Overview
Ballard & Silas LLC was founded by a global senior executive with over 20 years of counterterrorism and international trade law experience.
As the creator of the first Forced Labor division in USA federal government, our founder led Customs global supply chain efforts for the safe delivery of over $3 billion in import-export goods annually, to and fro the USA. Our foundational principles echo strong legal, ethical, and societal commitments to building a SAFE, peaceful and prosperous life for women and girls around the world. Let's work together.
Meet the Founders
Hello. Thank you for the conversation, article, web search, drone or courier pigeon that landed you here!
My name is Zarinah Traci Silas which means "Golden Queen Warrior of the Woods." Somehow the hefty meaning mirrors the passion I have for protecting and educating women (fellow moms are my favorite) through life's toughest terrains. As an experienced crisis management executive, I am no stranger to hard work, tears, anxiety, depression, and mood swings...all while wearing a smile.
Am I talking to you?
For over 20 years, I held senior leadership roles in national security (Senior Executive Service), academia, faith-based organizations, corporations, law enforcement (support), military (civilian, but a former Air Force military brat) and law as an engaging speaker and partnership pro known for gracefully approaching the toughest topics (i.e. trafficking, public safety, privacy, trade) - all the while, unifying communities, deterring violence, restoring peace and creating strategic partnerships to further support safe living.
I have navigated through many tough days and know joy is possible in each person's journey - in this lifetime. Let me show you how to emerge every day as a healed, happy, free, and fulfilled person. Your community needs you and so do I. Start with an initial consultation. You are worth it!
Zarinah
Are you safe?
Z.T. Silas, Chief Executive Officer
Francis Ballard-Conteh, Co-Founder
Welcome and thank you for considering our company for your business needs. My name is Francis and I’m currently studying Computer Engineering at Penn State University. I am honored to serve as one of the co-founders of Ballard & Silas, LLC. While it might seem unusual for a college student to be part of such a global venture, I believe that fresh perspectives and new ideas are exactly what today’s interconnected world requires.
My studies in computer engineering and my certification in cybersecurity allow me to contribute to the heart of international trade - trust, safety, and efficiency throughout the global supply chain industry. As trade expands across borders, the risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud also grow. By applying cybersecurity principles, I hope to strengthen the virtual side of the house for our company, for example, by protecting secure transactions, safeguarding client information, and ensuring that goods and services move safely and transparently across borders.
As I balance coding assignments with co-founder responsibilities, I remain inspired by the mission we share. I really want to build safe bridges between people, countries, and commodities. Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to seeing how we can work together to reshape the future of safe travel and commerce.
Francis
Gene B.
I very much appreciate your participation in our Capitol Hill visit. Specifically, the students greatly enjoyed learning about your background and experience and were especially inspired by your comments on S.T.I.L.L. Thank you for your leadership and for taking the time to inspire our future leaders.
Melissa
Thank you for being a life encourager in all ways. You're my WCW [woman crush Wednesday]!
Alvina
I hardly have words. You are the SUN on a cloudy day. Driven, respectful and controlling at driving results. It was a pleasure.
Bob
I truly appreciate your strength and candor. You really do appear to have it "all together." You taught me that the truth is...NONE of us completely have it together. That said, I admire your composure and energy. You have a wonderful, lively spirit.
Jeffrey G.
Many thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. You are truly a gifted presenter. I wanted to thank you early at the end of your privacy and ethics presentation today because of all the people that subsequently came to you with questions. As you said, you always learn something from a presentation like yours. We really appreciated your presentation and hope to see you back soon.
Debbie
I love your spirit. I have really enjoyed your can-do mindset and your candid observation. You are a rock star!
Stacy
You are such a force of nature. You bring so much energy and enthusiasm to everything you say and do and I so admire that about you. The ability to just be out there and make your presence known is something that I have always struggled with and I feel as though I have learned so much from you on that.
I have learned more about myself than I ever could have imagined - all thanks to you. There are truly not enough words to say how thankful I am for the endless advice, guidance, and laughs you have given. Thank you for continually challenging me and pushing me to become the best version of myself.
Joe D.
