Ernest Ofori Sarpong (born 5 May 1966) is a Ghanaian businessman and founder of Special Group of Companies, a Ghanaian indigenously-owned water company. He owns other businesses in Ghana, including Special Investments Ltd. and Special Homes Ltd. In partnership with Osei Kwame Despite, Ernest co-founded Best Point Savings and Loans Ltd., U2 Salt Ltd, and United Television (UTV) Ltd.
Sayyid Sharif Mohamed Amine Ouradj El Hassani (born December 1982) is a scholar and public figure associated with activities related to spiritual diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and religious engagement. He has participated in conferences, cultural initiatives, and international programs across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe focusing on Interfaith dialogue, peace-building, and intercivilisational exchange.
Afua Sam is an award-winning Ghanaian-born American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the founder and Creative Director of Washington D.C.-based fashion house, Studio D’Maxsi, and brand The A Concept by Afua Sam. Afua has received numerous accolades, including multiple wins for ''Fashion Designer of the Year'' and ''Fashion Icon of the Year'' at the Divas of Colour International Women Awards in London.
Ute-Christin Cowan
Ute-Christin Cowan is an award-winning German-born portrait photographer and the founder of Ute-Christin Photography, a studio based in Milford, Connecticut. She is widely recognized for her creative imagery focusing on newborns, infants, maternity shoots, and family portraiture.
Early Life
Cowan was born in East Germany. She got her start as a photographer as a teen, photographing boy bands like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys and selling the photos to fans. After moving to the U.S. at 23 years old, she worked briefly for entities like Sony Entertainment before launching her photography studio in 2010.
Viral Recognition
Cowan has gained national media attention for her highly creative photo themes. In 2019, her Ellen DeGeneres-themed first birthday "cake smash" session went viral after being featured by The Ellen Show. During the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, she made headlines on TODAY and Popsugar by staging elaborate "newborn-style" portraits using local takeout food deliveries. Her Kelly Clarkson-themed cake smash caught Clarkson's attention, prompting an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She is an award-winning member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP). Other viral cake smash themes include Schitt's Creek, What What Happens Live, and Live with Kelly and Ryan. Awards include the prestigious award for most "Inspired" black and white photograph given by the NAPCP.
Style
Cowan is known for her creative "cake smashes" from her studio in Milford, CT, recreating popular t.v. shows with babies celebrating their one year birthday and eating an elaborately decorated cake. She is also known for her award-winning newborn photography, maternity photography, pet photography and family photography.