A leadership incubator investing in high-achieving young African women from underprivileged backgrounds who are passionate about social change

Akili Dada’s young leaders are selected for their strong leadership potential, academic achievements and a demonstrated desire to address social inequities. Akili Dada leverages this desire with a comprehensive set of interventions to produce highly educated, deeply experienced, and well-connected young African women leaders with an enduring commitment to justice and equality

• 100% of Akili Dada scholars have finished secondary school among Kenya’s top 1% of students nationwide.
• All of them have received full scholarships to universities in Kenya and around the world.
• Each of our scholars is leading community service projects at home and in school, from social entrepreneurial ventures to building online platforms for change.
• You can help us make a huge impact on the lives of these young women who will become the next generation of African women leaders!

What you can expect as an Akili Dada mentor:

• To have fun while giving back
• To bring positive encouragement into a girl’s life
• To network with like-minded Kenyan women
• To be part of an internationally-recognized African organization

Learn more >>

Download an application >>

Akili Dada at the White House!

We’re thrilled to announce that the White House has chosen to honor Akili Dada Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, as one of fourteen Champions of Change who are leaders in American Diaspora communities with roots in the Horn of Africa. These leaders are helping to build stronger neighborhoods in communities across the country, and are working to mobilize networks across borders to address global challenges. Read the full press release on our blog.