Kamell Ellis

CEO/Co- Founder of 1WorldFestGlobal

Kamell Ellis is a visionary business and community leader with a multifaceted background in marketing, event planning, and grassroots organizing. With more than three decades of experience across the corporate, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, Kamell has built a career grounded in strategic thinking, cultural impact, and service to community.

He began his professional journey in the entertainment industry as a management intern with Melquan Entertainment, working with hip-hop pioneers the RZA and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan. He quickly established his own marketing and events company, The Entity, where he led promotional campaigns for major labels such as Warner Bros. Music, Universal Music Group, and RCA Records. During this time, Kamell created the groundbreaking industry showcase "Live From the Ground Unda," a platform that became a launching pad for emerging talent and caught the attention of hip-hop legend Parrish Smith (EPMD), who brought Kamell on to lead Events & Promotions at PMD/RCA Records.

His entrepreneurial drive led to partnerships in two additional marketing and advertising firms, whose clients included Kedar Entertainment, Motown Records, the Apollo Theater, and Coca-Cola. Kamell's reputation as a connector and brand strategist continued to grow.

Following a brief sabbatical to focus on family, Kamell founded Ellis Enterprises International Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to strategic marketing and community engagement. During this period, he deepened his civic commitment, aligning with childhood friends and nonprofit leaders Erica Ford (LIFE Camp Inc.) and Lance Feurtado (King of Kings Foundation). Through these partnerships, Kamell helped shape impactful initiatives such as Peace Week, S.N.U.G., Bury Da Beef, and the Warriors Tour, which addressed gun violence, youth development, and community healing.

In 2017, Kamell launched his flagship endeavor, 1World Fest Global, a 501c3 nonprofit organization promoting unity, diversity, and inclusion through cultural celebration. Drawing inspiration from his experiences organizing national expos and cultural festivals like Black Expo and Kwanzaa Fest, 1World Fest serves as a grassroots “United Nations” — blending music, art, technology, and dialogue to build bridges between communities.

Kamell also enjoyed a 32-year career with Verizon Communications, beginning in Business Marketing Operations before transitioning into engineering and technical operations as a Central Office Technician.

He holds an A.A.S. in Design Drafting & Technology from Queensborough Community College (CUNY), a B.S. in Business Marketing from SUNY Empire State College, and earned an MBA in International Business from Mercy University in 2023.

Kamell has been recognized for his dedication to civic engagement with citations from the U.S. Congress, New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and New York City Council. He currently serves as CEO of 1World Fest Global and continues to mentor youth through the King of Kings Foundation’s Warriors Tour, living his mission of empowerment, inclusion, and global unity.