Nkongolo Kalala holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky and has served on the faculty of Bluegrass Community and Technical College since 1998. He is an agricultural economist and economic development specialist with more than 25 years of experience in teaching, policy analysis, and applied research focused on advancing inclusive rural and economic development.

His professional work centers on strengthening livelihoods and expanding opportunity through stakeholder and market analysis, project design and evaluation, impact investing, supply chain systems, international trade, and quantitative economic analysis. He has supported international development initiatives through consulting engagements with organizations including the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Winrock International, working across multiple countries in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

His expertise in economic development and systems-level analysis informs his commitment to supporting immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities through education, capacity building, and pathways to sustainable economic opportunity.