Ayada Leads: Ten Years of Building Power, Amplifying Voices

On September 4, 2025, Ayada Leads will mark a significant milestone, our 10th anniversary, celebrated at the iconic Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. As we gather to honor a decade of service under the theme “Rooted in Legacy. Rising in Power.”, we reflect on our journey and recommit to uplifting Black immigrant women for the next chapter of our impact.

Our Beginning & Mission

Founded in 2015 by Habon Abdulle, Ayada Leads emerged from a vision to nurture inclusive civic leadership within multicultural communities. As an immigrant herself, Habon saw firsthand the systemic barriers confronting immigrants and especially African Women seeking to engage in civic life. She launched a nonpartisan leadership organization focused on training, mentoring, and advocating for New American women, particularly those from the African Diaspora.

Our mission from day one has been to create pathways to belonging, confidence, and civic power by preparing African Diaspora women for leadership roles across civic, professional, and community spaces.

A Decade of Growth & Impact

Since 2015, Ayada Leads has:

• Trained and empowered hundreds of Black women to engage meaningfully in democracy and civic life.

• Delivered leadership programs including Campaign School, Future Leaders in the Making, and Engaged Parent Program.

• Supported women launching into elected office or community leadership roles.

• Responded to emerging community needs such as during COVID by providing interpretation services, food delivery, and mutual aid connections while pivoting programming for virtual access.

Under Habon’s leadership who holds a PhD and over 25 years of experience in gender, politics, and civic innovation Ayada Leads has established a model of culturally responsive leadership development grounded in lived experience and equity-centered strategy.

Our 10th Anniversary Gala

This celebratory gala will bring together over 100 attendees from the Twin Cities including community leaders, elected officials, grassroots changemakers, alumni, and supporters. The evening will feature:

• Cultural performances

• Storytelling & community honors

Guests will have the opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the powerful legacy built over the past decade. It will also be a moment to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting Black women and girls for generations to come.

What’s Next: Building Beyond 10 Years

The anniversary is not only a time to reflect; it’s an opportunity to fundraise for the continued expansion of our core programs:

• Civic education workshops

• Mentorship for emerging leaders

• Leadership trainings tailored to African Diaspora women and girls

We’re planning strategic investments in staffing, partnerships, and community-rooted development, moving toward a future where every woman feels empowered to lead, shape policy, and transform systems.

Ayada Leads continues to be a critical force in shaping a more inclusive democracy, one where the voices, visions, and leadership of immigrant Black women are not only seen but celebrated.

📅 Save the Date

September 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PMGuthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN

Join us as we honor a decade rooted in legacy and rising in influence. Together, we’ll shape the next chapter of leadership, belonging, and civic power.