Aspen Global Innovators Group
Impact Report 2024
Letter from Founder &
Interim Executive Director
Peggy Clark
This year was a difficult one for Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI). In October, we unexpectedly and sadly lost our Executive Director and friend Lola Adedokun. The loss of Lola, who was a bright light to so many, was profound. Since Lola’s passing, hundreds of colleagues, friends, and young leaders have reached out to tell us stories of how Lola changed their lives–how she helped them to think through a difficult problem, how she went out of her way to promote them, how she mentored and coached them for years. Lola has left a remarkable legacy of hundreds of leaders who learned from her and are dedicated to preserving her vision of opportunity and dignity for all.
When Lola joined the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI), she wanted to invest in people. She was passionate about the goal of transforming inequitable systems that have existed for generations. As we grieve the loss of Lola, I find strength in seeing the impact Lola has had on everyone she knew—and countless people she’d never even met.
This report is not simply a compilation of statistics or program highlights. Instead, it traces the journeys of leaders who’ve dedicated their lives to addressing challenges of food security, women’s health, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and other aspects of equity and opportunity. It captures the essence of AGI, where each voice in the network reinforces and amplifies the others.
Since founding AGI in 2009, I’ve seen firsthand that our impact lies not just in our programs but in the journeys of leaders who continue to shape policy, build movements, and transform communities. Lola understood this intuitively. She personified the true meaning of leadership as legacy, actively cultivating spaces where new voices emerge and innovation flourishes. Meeting old challenges with innovation creates hope and possibility. We see this hope in our fellows’ triumphs, tribulations, and dedication every day.
Returning as Interim Executive Director has been an honor. It is a joy to see the growth of programs founded more than a decade ago guided still by enduring principles and purpose. Lola’s legacy reminds us that our impact is ongoing and built through daily acts of leadership, collaboration, and courage. We face a challenging landscape ahead, marked by a drastic retrenchment in funding for health, economic opportunity, and community development, coupled with challenges to long-held fundamental principles of human dignity and equality. In response, AGI is committed to expanding and deepening our partnerships, intensifying our community-driven approaches, and actively engaging with broad audiences in dialogues that move us beyond divisive positions. Our mission has never been more critical, and we will continue pushing for meaningful change.
I invite you to read this report not just as a summary of accomplishments but as an ongoing stream of work to elevate community driven solutions, courageous leaders, equality, and opportunity for all.
With gratitude
Lola’s Journey: A Life of Purpose and Impact
In December 2024, more than 150 people from over thirty-four countries joined a virtual gathering, celebrating the life of Lola Adedokun, Aspen Global Innovators Group’s esteemed Executive Director. Peggy Clark, Founder and Interim Executive Director and Lola’s close friend, opened the event by noting that the true measure of leadership is reflected in the lives touched along the way, a truth that became apparent as stories poured in from fellows, partners, and colleagues worldwide.
Lola’s impact was felt personally by those who worked closely with her. Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, spoke about how Lola’s approach has made him a better leader. As he considered Lola’s unique ability to inspire others to become better versions of themselves, Porterfield said, “I felt enlarged myself by being in Lola’s presence, listening to her, and learning from her.”
Lola was a driver of equity and inclusion. She was a force who consistently pushed the boundaries, wanting to make sure that voices were heard and respected. Allison Goldberg, President of the Merck Foundation, recalled Lola’s vision of transforming corporate philanthropy by lifting up local communities. She described her as a leader who “took challenges, ran toward them, and turned them into opportunities for real transformation.”
A video of Lola captured the essence of her leadership philosophy: trust, authenticity, and joy. Lola said, “Trust is essential. Without trust, all we do is repeat past mistakes and stifle creativity.” Lola believed that leadership is a continuous journey marked by courage, vulnerability, and joy. She encouraged leaders to embrace their instinctive truths, especially in times of doubt or resistance, stating, “Rather than wait for someone to tell you that you’re a leader, do what comes authentically from your gut.”
Fellows like Omare Jimmerson, 2024 Healthy Communities Fellow and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative, spoke of Lola’s empowering presence during a time of self-doubt at an event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Lola gently reminded Omare that her place at the table was earned and essential, exemplifying Lola’s belief that every human has the potential to succeed. “She challenged me to dream big by placing me in rooms I once thought I didn’t belong to,” Omare said.
Lola’s legacy, weaved intrinsically with AGI’s mission, extends far beyond programs or fellowships. It’s seen in the thriving global network and lasting systems changes initiated under her guidance. Peggy Clark agreed: “AGI’s fellowships are not singular experiences; they’re sparks for sustained movements and community transformation.”
Lola’s words remain a guiding force for AGI’s future: “Leadership is joyful—it fuels your spirit, and most importantly, it inspires others to lead alongside you.” Her journey lives on through the lives she influenced, the communities she uplifted, and the pathways of change she forged. Lola Adedokun’s legacy is not only remembered; it is actively carried forward daily by those who believe in a more equitable world.
Announcing the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award:
Uplifting visionary leaders by advancing the health and well-being of communities and beyond through locally-driven leadership.
AGI proudly establishes the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award in honor of the life and legacy of Lola Adedokun. Lola dedicated her life to elevating underrepresented voices and establishing community-led solutions in health, development, and gender equity. The award will celebrate and support exceptional leaders who exemplify her values of social justice, collaboration, and leadership, advancing community-driven solutions and defending the rights of women and girls.
Each year, one to two distinguished fellows will be selected to join one of Aspen’s impactful fellowship programs: Aspen New Voices, Impact West Africa, Advanced Advocacy, or Healthy Communities. Awarded Fellows will demonstrate:
● A proven commitment to addressing health and development inequities
● Brave leadership in driving breakthrough systems change
● Generosity, empathy, and mentorship in their leadership style
● Authenticity in action: leaders who genuinely “walk the talk”
AGI's diverse portfolio of programs reinforces its mission of building a world that centers equity, justice, and values-based leadership in all sectors that are advancing health and equitable development.
Equipping changemakers across West Africa with the skills and resources to drive meaningful and sustainable change in their communities and beyond.
Catalyzing locally-rooted, globally networked leaders to become visible, effective champions for more equitable health and development systems.
Integrating community-based solutions in policy and practice.
Building a collective voice of community leaders who are strengthening local public health and community health systems.
Improving health systems and outcomes by collaborating with governments to strengthen the leadership and management capacity within Ministry of Health teams.
Amplifying New Voices Senior Fellows’ voices and missions as global health and development leaders to address critical challenges and achieve strategic advocacy goals.
Investing in community-based leaders driving solutions for healthy, thriving communities across the U.S.
*These figures come from a survey of the AGI fellows distributed in December 2024. The survey had a 10% response rates, so all these figures represent minimums.
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AGI's Global Reach
AGI’s programs and networks span 54 countries
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