Mission

The mission of the Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation is to raise and award funds for programs that advance leadership development, encourage academic excellence, improve health, support those in need, and educate about the value of philanthropy.  Current community service programs include:

• Fashionetta Scholarship Breakfast and Fashion Show – Held annually on the first Saturday in December, it has been a Phoenix tradition for nearly three decades and is regularly attended by over 900 people. Proceeds from Fashionetta are used to fund the Foundation’s many service programs. Scholarships are awarded at the annual Scholarship Luncheon every May.

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• Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Fair – This annual event is co-hosted by Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation and Phoenix Community College every September. Over 400 high school students from the Phoenix Metropolitan area high schools attend along with their parents and/or counselors. College recruiters and local alumni from many historically Black Colleges and Universities host information tables and workshops are held that address many issues that future college students face. Students receive financial aid and scholarship information packages.

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• Global Assistance Activities – The foundation engages in global partnerships that provide assistance to the underserved in international areas populated with people of color. These partnerships include:

  • Soles 4 Souls: collections of gently worn shoes that are distributed to destinations around the world.

  • Lions Club International: The foundation that participates in an eyeglass initiative to prevent blindness, help restore eyesight and improve eye health for missions of people around the world.

  • Refugees in America Assistance Program (RAAP): Partnership with organizations engaged in support activities that assist refugees and their families integrate into American life.

• Health Forums – The Foundation hosts a community health forum annually to address physical and mental health issues prevalent in the African American community.  Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation volunteers also support annual walks such as the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

• Youth Development Programs – Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation partners with schools and community centers to offer programs for inner city and underprivileged students. Current programs include:

  • #CAP College Readiness Program – It is designed to assist students in their efforts to enter college by providing a hands-on approach that includes all steps from researching various colleges to actually completing the application process.

  • Computer Kids Camp – Annual summer computer camp, co-hosted by Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation, is held at Arizona State University each July. Middle and high school students are taught critical thinking skills through the use of computer programming and language and attend life skills workshops.