Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen is a visionary leader, serial entrepreneur, and diplomatic figure whose career spans over three decades of transformative impact across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Driven by a core belief in the power of integrity, innovation, and global equity, he has consistently leveraged his deep-rooted expertise in business, community building, and international diplomacy to bridge opportunity gaps and cultivate sustainable ventures both domestically and abroad. From pioneering food franchise models in the U.S. to negotiating trade agreements across Africa, Ambassador Shamsid-Deen has built a legacy defined by excellence, empowerment, and enduring purpose.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Waleed entered the business world at a young age. His father’s restaurant business laid the foundation for what would become a prolific journey in operations and enterprise development. As a second-generation restaurateur, he expanded his family’s presence to more than fifteen restaurant locations in the metro Atlanta area, mastering every facet of business operations—from licensing and staff training to startup advisement and franchise development. His operational fluency and visionary foresight led to the launch of Supreme Foods Worldwide, the parent company of the acclaimed brands Supreme Fish Delight and Supreme Burger, which have become household names throughout Metro Atlanta.
Beyond his success in food service, Waleed’s entrepreneurial acumen extended into real estate, private equity, and media. In the early 2000s, he closed a $20.3 million private equity deal with a Libyan prince, and later raised over $1 million to co-executive produce Being Bobby Brown, showcasing his talent for navigating the high-stakes intersection of entertainment and finance. He also led real estate developments exceeding $45 million, including luxury and mid-level housing communities. As CEO of Shamsid-Deen & Associates, a consultancy firm specializing in business strategy and wealth advisory, he has advised numerous high-net-worth clients including athletes, entertainers, and executives, guiding them through complex investment landscapes and helping them establish robust philanthropic foundations.
Waleed’s commitment to social impact is best exemplified through the work of the Supreme Family Foundation, which he founded in 1996. Initially created to support after-school programs and youth services in Atlanta, the foundation evolved in response to shifting community needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it pivoted to address food insecurity, securing millions in funding to deliver emergency meals to seniors and youth. His nonprofit leadership culminated in a $1 million grant for public health initiatives, cementing the foundation’s role as a critical force in underserved communities. His unique ability to integrate philanthropy with for-profit insight has made him a sought-after advisor for others seeking to make a meaningful difference through nonprofit work.
Internationally, Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen has emerged as a powerful bridge between the African diaspora and the global economy. In 2021, he was appointed Special Envoy for Trade and Investment by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. In this role, he promotes Sierra Leone’s business interests abroad, facilitates foreign direct investment, and leads high-level delegations throughout Africa and the Middle East. His diplomatic missions have included trips to Senegal, Kenya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, where he actively negotiated bilateral trade partnerships and advocated for food insecurity, technology and sport for the development of world peace.
As a speaker and thought leader, Waleed has been invited to present at esteemed forums including Harvard University and the United Nations. His speaking engagements focus on entrepreneurship, nonprofit strategy, integrity in leadership, and African development. He authored the book Excellence at a Minimum: The Plight of an Entrepreneur, which blends academic insight with the unfiltered realities of business ownership, offering practical wisdom for aspiring changemakers. Through his writing and public voice, he continues to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Waleed’s educational credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Florida A&M University and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Walden University. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including the Businessman of the Year Award, the Mazda Heroes Award, and the Rotary Club’s Service Above Self distinction. His leadership has been recognized at the state and national level, most recently through his appointment to the Georgia Council for International Visitors and receipt of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award under the Biden Administration.
With dual citizenship and extensive global experience, Waleed operates at the nexus of domestic enterprise and international development. His recent ventures include the launch of SMTECH Africa, a platform to expand digital access across emerging markets, and Bankhead Seafood, a food collaboration with entertainers Killer Mike and T.I. His investment in cross-sector innovation underscores his belief that business can be both profitable and transformational.
At his core, Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen remains a devoted husband and father, married to Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen and raising a family of six. His values are rooted in faith, legacy, and service—an unwavering commitment to building structures of empowerment for marginalized communities across the globe. Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or influencing national trade agendas, he carries with him the unshakable conviction that leadership must be exercised with purpose, humility, and an eye toward generational impact.
Today, Ambassador Waleed “Waleed” Shamsid-Deen is not only a leader of business but a steward of culture, equity, and innovation. His track record of scaling companies, advising global stakeholders, and creating tangible social change continues to position him as one of the most dynamic and multifaceted executives of his generation.
Character:
Ambassador Shamsid-Deen exemplifies unwavering integrity and resilience, consistently grounding his actions in values-driven leadership. His long-standing commitment to community development reflects a deep sense of purpose and moral responsibility.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of professional experience, he brings a rare depth of industry knowledge spanning food service, real estate, philanthropy, and international trade. His academic and practical understanding of finance and business strategy further elevate his advisory capacity.
Strategic:
His ability to navigate complex geopolitical environments and forge impactful cross-sector partnerships demonstrates elite strategic thinking. Whether guiding nonprofits or orchestrating multinational investments, his approach is always visionary and calculated.
Communication:
A gifted public speaker and published author, Waleed communicates with clarity, inspiration, and authenticity. His influence extends beyond boardrooms to communities and global platforms, where his words continue to mobilize action and change.
https://www.supremefoodsworldwide.com
https://www.amazon.ca/Excellence-at-Minimum-Plight-Entreprenuer/dp/0976273845
