Dr. Maavi A. Norman is a social entrepreneur, development consultant, leadership coach, and scholar whose research and vocation focuses extensively on issues of African political governance, leadership, economic development, and social entrepreneurship. His professional interests lie in working with the next generation of leaders and social entrepreneurs to create value and social impact - locally, nationally, and internationally.

 

Dr. Norman is the Founder and Managing Partner of Gravitas Ideation Group (GIG), LLC, a social impact consulting firm that offers a range of services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including advisory services, profitability enhancement strategy, process improvement, and strategic partnerships.  Working across various industries and sectors, such as education, workforce development, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, arts & culture, and technology, GIG is keen on working with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, particularly in underserved communities and regions. 

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In 2013, Dr. Norman was selected to serve as a White House Young African Leadership Program (YALI)/Mandela Washington Fellowship Peer Collaborator in Northwestern's Business and Entrepreneurship Institute. This USAID sponsored initiative was co-administered by Northwestern’s Program of African Studies and the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and has impacted thousands of emerging entrepreneurs throughout Africa.

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Dr. Norman earned his MA and PhD in Political Science (concentrating in comparative politics and international relations) from Northwestern University and was the recipient of the distinguished Gwendolyn Carter/Kofi Annan Fellowship, awarded to two outstanding students admitted to The Graduate School. He was also awarded a Leadership Coaching Certificate from Northwestern University’s Center for Leadership and a Certificate in African Studies from the Program of African Studies.

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Dr. Norman serves on the board of Restoration of Educational Advancement Programs (REAP) and The William R. Tolbert Jr. Foundation.