Amb. Elias B. Shoniyin brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and deep commitment to public service and international affairs. With over 25 years of impactful work in nonprofit and public service,
Mr. Shoniyin is recognized as a leading figure in development, diplomacy, and policy. His career spans numerous critical roles, including his current leadership as Managing Director and Managing Partner of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), as well as Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy at Cuttington University, Liberia.
His expertise has been shaped by his earlier service as Principal Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, where he served under two successive administrations, and as Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation & Integration.
In these roles, he was instrumental in guiding Liberia’s post-conflict foreign policy and deepening international relations. Amb. Shoniyin’s contributions to Liberia’s post-conflict recovery are particularly notable.
He played a pivotal role during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, coordinating critical resource mobilization efforts that helped steer the country through one of its most challenging periods.
His leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought about strategic reforms, improving the efficiency of Liberia’s foreign service and expanding cooperation with new international partners.
In recognition of his outstanding work and achievements, Amb. Shoniyin has received numerous honors and awards from esteemed institutions locally and internationally.
For his distinguished service to the government and people of Liberia, he was admitted into The Humane Order of African Redemption and conferred the rank of Knight Commander. Others include Resolution of Honor—New York Legislative Assembly, Resolution of Honor—New York Senate, Resolution of Honor—New York City Council, and Excellence in Leadership—Africa Caribbean Business Council in Washington, among many others.
He continues to stand as a symbol of excellence and dedication. As we gather to reflect on the time here learning and charting the course of the future, there is no better person to speak to us today than Amb. Shoniyin, whose exemplary career exemplifies the values of leadership, commitment, and service.
