ATLANTA - TelAve -- Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI), a U.S.-based international non-profit organization, hosted its milestone 11th Annual International Life Changers Awards & Fundraising Gala at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel. The black-tie event convened over 250 civic leaders, corporate executives, philanthropists, and community advocates dedicated to breaking the cycle of systemic poverty through education, literacy, and economic development.

Centered on the theme "We Are The Light," the gala highlighted LEDI's dual commitment to empowering communities both locally in the United States and internationally. While the foundation of LEDI's international focus remains the construction of Liberia's landmark $3.5M to $5M state-of-the-art public library and technology center, a facility designed to serve over 200,000 children, students, and professionals annually, LEDI's broader mission actively addresses the global literacy crisis, youth mentorship, and workforce readiness across borders.

More on TelAve News

• The Villari Firm, PLLC Named to the 2027 Edition of Best Law Firms
• Bacchus Wine & Spirits and Michelin Guide–Recommended Ethel's Fancy to Host Exclusive LOUIS XIII Limited Edition Diwali Decanter Celebration
• Arizona Pest Control Surpasses $200,000 in Contributions to Southern Arizona High School Sports and Education Programs
• ZenaTech (NAS DAQ: ZENA) $1 Million in New Utility Contracts- Potential $2.5 Million Follow-On Opportunity Puts Its Drone Business in the Spotlight!
• New Patient Data Show REQORSA® Activating Cellular Repair Pathways as Roche Collaboration Advances Precision Lung Cancer Strategy for Genprex, Inc

The evening was anchored by Honorary Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and civil rights icon, alongside Virginia W. Harris, National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Acclaimed television journalist Portia Bruner, host of Portia on FOX 5 Atlanta, served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

LEDI's highest honor, the International Life Changers Award, was presented to:

• Charletta Wilson Jacks, 32nd International President & CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® — Recognized for her executive leadership of nearly 400,000 members worldwide and over two decades of public service in the City of Atlanta.
• Donna W. Hyland, Former President & CEO of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta — Honored for her legacy of expanding pediatric healthcare access, clinical research, and community wellness.
• Gerald "Gee-Bee" Barclay, Acclaimed Filmmaker & Documentarian — Honored for his award-winning career capturing vital cultural, historical, and community narratives globally.
• Sean "The Science Kid" Atitsogbe, 12-Year-Old STEM Educator & Mensa Member — Named the youngest honoree in LEDI history for inspiring over two million youth globally and championing early childhood literacy and scientific discovery.

"Our 2026 honorees exemplify how dedicated leadership transforms lives across communities," said Rufus N. Darkortey, LEDI Co-Founder & President. "Whether advancing pediatric health in Georgia, elevating global service organizations, or providing modern learning tools to youth in West Africa, our shared work proves that investing in people yields generational returns."

More on TelAve News

• Genuine Hospitality, LLC Selected to Operate Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville – Town Center
• Shiokly Launches Online Marketplace to Help Singapore Home-Based Businesses Sell More, With First Product Listed Free
• Freight Broker 911 and Milton Collier Introduce "What's The 911?"—A New Podcast Built on Real Talk, Real Freight, and Real Opportunity
• CONNECTSIM Highlights Thailand eSIM Plans as Dry Season Opens and Loy Krathong Approaches
• PropAccount.com Launches PropWallet, Turning Prop Firm Payouts Into Repeat Sales

"While we celebrated an extraordinary evening honoring global leaders, our mission requires us to push forward until our $150,000 goal is fully realized," said Joan Curran Darkortey, LEDI Co-Founder & CEO. "Literacy and economic opportunity know no geographic boundaries. A monthly gift of $25, less than a dollar a day, directly funds books and educational programming for youth who currently lack access to modern learning centers."

Gala attendees and sponsors generated over $70,000 toward the event's $150,000 fundraising goal. LEDI is now calling on corporate partners, civic organizations, and community members to help bridge the remaining balance.

To Support LEDI's Ongoing Campaign:

Give a recurring gift of $25/month or more, make a one-time tax-deductible donation at www.ledinow.org, and help spread the word using #WeAreTheLight and #LEDILiberia.