African Diaspora Network is pleased to present its (eighth) annual Barka Award to:

René Lacerte, CEO & Founder, BILL and Joyce Chung, President, Makahakama Foundation

We are deeply honored to recognize husband and wife, Rene Lacerte and Joyce Chung, who, through their professional excellence, spirit of generosity, integrity, and commitment have played a key role in supporting entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that too often lack access to capital, networks, and opportunity. They both represent the very best of Silicon Valley and of our broader community; they are leaders who understand that true innovation must expand access, strengthen ecosystems, and create pathways for those historically excluded from resources. Through their steadfast support of SMEs and entrepreneurs, especially those navigating systemic barriers, they have helped build bridges between capital and courage, between ideas and implementation. They have supported businesses. They have enabled possibilities.