Cambridge, MA – April 17, 2025 – The prestigious Boston Awards for Excellence 2025 was held this week at the historic Harvard Club at Harvard University, celebrating outstanding achievements across education, innovation, leadership, and social impact.
Organized by the London Institute of Skills Development (LISD), and proudly sponsored by The Oxford Club, U.K., the event brought together global leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in an evening of recognition, inspiration, and collaboration. The event was held in strategic collaboration with the Harvard Club of Boston, adding further prestige and gravitas to this international platform for excellence.
The ceremony recognized individuals and institutions that have demonstrated remarkable contributions in their respective fields, from education reform to business innovation, and from community leadership to sustainability.
“At a time when excellence is more needed than ever, we are proud to honor the visionaries shaping our future,” said a spokesperson from LISD. “This event not only celebrates success but fosters an international dialogue on leadership, ethics, and progress.”
Among the attendees were dignitaries from leading academic institutions, representatives from international organizations, and award recipients from over 15 countries.
The 2025 ceremony further solidified HARVARD’s position as a global hub of academic and professional excellence, bridging continents through collaboration and shared values.
About LISD
The London Institute of Skills Development is a leading UK-based educational organization dedicated to fostering professional growth, academic innovation, and leadership development worldwide.
About The Oxford Club, U.K
A respected private network of global investors and professionals, The Oxford Club is committed to supporting initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship, and excellence.
Media Contact:
LISD Media Office
Email: debra.josh@londoninstitutesd.co.uk
Phone: +44 7788941732
Website: www.londoninstitutesd.co.uk
Prof. Marcus V. Goncalves chaired the scientific research presentations segment. Marcus is an associate professor at Boston University, U.S with Ph.D. Intl. Business and Ed.D. from Boston University School of Education, Leadership and Human Resources. He’s an International Management Consultant, International public speaker with More than 30 years of management consulting experience and practices in the United States, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. He has more than 40 books published in the United States (5 in Brazil and many others translated in several idioms, including Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, German, Spanish and Romanian) and is often invited to speak on these subjects worldwide.
Dr. Suela Papagelis honored the event participants as the conference co-chairperson. Other than an eminent faculty member at Boston University, She’s the CEO and Founder of a U.S based SKY IS THE LIMIT consulting firm provides Global Scale market expansion consultation.
Prof. Edward J. Lee as the Keynote speaker, is a former president of the South Carolina Historical Association, Dr. Lee teaches at Winthrop.
Lee is a commissioner for the South Carolina Archives and serves on the Review Committee for the National Register of Historic Places. For the last thirteen years, Lee has served as Mayor of the City of York. Currently, he also chairs the Catawba Regional Council of Governments.
Prof. Michael Del Rossi joined as the ‘Guest of Honor’ with over 25 years of experience in teaching and public speaking, Michael is associated as an associate professor at the University of Maryland University Global Campus, where he trains students and professionals on effective communication and presentation skills.
Michael is associated with ARICON U.K since 2019 and with The Oxford Club as the Board Advisor since 2024.
The eminent awardees includes:
DR.(H.C) AESOS LAI is a dynamic entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in music, entertainment, food, retail, fashion, and tourism. Known for his innovative mindset, he has earned the title of “IDEA Person” for his entrepreneurial spirit and creative approach. With a focus on education and lifelong learning, Dr. Lai has garnered over 35 prestigious awards in Malaysia over the past nine years for his expertise in branding and marketing. He is the founder of Durian King, Malaysia’s leading durian-related products company, which has been recognized as a Super brands achiever for three consecutive years.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Dr. (H.C) Aesos has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Brand Development.
Adv. Ajay Singh Rathore holds degrees in English Literature, Criminal & Security Law, HRM and Marketing. He is an NCC Certificate holder with Best Cadet Gold Medal (1998).
With extensive experience in academia and law, he has been associated in senior academic and administrative roles at Jyoti Vidyapeeth University and Jagannath University India. He practiced law at the Rajasthan High Court since 2001. He has written 47 books on Law and earned several distinctions.
We are delighted to share that Adv. Ajay Singh Rathore has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Educational Leadership!
Bakari Steven Machumu is the Founder and CEO of BSM Washauri (TZ) Limited, with over 27 years of experience. He was recognized as one of the “100 Tanzanian Changemakers” in 2023 by Serengeti Bytes for his significant contributions to journalism in Tanzania. In addition to his entrepreneurial role, Bakari played a key role in guiding the post-COVID transformation of a leading media company in Tanzania, turning it from a loss-making entity into a profitable one amid digital disruptions.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Dr (H.C) Bakari has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media Leadership & Innovation!
Fuad Ahmed Edha is a results-driven young business leader with expertise in corporate governance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. As the Group CEO of Azania Group, he has led strategic expansions and brand transformations across Tanzania, Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, and Burundi. Fuad’s leadership has focused on modern governance, product diversification, digital transformation, and market expansion.
Azania Group, with 2,000 employees across six countries, manufactures and distributes essential FMCG products. The company is committed to corporate social responsibility, supporting communities with education, aid, and employment.
Fuad graduated in Management & Marketing from Coventry University, UK.
We are proud and excited to announce that Fuad Ahmed Edha received an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship! Please join us in congratulating Dr (H.C) Fuad on this remarkable and well-deserved honor!
