About Abakè's Foundation
Our Founder
Abakè Assongba DeRosa is a prominent international humanitarian leader based in the United States with deep West African roots. As President and Founder of Abakè's Foundation, she has dedicated her life to empowering vulnerable communities across West Africa.
Our Mission
Human dignity, social equity, and direct action form the core principles guiding our work. The foundation focuses on delivering immediate relief and long-term developmental tools to underprivileged populations, particularly children, single mothers, and elderly individuals.
What We Do
Our work spans multiple critical areas of community development:
- Food Security — The "One Million Smiles" campaign delivers nutritious meals to thousands of families across Benin
- Education — Annual school supply distributions, scholarships, and educational equity programs
- Healthcare — Maternal health initiatives, mobile medical units, and clean water infrastructure
- Sports & Youth — Tennis clinics, sports diplomacy, and structured training programs
- Women Empowerment — Micro-grants, business mentorship, and economic inclusion
- Emergency Response — Rapid relief during crises, natural disasters, and health emergencies
Our Approach
Rather than directing operations solely from headquarters, President DeRosa frequently visits distribution sites, engages directly with local leaders, and listens to the immediate concerns of community members. This hands-on, community-first leadership methodology has fostered strong trust between the foundation and the communities it serves.
Our Impact
What began as a series of direct, localized acts of kindness has transformed into a structured, highly influential non-governmental organization. From basic food distribution to building clean water infrastructure, granting academic scholarships, and conducting emergency health interventions, Abakè's Foundation has broadened its operational scope while staying true to its founding mission.
Global Recognition
The foundation's impactful work has drawn widespread acclaim from international institutions, civil society organizations, and local governments alike. These honors recognize not only the scale of humanitarian aid delivered, but also the ethical, dignity-first framework behind every intervention.
Looking Forward
Looking to the future, Abakè Assongba DeRosa remains focused on building sustainable institutions that will continue serving future generations. The long-term roadmap emphasizes permanent educational centers, expanded sports academies, and resilient micro-finance networks across West Africa.