A Word from former World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick

We’re grateful to Robert B. Zoellick, who continues to champion Akilah and support our vision for scaling our unique academic model across Africa and Asia through Davis College.

Dear Davis College supporter,

I first learned about the Akilah Institute while I was leading the World Bank in 2011. I had worked with Rwanda — on development, trade, and regional peacekeeping — during its striking recovery from genocide. I had also been pressing for greater educational, economic, and entrepreneurial opportunities for girls and women around the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Not only did Akilah’s mission reflect the lessons from my experience, I could also see that the founding team acted with energy, commitment, and integrity. It is during this time that my wife and I started investing in Akilah and also began actively encouraging others to support this innovative venture.

Akilah’s tremendous results over the past decade have laid a superb foundation. Its leaders have now presented a vision for the next ten years: Akilah will serve as the women’s educational arm of the newly launched Davis College. Akilah plans to scale its successful model in order to educate, train, and prepare thousands of young women and men across Africa to meet the demands of the 21st Century. This is African empowerment and inclusive development at its best.

I hope I can encourage you also to contribute to the Davis Akilah network — however you or your foundation or company can do so. Akilah uses resources carefully, and its leadership has demonstrated how to make all gifts into a record of success. If you have the opportunity to meet the proud Akilah graduates, you will understand personally why I hope you can help.

Thank you for considering this wonderful cause.

Robert B. Zoellick

Former President,

The World Bank

Learn more about our Decennial Campaign here, and support the Akilah Institute at Davis College today.