Akina Connect is a national membership network focused on connecting and empowering Black women by providing access to the tools and resources needed to elevate them in their careers, communities, and family lives. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Akina Connect founder and CEO Leigh Higginbotham Butler to learn more about the company.
Leigh Higginbotham Butler’s Background
What is Akina Connect’s origin story? Butler said:
“I am Leigh Higginbotham Butler, founder and CEO of Akina – the community platform curated by Black women for Black women entrepreneurs, CEOs, mothers, and communities.”
“Akina Connect originated as a community for Black mothers to connect and share experiences, resources, and information in a safe place during the summer of 2020 in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others. As a wife and mother to three handsome Black boys, I knew something had to be done and Akina Connect was born.”
“However, we quickly realized that we could be so much more… And for so many more. We began to pivot and expand our focus, providing a hub for all Black women – from mothers to CEOs to entrepreneurs and beyond.”
“Today, we’re on a mission to empower through access to vibrant community connection, a curated media hub, and vetted resources from leading experts to holistically support personal and professional growth while creating a safe, inclusive, empowering community.”
“With Akina, we are revolutionizing the way in which Black women are connected and resourced through innovative technology and a powerful community. Our digital campus provides information, tools, resources, and entertainment to help Black women achieve better outcomes in entrepreneurship and career development, maternal health and health care, and mental health and wellness.”
Impact Goals Of Akina Connect
What do you aim for your impact to be – both as an individual and with Akina Connect? Butler shared:
“My life’s work is predicated on making the world a better, more inclusive place. In my mind, inclusion isn’t merely about opening doors, but about ensuring that these doors stay open for a legacy to walk through.”
“Akina Connect envisions a world where Black women are embraced entirely, where their identity adds to community richness; it provides a haven and springboard, recognizing that access to resources and networks can transform surviving into thriving.”
“Inspiring inclusion means breaking barriers and valuing every individual so that every woman is acknowledged, seen, heard, and supported. Akina Connect embodies this commitment and is my contribution to this cause.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Butler explained:
“Akina Connect’s inclusive national membership network is focused on connecting and empowering Black women by providing access to the tools and resources needed to elevate. Through the Akina platform, members connect with like-minded Black women who celebrate their unique experiences. They have access to a wide range of resources and support tailored specifically to Black women from leading experts to achieve better outcomes in entrepreneurship and career development, maternal health and health care, and mental health and wellness. Members have the opportunity to find inspiration, motivation and mentorship from successful individuals in various industries.”
“Our vetted digital campus features virtual and in-person networking events, classes, and workshops, as well as membership groups across shared interests, industries, and geographies. We’re all about leveling the playing field by giving folks access to resources, knowledge, and networks that can take them from surviving to thriving. Akina Connect also provides additional education, access to funding, and other opportunities to set up these founders and business owners for success.”
“Akina Connect, our culturally competent AI guide, recognizes members’ diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of its users, ensuring it does not inadvertently perpetuate biases or discrimination. The AI feature recommends app features, including coaching, resources, events, and marketplace vendors specific to each member.”
“Our premier partner, Official Black Wall Street, enhances the awareness of Black-owned businesses in their respective categories, encouraging our community to support them. Official Black Wall Street boasts one of the largest listings of Black-owned businesses in the country and offers its members a platform for engaging with their customers, additional marketing opportunities, and business education.”
“Akina Connect’s offerings expand on that to include additional marketing opportunities through our EmpowerHer Perks program, which offers our members preferred pricing and benefits as an incentive to patronize these businesses.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Butler cited:
“Akina Connect will soon be launching with memberships available now on our open waitlist.”
“Akina Connect’s launch will be in tandem with the unveiling of its web-based services and app, available for download for iOS on the App store. Varying membership tiers range from free to a $20/month Premium to $60/month Premium x OBWS.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Butler assessed:
“While existing platforms fail to provide a safe and inclusive space for Black women to connect and celebrate their unique experiences, Akina Connect was unapologetically founded with an ambitious goal: To create an intersection between community, technology and sisterhood to achieve better health, financial and professional outcomes for the nearly 22 million Black women that call the United States home.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Butler affirmed:
“Akina Connect is a first-of-its-kind professional and CaaS (Community-as-a-Service) app and platform that leverages culturally-competent AI and machine learning technology, while bringing together experts and organizations.”
“Billions of dollars in potential economic value are lost due to the lack of opportunities and support for Black women. In tandem, Black women face limited access to networks and resources, which ultimately hinders their career advancement and entrepreneurial success.”
“A sort of Google for Black women, Akina Connect provides a holistic approach to addressing disparities Black women face in their everyday lives. The platform provides a wide range of resources and support – all of which are tailored specifically for Black women by leading experts in their respective fields.”
