Leigh Higginbotham Butler has a pioneering AI platform and network for Black women, Akina.
Akina, which means “strong family bond” in Swahili, originated from a personal need to create a safe space for discussions and support among Black mothers.
It has since evolved into a Community-as-a-Service (CaaS) app and platform that leverages culturally competent AI and machine learning technology.
From A Social Network To A Movement
Akina was initially started 2020 as a social media platform for Black mothers.
“It came about in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery, and so many others,” Higginbotham told TechBullion.
“As a wife and mother to 3 handsome Black boys, I knew something had to be done, and Akina was born.”
Akina then rapidly grew into a diverse ecosystem with three main pillars: entrepreneurship, mental health, and maternal healthcare.
Higginbotham Butler’s vision for the platform aims to be a “Google for Black women,” a go-to source for culturally relevant advice, expert knowledge, and networking opportunities.
Akina operates as a freemium model and also has a $20 per month offering, which allows full access to the app and website and discounted entry for its in-person events.
A Partnership With The Official Black Wall Street
With Official Black Wall Street becoming Akina’s premier platform partner, Higginbotham believes it will benefit Black-owned businesses.
“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,” she stated.
“Our partnership with Official Black Wall Street is all about enhancing the awareness of Black-owned businesses in their respective categories and encouraging our community to support them.”