Hilda Joseph Nakajumo is a commercial leader with over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications, ISP, and PayTV sectors across Africa. She is currently the Group Home Broadband Product Lead at Airtel Africa, where she drives market expansion, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction across 14 countries. Hilda holds several certifications, including a Senior Managers Leadership Programme from Strathmore University, a Certificate in Directorship from the Institute of Directors Tanzania, and project management training from IMED Tanzania. She has received multiple awards, including Employee of the Year at Airtel Tanzania Hilda has been also named one of Africa’s Top 50 Women in Management (2022/23) and The Citizen’s Rising Woman (2022/23).
We are honored to announce that Hilda Joseph has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Emerging Women Leadership! A well-deserved and deeply meaningful honor, congratulations Dr. (H.C) Hilda.
Dr. Karol Gil-Vasquez graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a PhD. in Economics. Currently, she is a Lecturer of International Economics and Research Methods at Boston University. Karol’s work has been presented around the globe and published in peer-review journals and newspapers’ articles. Her research reflects an interdisciplinary and postcolonial perspective, which encompasses a variety of interests including History of Monetary Systems, Economic Development, International Economics, and Feminist Economics.
She serves as the President of Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT) since April 2023.
Karol is also a member of Boston University Humphrey advisory board.
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Karol has been awarded the Boston Award for Excellence 2025 in Research & Development!
This prestigious honor recognizes Karol’s groundbreaking work, relentless curiosity, and visionary contributions.
Monica Joseph is a seasoned Finance Executive with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and telecommunications. She is the CEO of Mokasi Medical Systems in Tanzania, a channel partner of Philips Medical Systems, where she provides strategic leadership. Monica is also the Founder and Board Chairlady of Labtech Tanzania Limited, focusing on innovative laboratory solutions.
Monica has previously served as an Executive Board Member for FINCA Microfinance Bank Tanzania. She is a Board Member of the Consumer Choice Awards Africa and the Network of African Business Women (Tanzania chapter) under the Graca Machel Foundation.
Monica accomplished Harvard’s Women and Power program. She is passionate about financial inclusion and gender equality and is a member of the ACCA and IABFM. In addition to her professional work, she advocates for women’s empowerment and social issues.
We are proud to announce that Monica has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Women Leadership! Please join us in congratulating Dr. Monica on this well-deserved recognition!
Dr. Nolla Haidar is a Professor of Marketing and a passionate educator with research interests in consumer and organizational behavior, human resources management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She is currently a lecturer at Boston University, Dr. Haidar earned her Ph.D. in Management from Royal Holloway, University of London, She is an associate fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Dr. Haidar is the author of the book Managing and Coping with Customer Incivility. In addition to her teaching and writing, she developed a graduate course on digital brand management. She is also a dedicated advocate for ataxia awareness, working to raise understanding and support for those living with the condition.
We are delighted to announce that Nolla Haidar has been awarded the Boston Award for Excellence 2025 in Marketing & Strategy Consultation!
Rachel Walton is a skilled Community Development Leader with expertise in promoting inclusivity and empowerment within diverse communities.
She has trained over 50 Community Ambassadors, developed training resources, and achieved notable successes, including reaching 1,000+ individuals annually, securing funding, and increasing participation by 30%. Her work has earned recognition for fostering a supportive, collaborative environment.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Rachel has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Gender Equality & Social Work!
Her compassion, courage, and conviction continue to inspire meaningful change and uplift communities everywhere. Congratulation Dr. (H.C) Rachel on this extraordinary and well-deserved honor.
Valorie Luther is a digital, marketing, and communications expert with over 20 years of experience driving brand growth across B2C, B2B, and D2C sectors. She is the founder of a successful consultancy, providing data-driven marketing solutions to emerging startups and international companies entering the U.S. market. Notable clients include Bigelow Tea, Ecover, Bulldog Skincare for Men, and Pitney Bowes, among others.
She is also a published neuromarketing researcher and the founder of the Maike Business Smart Tools Conference, one of the first U.S. conferences focused on social media for business. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at Boston University.
We’re proud to announce that Valorie has been honored with the Boston Award for Excellence 2025 in Digital & Marketing Communications!
Valorie’s dedication, innovation, and leadership truly define excellence. Please join us in celebrating this incredible milestone! Congratulations, Valorie!
Wisely Phiri is the Founder and Managing Director of Sparc Systems Limited, a rapidly growing ICT company operating in multiple African countries. He is responsible for shaping the company’s strategy, customer relations, resource allocation, and designing enterprise solutions like banking and telecom systems. In addition to his role at Sparc, Wisely serves as the President of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
Wisely is a Board Member at the Malawi International Arbitration Center (MIAC), where he has contributed to its establishment and operations. He has previously served as President of the ICT Association of Malawi
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Wisely Phiri has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Information Technology! Congratulation Dr. Wisely on this remarkable achievement!
As the next The Oxford Club U.K sponsored event, we are excited to officially announce the dates of KING’S AWARDS 2025 at HOUSE OF LORDS in the British Parliament (Palace of Westminster) London U.K . The awards will be held on 22nd July 2025. Nominations are open.
This prestigious event will honor excellence across multiple fields, recognizing individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Oxford Club U.K
Contact Person: Debra C Josh
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Website: http://www.londoninstitutesd.co.uk/