LeMonica Hakeem

CEO
Conekt Hospitality

LeMonica Hakeem is CEO of Conekt Hospitality, a business she launched to provide assistance to airport concessionaires for developing strategic concessions brand relationships, preparing responses to proposal requests(RFPs), financial pro forma development, and identifying and selecting well- positioned ACDBE joint-venture partners. She works collaboratively with clients to design and execute programs that are innovative and revenue generating offering best-in-class local, national and international appeal. In addition, she developed an ACDBE Institute for Airports aimed to help those interested in the industry navigate it with ease.

LeMonica is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of progressive and meaningful work experience. Her many accomplishments include shaping and designing travel experiences for the world’s leading airports, iconic brands and award-winning operators. Recognized for building long-term relationships with many stakeholders at all organizational levels, LeMonica also provides guidance to clients in protecting existing contracts and winning new business. With excellent instincts and the ability to establish strategic partnerships she has been instrumental in directing long and short-term strategies including alliances which enhance steadfast growth.

Prior to launching Conekt Hospitality, LeMonica successfully served as Vice President of Business Development for Concessions International (CI), a family and minority-owned worldwide airport concessionaire that serves passengers in several Top 10 U.S. airports. In addition, LeMonica has served in strategic financial roles such as Director of Internal Audit and Interim CFO during transition periods; as well as Senior Accountant for a leading worldwide Top 5 Accounting firm. She also traveled the world as a Senior Auditor for a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company in North and South America, Australia, Europe, and the Far East.

LeMonica is a summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration from the Emory University Goizueta Business School.   Currently, she serves on the Board of the Georgia Restaurant Association, is the Fundraising Chair for Les Dames d’Escoffier Atlanta Chapter, is a member of Women’s Foodservice Forum, the National Association of Black MBA’s, is the Chapter Treasurer of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. LeMonica is passionate about serving in the community and currently serves as a school volunteer and is involved with various local community organizations.