An image of 8 African diaspora women sitting on a coach smiling, with "Spotlight: Ayada Leads" overlaid in white on the left side of the photo.

Dear John,

Today, we’re thrilled to share our second Bush Prize: Minnesota winner spotlight of Ayada Leads.

Since 2015, Ayada Leads has encouraged and equipped African diaspora women, their families, and their communities to participate in the civic life of their cities and states.

“You hear a lot about the firsts. The Somali women that are elected are the first African woman to do something. And that’s huge. It's historic – I love that. But I would love to get to a place as an organization and as a world where these things aren't historic anymore. We want to make sure that in the next 10 or 20 years we're not talking about firsts anymore.”

Through leadership development and demystification of the process of running for office, Ayada Leads is making active political participation more accessible and achievable. As a 2023 Bush Prize: Minnesota winner, Ayada Leads’ innovative approach is building a truly inclusive community where African diaspora women feel a deep sense of belonging and can fully engage in the civic process.

Head to our website to read the full article and be sure to follow Ayada Leads to keep up to date on all their important work throughout Minnesota.

This spotlight is part of a series featuring our 2023 Bush Prize: Minnesota winners. Keep an eye out for upcoming spotlights featuring the other 2023: Bush Prize Minnesota winners.

Donate

Unsubscribe

Headwaters Foundation for Justice

2801 21st Ave S, Ste 132B | Minneapolis, MN 55407