Exclusive: Leigh Higginbotham Butler Is on a 'Mission' to 'Inspire' Women and Make Them 'Feel Heard' With Her New App Akina

Leigh Higginbotham Butler felt like there were "few, if any, platforms designed specifically for highly driven Black women and mothers that combined resources, community and opportunities tailored to their unique needs."

As a result, she created Akina, an app- and web-based community platform, dubbed a "Google for Black women."

"While many networks cater to entrepreneurs, professionals, or parents, Akina fills the gap by centering the voices and experiences of Black women, recognizing the intersectional challenges they face. It provides a space where ambition, motherhood and identity are celebrated and supported, offering tools, mentorship and connections that weren’t readily available in one place before. Akina was created to be the resource we’ve long deserved but never had," the CEO and Founder of Akina exclusively tells Morning Honey.

She continues, "Akina is a vital resource for Black women by offering a holistic platform that empowers, connects and supports them through every stage of their journey. Whether navigating motherhood, building a business, advancing in a career, or prioritizing self-care, Akina provides tailored tools, mentorship, community and opportunities. It’s a space where Black women can thrive unapologetically, surrounded by others who understand their unique challenges and celebrate their successes."

Within AkinaAI, "leading experts play a pivotal role in empowering users to achieve their goals by offering personalized insights, advice, and encouragement," she notes of how it all works. "AkinaAI curates expert knowledge and guidance in a way that’s accessible and relevant to each user’s journey, whether its advice from accomplished entrepreneurs, parenting tips from seasoned mothers, or career strategies from industry leaders. By integrating the wisdom of experts into its platform, AkinaAI helps users feel more confident and capable, providing them with practical steps, inspiration and motivation to overcome challenges and succeed in their unique pursuits."

AkinaAI is "like having a personal guide designed just for you, helping Black women navigate life with confidence and ease," the businesswoman explains.

"It opens doors to new opportunities by connecting you with mentorship, job openings, funding and events tailored to your goals. At the same time, it fosters a strong sense of community, making it easy to build meaningful connections with like-minded women for support, collaboration, or inspiration," she notes. "Whether you need career advice, parenting tips, or a boost in confidence, AkinaAI is always there with solutions that understand your unique journey, helping you thrive in every aspect of your life."

On "some level" Higginbotham Butler knew she "always wanted to be an entrepreneur," especially since her mother and father were both leaders.

"They really instilled in my sister and me not just an entrepreneurial spirit but also a passion for serving our community. Growing up, the adage, 'To whom much is given, much is expected' was a constant refrain from my parents and grandparents. But it wasn’t just something they said, it was something they lived," she says. "My father once said, 'Our degrees are a community resource. To whatever extent they can be of service to others, that is what they are there for.' The businesses we create, the jobs we do, the money we make, all of it should be in service to others."

As the founder and CEO of Akina, Higginbotham Butler is "fueled by purpose" and excited for what the future holds.

"It’s a role that blends strategy, creativity, and deep empathy, as I strive to create a space that uplifts and empowers Black women and mothers. Every day brings new challenges, from leading a team to innovating solutions that address real needs, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see our work make a difference in our community. For me, this position isn’t just a job — it’s a mission to ensure that women like me feel supported, inspired and seen," she says.

In the next five to ten years, Higginbotham Butler knows the company will continue to transform even more.

"I’d aim for Akina to become a globally recognized platform that’s synonymous with empowering marginalized women, not just in their personal and professional lives, but as change-makers in their communities. I’d want to see AkinaAI evolve into a groundbreaking tool that provides personalized solutions for millions of women, helping them achieve their goals with confidence and ease," she says.

"Beyond the technology, I’d hope Akina expands its mentorship programs, funding initiatives and community events to directly impact even more lives. I’d also love to see Akina Foundation flourish, offering grants and resources that help women build businesses, lead movements, and rewrite the narrative of what’s possible. Ultimately, I’d want Akina to be a driving force for equity, opportunity and connection, creating a legacy that continues to uplift generations," she adds.

So far, Higginbotham Butler is "very proud" of what she and her team have accomplished — but there's still much more to be done!

"The work has gotten so much more important and impactful. Ensuring that marginalized communities, especially Black women, have safe spaces to thrive and access to resources that may have otherwise been out of reach," she says.

She concludes: "As the Founder and CEO of Akina, I hope to be a voice of reason by fostering unity, empathy and empowerment through the platform we’ve built. In times of division and turmoil, Akina stands as a reminder that community and collaboration are powerful tools for change. I aim to lead with compassion, ensuring that Akina provides not just resources, but also a safe space for Black women and mothers to feel heard, valued and supported. By encouraging dialogue, amplifying diverse voices and focusing on shared growth, I hope Akina can inspire others to look beyond differences and work toward a future rooted in understanding and collective progress."