Zeeoma Inaugural Gala: Honoring Dr. Amber Howlett-Bayoc, Live with Teni

An evening of Nigerian cuisine, fashion, & live Afrobeats at the Ritz-Carlton, supporting young entrepreneurs in St. Louis & across Africa. St. Louis, are you ready? Zeeoma Foundation presents its Inaugural Gala, a black-tie (or Afro Luxury) evening built around one idea: Turning Talent into Trade. On Sunday, November 8, we’re bringing together young entrepreneurs from St. Louis and Nigeria to learn, trade, and earn together. This summer’s open call in Nigeria led us to four emerging entrepreneurs, and the gala is their St. Louis debut. Your seat helps build the bridge between them and the next generation of makers here at home. The evening • Live on stage: Teni, Nigerian Afrobeats star Teni Apata • Nigerian dinner, served in style • Fashion show celebrating African design • Africa Travel Experience, in partnership with Unlock Africa Travel • Youth Marketplace, opening at 2:00 PM, with goods from young entrepreneurs in St. Louis and Nigeria Honoring Dr. Amber Howlett-Bayoc We’re proud to name Dr. Howlett-Bayoc our 2026 Zeeoma Bridge Builder Honoree, recognized for building the bridge where art becomes enterprise and vision becomes legacy. Details • Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026 • Marketplace opens: 2:00 PM (Free Entry) • Cocktail Hour: 5:00 to 6:30 (Ticketed Event) • Gala: 6:30 to 11:00 PM (Ticketed Event) • Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63105 • Attire: Dress to impress. Black Tie or Afro Luxury • Tickets: $300 per seat | $3,000 per table of 10. • Buy your tickets here: https://ybcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1363 Seating is limited, so reserve early. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Support our cause: https://zeeoma.org/sponsorship.html#packages Make a tax-deductible donation: https://ybcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/ticket?edt_id=1763 Learn more about Zeeoma Foundation and what we've accomplished so far: https://zeeoma.org/programs.html Questions, tables, or sponsorships? Call 1-240-528-0123 or email [email protected]