Uplifting bold and visionary leaders advancing the well-being of communities and beyond through courageous leadership.
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Washington DC, April 16, 2025 – The Aspen Institute’s Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) proudly announces the establishment of the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award in honor of the life and legacy of Lola Adedokun, Aspen Institute’s beloved late Executive Director. Adedokun dedicated her life to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering courageous, community-led solutions in health, development, and gender equity. This award will celebrate and support exceptional leaders who embody her values of social justice, collaboration, and bold leadership in advancing community-driven solutions. Through this award, 1-2 outstanding leaders will be selected each year as Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Fellows, joining one of the Aspen Global Innovators Group’s flagship fellowship programs: Aspen Impact West Africa, Advanced Advocacy, Aspen New Voices or Healthy Communities. Fellows will exemplify:
- A proven commitment to addressing inequities in health and development
- Courageous leadership driving breakthrough change
- Leadership characterized by generosity, empathy, and mentorship
- Exceptional dedication to advancing underserved communities
- Authenticity in action—leaders who genuinely “walk the talk”
“Lola was a remarkable force for good, tirelessly championing community-led solutions for meaningful change. Through this fellowship, we seek to honor her memory by uplifting leaders who share her vision and values,” said Peggy Clark, Founder and Interim Executive Director of Aspen Global Innovators Group. “Lola Adedokun was an inspiring leader, a valued colleague, and a dear friend. Most of all, she embodied the idea that the future can be better than the past, that our moral horizons can expand ever outward, and that leaders with vision can change the world. We are honored to help the Aspen Institute continue Lola’s legacy of leadership,” said Sam Gill, President and CEO of Doris Duke Foundation.The selection process for the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award will identify candidates from the pool of applicants and nominees for AGI’s fellowships. A review committee will evaluate individuals based on their leadership, impact, and commitment to advancing progress in health and development through transformative change.Partner with us to honor Lola’s legacy:We invite our community of partners and supporters to join us in funding additional fellows in honor of Lola Adedokun. Contributions will directly support visionary leaders creating sustainable change in health, equity, and development. Together, let us uplift the next generation of changemakers, ensuring that Lola’s remarkable spirit and impact continue to inspire lasting transformation.Join us in carrying Lola’s vision forward with a donation of any size.For more information about the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Fellows, visit here.The Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award is supported by our generous funding partner, the Doris Duke Foundation.
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The Aspen Global Innovators GroupFor over 15 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group has championed health and development leaders and innovators from 54 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Island States to design, champion and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer, more equitable, and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 7000+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health, well-being, and equity. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. Join us in building a healthier, more equitable future at https://www.aspenglobalinnovators.org/.Doris Duke FoundationThe mission of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.orgThe Aspen InstituteThe Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.