Akiesha Anderson
2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader
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Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, Represent Justice
Corona, CA Montgomery, Alabama
Akiesha Anderson is the advocacy and partnerships manager for Represent Justice, a nonprofit using films to disrupt systems and narratives surrounding mass incarceration. Raised in Alabama, Akiesha was the policy and advocacy director for Alabama Arise, a statewide, member-led organization advancing public policies that improve the lives of Alabamians who are marginalized by poverty. Previously, she served as the associate director of admissions for UCLA Law, where she played a pivotal role in achieving the school’s highest number of Black enrollees in 25 years, following the enactment of California’s affirmative action ban. In addition to her work at Alabama Arise, Akiesha remains engaged in education and runs Anderson Admissions Academy, which helps underrepresented students gain admission to law school.
Meet the 2024-2025 United States Leaders
More about the Leaders Program
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Leaders
For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.
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- The Center
- Building the Center
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Watch
- Barack Obama
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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