Ayada Leads
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Ayada Leads is a nonpartisan civic leadership organization that supports multicultural society, multicultural democracy, and gender equality. Our mission is to equip New Americans, particularly African Diaspora Women, to excel in leadership positions in their communities across the spectrum of societal influence. We envision a world in which African diaspora women and girls feel valued, safe, and prepared to achieve their academic, professional, and leadership dreams.
- Income
- $592,402
- Spending
- $438,222
- Spent on programs
- 72%
- Reserves
- 12.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 21
- Highest pay
- $97,709, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 26% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 52% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1572% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $316,003 spent. 1. Women in Leadership: Cultivating African Diaspora Women for Civic Leadership At the heart of Ayada Leads is our groundbreaking effort to encourage, train, and support African Diaspora women to run for public office and serve on influential boards and commissions. This is not just candidate training; it's a cultural shift. We meet women where they are, recognizing the leadership they already hold in their families, communities, and workplaces, and equipping them to step into formal civic power. We provide: * Personalized candidate development grounded in identity and lived experience * Strategic coaching on running for office and serving in appointed roles * Cutting-edge campaign tools tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of African Diaspora women Our first-of-its-kind approach doesn't simply add women to the political process; it transforms it, ensuring that the voices shaping policy reflect the diversity and dynamism of our communities. With expanded resources, we can scale this talent pool and support a new generation of culturally rooted, politically powerful African women leaders. 2. Advocacy through Coalition and Community Power Policy change requires more than passion; it takes strategy, unity, and persistence. Ayada Leads works at the intersection of grassroots activism and institutional advocacy, building coalitions with community leaders, advocacy groups, and movement builders to advance meaningful policy outcomes. Together, we: * Identify and elevate community-driven priorities * Mobilize collective knowledge and resources * Train women to advocate confidently at the local, state, and national levels By fostering a culture of collaboration and a collective voice, we create sustained momentum for change, one that centers the needs and wisdom of African Diaspora communities. 3. Parent Power: Civic Engagement Through Families and Public Education We believe that parents are essential partners in shaping public education's future. That's why Ayada Leads empowers African Diaspora families to move from concern to action, especially in the schools their children attend. Our Parent Engagement and Civic Literacy Program helps families become informed and effective advocates within the public education system and beyond. Through our program, parents learn to: * Understand how public education and other public systems impact their children's opportunities * Navigate school structures and policies with confidence * Build leadership skills to become strong voices in their children's schools and communities * Form parent leadership teams that collaborate with principals and school staff on meaningful change Parents graduate from the program equipped to do more than participate; they influence. They lead conversations, advocate for student needs, and serve as trusted liaisons and role models to other families, creating a ripple effect of civic engagement centered on public schools. To ensure broader inclusion, we also provide voter education and civic literacy workshops tailored for older Somali women and others facing language or system barriers, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping the future of our schools and communities. 4. Mentorship for Economic Equity No young woman should be limited by her zip code or her family's income. Ayada Leads uses mentorship as a tool for social mobility, creating structured opportunities for girls and young women to connect with professionals who reflect their aspirations and backgrounds. Our mentoring model provides: * Career exploration and planning support * Public speaking and leadership development * Financial literacy, mental health resources, and life skills training We focus on holistic empowerment, helping young women envision and achieve futures driven by talent, ambition, and self-worth, not circumstance.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.