Minnesota African Womens Association

Minnesota African Women's Association (MAWA): Empowering Women, Strengthening Families, Building Communities

Dear Friend and Partner,

The Minnesota African Women's Association (MAWA) is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering African women, girls, and families throughout Minnesota through workforce development, education, health awareness, youth leadership, and community advocacy. Founded in 2002 by Melissa Nambangi, MAWA has spent 24 years creating opportunities for African communities to achieve greater educational advancement, economic independence, improved health, and overall well-being. Through our programs, we help women access professional training and employment opportunities, equip young girls with the tools to pursue higher education and leadership, and provide culturally relevant health education to African families and youth.

Over the past 24 years, MAWA's work has made a meaningful impact across African communities. Depending on available funding, MAWA has trained 468 participants as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), many of whom have gone on to work in the long-term care. Through our youth development initiatives, more than 1,000 African girls have graduated from our programs, and approximately 500 young women who once questioned whether college was financially attainable have successfully pursued higher education through their participation in AGILE. Additionally, MAWA has provided relevant health education to more than 5,000 members of African communities. These accomplishments reflect our continued commitment to creating opportunities, addressing community needs, and building a stronger future for generations to come.

Our work extends beyond traditional employment services. We recognize that achieving economic independence requires more than finding a job; it also requires access to education, professional training, financial resources, and ongoing support. Through our workforce development initiatives, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training opportunities, MAWA helps eligible African women overcome barriers to employment, pursue professional certifications, and explore career pathways in the healthcare industry. By connecting women with training opportunities and employment resources, we help them work toward financial stability, economic independence, and a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

MAWA is also committed to the educational advancement and leadership development of African girls through the African Girls' Initiative for Leadership and Empowerment (AGILE). Established in 2010, AGILE has continued to serve African girls and young women through after-school programming focused on academic achievement, college preparation, leadership development, financial literacy, reproductive health education, civic engagement, and cultural identity. Serving girls ages 9–18, the program provides workshops, mentorship, college visits, and educational experiences that help young women build confidence, recognize their potential, and prepare for their futures.

Since its establishment, AGILE has worked to address barriers that often prevent African girls from pursuing higher education, including limited knowledge of the college application process, financial concerns, and a lack of college preparation resources. Through continued mentorship, college preparation workshops, and campus visits, AGILE helps young women see higher education as an attainable goal and equips them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue it.

Your support makes this work possible. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps MAWA sustain its programs, reach more women and young people, and respond to the evolving needs of African communities. Donations help provide access to employment and educational opportunities, support youth leadership and development, expand health education, and connect families with resources that can make a lasting difference in their lives.

When you give to MAWA, you are investing in women, girls, families, and stronger communities. You are helping create opportunities, remove barriers, and build a future where African women and young people have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. Thank you for standing with MAWA and being part of our continued mission to empower and uplift African communities throughout Minnesota.

Don’t delay! Visit giveMN.org to schedule your donation today.

MAWA's mission is to promote the health and well-being of African women and their families in the Twin Cities area.

Log on to www.giveMN.org anytime on November 14 and make a gift of $10, $25, $100, or $1,000.