The Akola Project: Transforming Lives of Impoverished Women

Summary: Brittany Merrill Underwood has made an extraordinary impact through her dedication over the past 14 years to transform the lives of impoverished women and families through Akola, a non-profit social business designed to empower women in disadvantaged communities through training, employment and holistic care. Currently, Akola provides work opportunities to over 500 women in Uganda and Dallas so they can transform the lives of over 4,000 children in their communities. The non-profit has developed holistic programs in 12 development categories, drilled 23 clean water wells, and has built three training centers throughout Uganda. Akola Jewelry is the first full-impact brand to be sold in the luxury space through their national, every store launch in Neiman Marcus. As a non-profit, Akola reinvests 100 percent of its profits to help women in poverty.