Pelkins is a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur committed to building institutions that transform economies and livelihoods. He is the founder and CEO of CassVita, a vertically integrated enterprise operating two cassava-processing mega-factories and reshaping global commerce through scientific innovation and industrial capacity.

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A native of Cameroon and fluent in French, Pelkins was recognized as the country’s top high school student before earning a degree in mechanical engineering from MIT and a joint MS/MBA from Harvard, where he graduated with honors. He holds three patents.

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Outside work, Pelkins finds creative balance through music and stays active through soccer and tennis. He integrates mindfulness into his daily life and advocates for mental health awareness as a cornerstone of resilient leadership.