Former Executive Director of DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs Launches The Portier Agency to Expand U.S - Africa Relations

Firm to Open Doors to U.S. and Africa Business, Political and Community Partnerships

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 29, 2016) – Ngozi Nmezi, social entrepreneur, intergovernmental and external affairs expert, partnership strategist and former Executive Director of the Office on African Affairs (OAA), announced today the launch of The Portier Agency, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm committed to expand and diversify U.S and Africa bilateral relations. The Portier Agency develops and executes customized strategies specializing in building partnerships, program management and government and external affairs services.

The agency will open doors to the potential of investment and mutual advancement with African people, with its Diaspora, with its government, and with its economy and remove barriers to increase and bolster U.S. and African relations.

“The opportunity to introduce an agency that is truly culture and mission driven is a true representation of my own core beliefs and international roots,” says Ngozi Nmezi, Principal and Founder of The Portier Agency. “The untapped potential between the U.S. and Africa is boundless and we are dedicated to working with clients who are committed to expanding their footprint and expertise beyond U.S. and African borders.”

The agency’s industry-wide experience will open doors, solve problems, and achieve optimal success among global clients who want strategic partners with profound understanding of and experience with on-the-ground realities in Africa and the U.S.

Nmezi chose the name “portier,” which is French for a doorman or metaphorically ‘one who opens doors,’ as it represents an agency that will guide clients and remove barriers to access. The Portier Agency will facilitate partnerships and service municipal and national governments, corporations, diaspora groups, and non-profit entities to create networks, paths, and boundless opportunities for growth and shared value.

Over the past decade, Nmezi has emerged as a leading voice championing Africa and its Diaspora in Washington, D.C and beyond. Prior to founding The Portier Agency, Nmezi served as the Executive Director of the Office on African Affairs (OAA) in D.C., an appointed cabinet-level position, under Mayor Vincent C. Gray.  As Executive Director, she served as top advisor and manager of the city's African Affairs portfolio including: external and intergovernmental affairs; diaspora affairs - outreach, engagement, advocacy & policy; business and economic development; strategic partnerships health and communications. Nmezi also headed numerous efforts to increase African Diaspora civic engagement and participation in municipal and U.S.-African affairs. With vast ties within political, business, community and Diaspora organizations, Nmezi’s commitment to Africa and its Diaspora will help The Portier Agency provide access to the continent and beyond.

About The Portier Agency

The Portier Agency is a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm committed to expanding and diversifying U.S and Africa bilateral relations. The Portier Agency specializes in strategy development, program management, and government & external affairs. Comprised of savvy, multi-sector experts skilled in strategic partnership building and collaboration, the agency is constantly working to advance and adapt understanding of the shifting nature of international cooperation.  Visit our website at https://www.theportieragency.com or FacebookTwitterLinkedIn or Instagram to learn more.

 

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