AGENDA
SF MODEFA is a Celebration of International Ethnic Day & Juneteenth
Sunday, June 15, 2025
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saint Mary's Cathedral
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
EVENT TIME SCHEDULE
VENDORS POP-UP SHOP & ART SHOW
ART SHOW explore exquisite art exhibition, ethnic attire display, fine jewelry, and textiles from around the world. Meet talented designers and artisans showcasing their cultural heritage. Discover unique pieces that honor diversity and inclusion Special Juneteenth marketplace celebrating African heritage and ancestral traditions. Experience our vendor pop-up shop and Trunk Show a la Wakanda in celebration of Juneteenth. This exquisite pop-up store will showcase high-end ethnic attire and fine jewelry, as well as textiles, to honor diversity and inclusion, paying tribute to the motherland and our ancestors, allowing you to take pride and embrace your ethnic heritage.
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"MODVATION DIVERSITY VENTURES PANEL DISCUSSION"​ AI ETHICS, DATA OWNERSHIP & CULTURAL INTEGRITY.
Join this groundbreaking discussion exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, and ethical innovation. Our distinguished panelists will examine:
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How AI technologies can respect and preserve cultural diversity
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The importance of data ownership for marginalized communities
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Ensuring cultural integrity in the digital age
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Creating pathways for underrepresented voices in technology
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The intersection of arts, fashion and technology
Featured Panelists Include:
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Fondu Founders (Confirmed)
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Industry leaders in AI ethics and cultural preservation
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Technology innovators championing health in beauty, diversity and inclusion
Are you passionate about ethical AI and cultural representation? Apply to join our panel by contacting us at info@africanartsacademy.org
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JUNETEENTH FORUM: "ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS"
A powerful celebration of Black excellence honoring African American women leaders, their resilience, and accomplishments.
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Inspiring stories of triumph and perseverance
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Recognition of trailblazers breaking barriers in their fields
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Special awards ceremony empowering the next generation, celebrating outstanding achievements
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Networking and creating opportunity focused on building a cohesion between communities​​​​​
AGENDA
4:00 PM
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Doors Open. General admission seating is first come first serve.
VIP dedicated seating area is open. Please plan to arrive early.
Parking is available at the Cathedral's parking lot and is included with your ticket.
5:00 PM
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MODVATION DIVERSITY VENTURES CONFERENCE : Panel discussion about AI ethics, cultural integrity, and data ownership.
Moderated by Aytakin Aliyeva, the Founder of the Femigrants Foundation, and Papa Yaw Quainoo of the Grow Wealth Platform and host of the podcast "Grow with Papa".
The speakers' panel features, Izzy Farley (CTO of FONDU AI company), Stefanie Miller (COO of FONDU AI company), Bisi Onateru (Just I Guide), Maryam Khosravi (Founder of Stir Bar Lab), Hesam Jafari (CEO of Buzzable), Helene Victoria Blossom (CEO, Fashion Model and Former CEO of Bright Relocation). They will share their inspirations to empower the new generation.
5:30 PM
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JUNETEENTH FORUM : From African to the Americas: Overcoming Adversities Through Resilience. A Spotlight on African American Women's Impactful Journey. Moderated by Emmanuel Nado (HOST - Echoes of Africa KALW Radio).
The Speakers' Panel features The Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., (GALA HONORARY CHAIR), Frederick Jordan (Founder - Jordan, John’s, Mathis & Pierce), Brigette Leblanc (President & CEO - San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce), Chris Jackson (Former Captain - Wagner Men's Basketball), Y'nad Burell (Founder - iHealth Innovation, Glass House Public Relations) ​
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6:00 PM
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VIP GALA DINNER RECEPTION
Exotic Succulent gourmet kitchen, featuring Nigeria and Ethiopia.
At the African Arts Academy SF MODEFA Gala, we always showcase international food as part of cultural heritage celebration and diversity. VIP tickets include a silent auction and raffles during the dinner fundraising drive.
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GENERAL ADMISSION
Cocktail reception with the vendors while enjoying the display of ethnic arts and sculptures featuring local artists, and silent auction.
7:30 PM
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FASHION SHOW OPENING PERFORMANCE ALLIANA LILI YANG
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FASHION SHOW
Haute couture modern ethnic fashion runway show featuring local and international designers, to celebrate cultural diversity.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM​
Live entertainment showcasing different artist that represents different cultural background to celebrate cultural diversity such as world music, RNB, Classic and traditional folk music, featuring: