Ayodele Ankoanda Kinchen
Director, Leadership Training Academy
ayo@cdi-usa.org
(650) 327-5846 x 303

Once a founding member, volunteer, and then program assistant, Ayodele is currently the Director of the Leadership Training Academy (LTA). In this capacity she manages program and project development, recruitment, resource development, and staffing for the LTA program which targets African-American middle and high school students. LTA’s focus is in the areas of leadership, academic/career planning, culture, health, community government, and personal development.

Ayodele is a long-time activist of her native community, East Palo Alto. Growing up, she attended independent African-American institutions in East Palo Alto until high school and graduated from Menlo Atherton in 1994. At Howard University (Washington, D.C.), she pursued her interest in business and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration-Management (1999).

In an effort to combat gentrification and the many concerns of poor, underserved, urban communities, Ayodele became a candidate during Election 2000 for the City Council of EPA. She currently serves or participates in various EPA community boards including the Ravenswood Community Health Center (Parliamentarian), and the African-American Leadership Summit (member). Former board participation includes the Neighborhood Improvement Initiative-One East Palo Alto (NII/OEPA), and the Tavis Smiley Youth To Leaders Conference Advisory Committee (Oakland). Ayodele is a dynamic leader and team builder with over 15 years of experience working in the areas of human resources, business and project management, and youth and community development. She has been invited and served on various panels including those sponsored by the Stanford Black Community Service Center, RISE (Realizing Intellect through Self Empowerment), and the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Ayodele resides in San Francisco, is a 4-year member of Fua Dia Congo Congolese dance company (Oakland), and a 7-year member of the Cabernet soccer team (Palo Alto).