Washington D.C. – Kolu Sokodolo Walters, the CEO of the Kolu Sokodolo Children’s Foundation, was honored with the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th Year Anniversary of the African & Caribbean International Leadership Conference. The prestigious award was presented by the office of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in recognition of Walters’ outstanding contributions to community development and her tireless efforts in promoting hope and healing both within the United States and globally.
The conference, held from November 16—18, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington D.C., brought together influential leaders from Africa and the Caribbean to discuss transformative leadership, civic engagement, social justice, and economic development. Walters, known as a global influencer and humanitarian, has dedicated her life to advancing these causes through collaborations with faith-based, civic, cooperative, government, and diaspora leaders and organizations.
At the Awards Gala, a highlight of the conference, individuals from various sectors were recognized for their exceptional commitment to development, humanitarian outreach, and initiatives that foster hope and healing within the global African and Caribbean community. Alongside the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Kolu Sokodolo Walters has received several other notable recognitions for her remarkable contributions.
In April 2022, she was honored with the Virtuous Woman and Most Respected Individual Awards by “I Am Magazine” in the United States. Later that year, she became the recipient of the Hollywood Gawad Amerika Award for “Outstanding Civil Leader,” making her the only black woman to win the award in the United States. Her exemplary leadership abilities were further acknowledged when she received the Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof Leadership Award from the Jacobs Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies in November 2022.
Kolu Sokodolo Walters’ dedication to making a positive impact, particularly in Liberia, led her to establish the Kolu Sokodolo Children’s Foundation. Through this foundation, she operates the Kolu Sokodolo International Academy, providing tuition-free education to over 300 children annually.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, Walters emphasized the importance of women taking action to create a better world. She remarked, “This recognition from the United States President is a wake-up call for all women around the world to contribute and make a difference. As an African woman, especially from Liberia, receiving such an award feels like a dream come true. I am truly humbled and thankful to God Almighty.”
In her acceptance speech, Kolu Sokodolo Walters called upon women worldwide to serve with humanity in order to create a better tomorrow for children. Her achievements and dedication have positioned her as a highly respected figure in the field of leadership and humanitarian work.
As Walters continues her mission to uplift communities and inspire change, her recognition serves as a reminder that individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can make a significant impact in the world.
