Douglas Gbalay Suloe Jr

Douglas Gbalay Suloe Jr.: Visionary Leader and Founder of I’ve Vision - ICEL

Douglas Gbalay Suloe Jr. is a visionary leader and the founder of I’ve Vision - ICEL, dedicated to fostering transformative change on a global scale. His commitment to community development is evident in his role as a Program Specialist 1 at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where he leverages his expertise to enhance socioeconomic programs that promote sustainable development.

Career Journey

Throughout his career, Douglas has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and growth by assuming various leadership roles. At East Tennessee State University (ETSU), he was actively engaged in numerous initiatives, particularly with ETSU Shades of Africa, the largest African organization on campus. Notably, he made history as the first Liberian to hold the title of ETSU Mr. Shades of Africa during the 2016-2017 academic year, representing the African community on campus.

He subsequently advanced to the position of Public Relations Officer for Shades of Africa in 2018-2019 after founding I’ve Vision - ICEL on July 16, 2016. His significant contributions to the organization culminated in his election as President of Shades of Africa in 2019, during which he hosted one of the largest African nights at the university.

Douglas pursued a Master’s degree in International Relations with a concentration in African Development at Penn State University, earning a certificate during his studies. He worked as an Employment Specialist for C.A.R.E.S. of Central PA (Community and Residential Empowerment Services) from 2020 to 2021 and served as a Crisis Intervention Specialist at the Center for Community Resources from 2021 to 2023, before accepting a position with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

He has also participated in numerous events at the United Nations, including the High-Level Political Forum and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), among others.

Educational Background and Commitment

Douglas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and is committed to continuous professional development.

Initiatives and Current Role

In addition to his leadership roles, Douglas co-founded the Global Youth Conference for African youth, an innovative initiative designed to inspire positive change globally by connecting accomplished African youths with those driving systemic transformation. He also serves as the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer (CLO) at Benovate Tech, where he champions transparent workflows while overseeing strategic and operational functions.