At Homage to Black Excellence (H2BE), leadership is collective, rooted in faith, justice, and service. Our Executive Leadership Team serves as vision keepers and builders, guiding H2BE with wisdom, strategy, and compassion. Each member brings unique expertise in literary arts, food sovereignty, law, healing, digital storytelling, and economic development — all united to empower communities and transform generations.

Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango Divine — Executive Director
Founder and servant-leader of H2BE, Dr. Kapilango integrates faith, law, and healing with literary arts and food sovereignty. Her vision transforms testimony into truth and remembrance into lasting futures for communities across generations.

Nathan De Assis — Chief International Development & Global Economic Strategy Officer
Nathan brings global business acumen and community development expertise, ensuring H2BE’s work connects to international opportunities and cooperative economics.

Janet Harrison — Chief Family Healing & Culinary Legacy Officer
Janet leads intergenerational healing through food, family, and culture. Her work uplifts traditions of nourishment and caregiving as foundations for community strength.

Binga Hudson Smith — Chief Program & Healing Solutions Officer
Binga designs programs that merge arts, faith, and resilience, guiding communities in trauma recovery and holistic wellness.

“Together, our leadership reflects the collective power of community, faith, and remembrance. H2BE’s Executive Leadership Team carries forward the mission to heal through story, nourish through food, empower through justice, and inspire through generations.”