Meet the Speaker~ Bahia Akerele

Meet Our Speakers: As Chief Operating Officer #coo at the Law Office of Edward W. Neufville, III, LLC , Bahia Akerele, MSW is responsible for managing the firm’s business, administrative, strategic and financial operations. Her leadership experience is focused on providing outstanding client services, driving profitable revenue, and establishing the firm as a reputable source for #immigration services in the Washington, DC metro area. In this position as Chief Operating Office, Ms. Akerele is the most senior non legal staff member of the law firm. In 2024 the Law Office of Edward W. Neufville III, LLC is celebrating 20 years of service to the community.

Ms. Akerele’s background includes working in the policy and creative spaces in Washington DC and abroad. Prior to her role at the law firm, Ms. Akerele worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years, first as a Child Welfare Supervisor, at the Connecticut State Department of Children & Families and then later in the Philanthropic sector and creative world as a shop owner and TV lifestyle expert.

In the early 2000’s Ms. Akerele opened up her own consultant firm, Akerele Consultants, working for reputable companies such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation . She has launched various projects with different institutions including the The Wilson Center Africa Program , Associated Black Charities Associated Black Charities, and office of the President Elect Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, amongst others.

In (2012) Bahia entered the world of retail business as the owner of the only consignment store in downtown Silver Spring Maryland. One year later she adjusted her business plan to focus exclusively on home decor and Chalk Paint?.

For over 10 years Bahia has been featured on local media in the Washington DC area presenting on #lifestyle and decor and design issues.

Along with her many #television credits, Ms. Akerele has presented and given workshops internationally on art, design and the creative life. In addition to creative topics and sessions, Ms. Akerele has presented to Immigration practitioners, philanthropic associations , organizations and women's groups on issues of policy and philanthropy.

As a mother, wife, non-profit professional and entrepreneur Bahia Akerele has much to share and express to young women and women in transitional periods of their life.

Board Affiliations:

• FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital Ghana, West Africa -Volunteer
• Ladew Topiary Gardens Maryland, USA-Board Member
• French-American Chamber of Commerce - Washington, DC Washington DC-Corporate Member and Advisor to Women In Leadership section
• Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Washington DC-Corporate Member
• Sirleaf Market Women's Fund (SMWF) New York, New York (closed) Board Member

Language Capabilities:

• English -Fluent
• French- Fluent
• Wolof- Basic
• Spanish- Basic

Contact Information:

To work with Bahia - please contact [email protected] 301.562.7995

To see media clips click the following~ tvsegments and thecreativelifepodcast