Titilayo Akua I. Smith, GMBA
Traditional name: Nana Akua Otubea Baah
Development leader with 30+ years of experience across government, community development, and grants management — bridging Western development systems with African governance and community-led economic empowerment.
Titilayo Akua I. Smith, GMBA is President/Chair and Executive Director/CEO of Kemetyu Global Economic Development Corporation, LBG (KGEDC LBG), and the Development Queen Mother (Nkosuohemaa) of Mampong Akuapem, Ghana. Her work spans large-scale public investments, workforce development systems, and community revitalization — paired with entrepreneurship and diaspora engagement.
Through KGEDC LBG, she leads a seven-pillar strategy advancing education, technology advancement & innovation, community planning & development, economic & workforce development, international affairs, community safety, and arts, culture & entertainment.
Professionally, she has served in senior leadership roles across the United States, including Director of Community Development & Grants for the City of Texas City, Texas (overseeing a $50M+ portfolio), Director of the Mayor's Office of Employment & Training in Newark, NJ, and Director of One Stop Operations in Newark, NJ. She left her position in Texas City to relocate to Ghana and lead KGEDC full-time.
She holds a Global MBA in Economic Development (University of Houston-Victoria, 2019) and a Bachelor of Arts (Clark Atlanta University, 1992). She is also a graduate of Leadership Newark (Class of 2008).
Role
President/Chair & Executive Director/CEO, KGEDC LBG
Traditional Title
Nana Akua Otubea Baah — Development Queen Mother (Nkosuohemaa), Mampong Akuapem
Experience
30+ years in government, community development, and grants management
Education
Global MBA (Economic Development), University of Houston-Victoria (2019) — B.A., Clark Atlanta University (1992)
Sorority Membership
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Chapter • Clark Atlanta University • Inducted November 19, 1989
Focus Areas
- Community-driven development and economic empowerment
- Grants management and public-sector portfolio oversight
- Workforce development systems and operations
- Cross-cultural governance and diaspora engagement
- Strategic planning, partnerships, and program implementation
Entrepreneurship
Alongside public service, Titilayo has built and supported ventures that center community, wellness, and economic opportunity.
Development Queen Mother (Nkosuohemaa), Mampong Akuapem — Enstooled October 17, 2025