“International Business Summit & Red-Carpet Gala to Unite Global Leaders in Trade, Culture, and Innovation – August 22–23, 2025, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta”
The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF) proudly announces the final list of honorees, confirmed speakers, and the complete agenda for the highly anticipated 2025 Captains of Industry Weekend, set for August 22–23, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, 75 Fourteenth Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Expanding beyond the Foundation’s signature gala, this year’s program features a full-day International Business Summit and exclusive networking experiences designed to connect high-profile leaders from the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond.
Strategically timed ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the weekend positions Atlanta as a premier destination for global trade, cultural diplomacy, and cross-regional innovation.
Two Signature Events — One Powerful Weekend
International Business Summit
Friday, August 22 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Featuring keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and industry-specific roundtables, the Summit will explore topics, including:
- Entertainment
- Technology
- FIFA World Cup
- Government
- Global Energy Developments
- Doing Business Internationally
- Getting Certified
- Women in Business
Distinguished panelists for the Summit include:
- Robert Riley — Actor, Entrepreneur, and returning host for the 2025 Captains of Industry Weekend
- Jason Carter — CEO, One Music Fest
- Xiang Zeng — The Gen AI
- Kelvin Collins — Atlanta Beltline
- Eddy Beniot — CEO, Beniot Group
- TK Petersen — Co-founder, The Gathering Spot
- Darwin Newton — Siemens
- Earl Stewart — Verizon
- Dr. Clifton Urling — International Restaurateur
- Ivo Philbert
- Terri Dension — District Director, SBA Georgia
- Dr. Nicole Grimes — CEO, CaribBiz Network
- Sonia Noel — Fashion Designer, Guyana
- Jodi Lewis — CEO, The Brand Development Group, and Public Relations Representative for the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation
Captains of Industry Gala
Saturday, August 23 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A distinguished red-carpet gala recognizing trailblazers who embody exceptional leadership, resilience, and a lasting commitment to community advancement. The evening will feature world-class live entertainment, Caribbean-inspired culinary experiences, and a philanthropic component benefiting CACAF’s signature programs, including scholarships, mentorship initiatives, senior services, and climate resilience efforts.
2025 Captains of Industry Honorees Include
- Sheryl Lee-Ralph – Actress-Life Time Achievement Honoree
- Pressure Busspipe – International Reggae Ambassador and Entrepreneur
- Benny Demus – International Music Director
- Dr. Nicole Grimes – Founder & CEO, Carib Biz Network
- Lisa Cupid – Chairwoman, Cobb County
- Hon. Judge Ana Maria Martínez – DeKalb County, Georgia
- David Mullings – CEO, Blue Mahoe Capital
- Samantha Samuels – CEO, Young Dreamers International
- TK Peterson – Co-owner, The Gathering Spot
Quote from Leadership
“This year’s Captains of Industry Weekend is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful catalyst for forging impactful business partnerships, fostering cultural exchange, and driving investment across com