Dr. Choti co-founded AfriThrive with her husband, Prof. Charles Choti, to address food insecurity and cultural disconnection experienced by African immigrant communities in the United States. Under her leadership, AfriThrive has grown indigenous African vegetables, distributed millions of pounds of nutritious, culturally appropriate food, and served tens of thousands of families across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and surrounding communities.

Dr. Choti has built robust cross-sector partnerships with government agencies, healthcare systems, universities, foundations, corporations, farms, and community organizations to advance culturally responsive food access, community agriculture, Food-as-Medicine, and resilient local food systems. These partnerships have positioned AfriThrive as an important bridge between communities, institutions, and resources.

Dr. Choti’s publications, public presentations, and community advocacy focus on international education, immigrant integration, food justice, cultural identity, and equitable access to resources. She is widely recognized for connecting academic research with community-driven solutions that strengthen health, dignity, and economic opportunity for underserved populations. In 2026, AfriThrive secured $800,000 in federal funding championed by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen to expand its Essex Community Food Center, strengthening food infrastructure, cold storage, culturally appropriate agriculture, nutrition education, and Food-as-Medicine programming.

Dr. Choti’s journey reflects the power of connecting scholarship, cultural heritage, and community leadership to create lasting social impact. KESSA is honored to have Dr. Truphena Choti as a Keynote speaker at the 2026 Conference.

Dr. Truphena Choti

Why attend KESSA 2026 Conference?

“Conference, Connections & Comfort“

The KESSA Conference is more than just an academic gathering. It’s a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, intellectual growth, and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned academic, a budding scholar, or an industry professional, you will find a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and inspiration to drive your passion forward. Plus, connect with Kenyan scholars, government officials, embassy staff, and friends of KESSA who travel from Kenya to attend the conference every year. And in 2026, we guarantee a holiday-like experience in magical Orlando!

Sponsor Acknowledgement

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support has been pivotal in bringing this event to life. Your commitment to fostering academic excellence and research is deeply appreciated.

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