DALLAS, TX – Meet Akina — a popular social platform (think Wakanda), for Black mothers, aunties, bonus moms and caregivers, announces its latest round of expansion, which includes the introduction of Co-Founder Stephanie Roberts, the release of app upgrades and advanced features, plus the reveal of its first celebrity brand ambassador, Actress and Singer Deborah Joy Winans.
Founded by veteran communications specialist and mother of three Leigh Higginbotham Butler, the all-in-one Meet Akina platform is a safe, nurturing space where mothers can come and garner support and essential resources — something Butler desperately needed, following her own set of tragic circumstances that came just shy after the birth of her youngest son.
“As moms of Black children, we navigate a special set of circumstances. From doctors, to caregivers, to teachers, to principals, police, and other parents — we have to advocate for our children in a unique way,” said Butler. “The truth is that it takes a village to raise a child — and every woman deserves access to that type of community. This is where Meet Akina was born. Swahili for ‘strong family bond,’ Meet Akina is now that village realized.”
As the premiere hub for Black mothers and women, Meet Akina is migrating an international list of 30,000 women for beta participation, who are eagerly searching for community and connections via shared parenting experiences. Now adding entrepreneur and mother of three, Stephanie Roberts to the mix, Meet Akina will undoubtedly have the leverage it needs for next-level success. Both Roberts and Butler, as Hampton University grads and as friends, share a unique bond.
As Butler was developing the Meet Akina platform, Roberts was right there from the beginning – lending her support, spreading the message, and recruiting moms in need.
“As a Black married mother of three children, I know firsthand the importance of sharing helpful information and simplifying the journey from one mom to another mom,” Roberts said, in her new role as Co-Founder. “Doing that on such a large scale is more than I could have ever dreamed possible. I’m excited to bring the vision of Meet Akina to fruition through strategic partnerships and by developing unique opportunities that can further enhance the impact of the platform.”
In addition to Roberts, Actress (OWN TV’s “Greenleaf ”) and Singer Deborah Joy Winans is the latest in influential advocates to give Akina the providential nod.
“As a Black woman, I believe in the mission of Meet Akina. Too often, we are ignored; our needs, our challenges and our concerns are dismissed by those we entrust with our health, our education and our children,” Winans said. “Meet Akina is on a mission to empower Black moms and moms of Black children to advocate for themselves and their families.
“We deserve to do all that we can to not only make sure we are living our best lives, but that our children are thriving and becoming incredible, productive adults that will continue to shape this world and make it a better place.”
Meet Akina offers several interactive elements throughout the platform that cater to the needs of Black mothers and the unique challenges they face. In addition to chat spaces, meeting rooms, live streams, and events,
Meet Akina has now added a desktop version of the experience, an online marketplace, digital classes, on-demand content from yoga and fitness instructors, mental health resources such as meditations and expert weigh-ins, a Membership Program, and also Akina Circles – which allows users to interact in sub groups that further enhance their connections and overall networking capabilities.
The current Meet Akina village continues to expand and includes support by Milk Space, LLC, National Black Child Development Institute, Black Supermamas, Village Moms, The Allignment Chapter and a wealth of other brands. For more information or to join the community, visit MeetAkina.com or follow @MeetAkina on social media.
The Meet Akina app is available to download on devices globally via Apple and Google Play.
