Brother Waleed Shamsid-Deen is founder and CEO of Shamsid-Deen & Associates (SDA) and has nearly two decades of business experience. His drive, political savvy and keen insight for intelligent investments, has allowed him to establish numerous successful businesses and community-oriented ventures.
A young Atlanta entrepreneur motivated by the possibilities that business presents to serve others, Waleed is emerging on the national scene as a respected business and civic leader. His business acumen and commitment to empower others with an entrepreneurial spirit and reach-for-your-dreams attitude has earned him praise from business, political and community leaders. In the past decade, he’s raised more than $6 million for various youth programs and help start more than 10 non-profit organizations.
As managing partner of ARE, Inc., an angel investment firm founded by NBA Veteran Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Waleed has helped lead its emergence in the real estate, restaurant and entertainment industries. He was co-executive producer for the hit reality show Being Bobby Brown and producer of a theatrical production entitled Halftime Live™, which brings to life the story and experience of the Historical Black College and University marching band. His dive into the entertainment industry has led him to form relationships with media moguls Spike Lee, Robert Townsend and Dallas Austin, among others. Occasionally, he conducts workshops and presentations on various business topics.
Waleed is also founder of Youth V.I.B.E., a non-profit business mentorship program for high school students. In its 12th year, the mentorship program has expanded to include five afterschool locations serving over 600 students daily.
Waleed has received the prestigious Businessman of the Year Award, the Service above Self Award, the Rising Star Award, the Champion Award and the Young Adult of the Year Award. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Economics from Florida A & M University. Brother Shamsid-Deen became a member of the Marching "100" in the Fall of 1990 and pledged the Delta Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in the Fall of 1991.
