Age: 17
Favorite Quote: "Strong will, hard work and steady faith are what separate the 'Goods' from the 'Greats'" by Akeda for her senior quote
Favorite Artist and Piece: Brandy "Put that on Everything"
Favorite Activity: To perform, and to eat!
Favorite Food: Pasta (and then she proceeded to name many other favorite foods -- see favorite activity!)
Most Inspirational Person: Akeda's grandmother who passed away in 2012. She helped Akeda get her start in music at church.
Akeda, along with 31 other youth, were recognized recently at an awards ceremony given by the
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation and held at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. The awards were given to recognize outstanding service during the year such as giving back to the community, making a difference for others and demonstrating initiative and leadership skills.
Akeda, a former SYVPI program member, is a highly motivated and positive young woman who has clarity of purpose and direction for her life, and is grounded in her family, her faith and her community. A successful musical and performing artist, she has her sights set on attending a performing arts school in the fall.
Growing up in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Akeda comes from a musical family. She attributes her entry into music and the arts to her Grandmother especially, but also to her whole family. She is especially grateful for all the support and love from her mother, who is fiercely devoted to her. When asked about her upbringing Akeda expressed a deep appreciation for the role her mother played in her life. She said, "Anytime I had an interest in something, my mom would say 'go for it!' and totally support me."
Akeda's volunteer and community work is extensive. She is a regular at the Garfield Community Center, helping out "wherever I'm needed." The youth who attend know her well and know that they can talk with her any time. As to why she is so involved, she answers, "I've been blessed to have support of my community and this is something many kids don't get. So, for me giving back is more a natural thing, and it's kind of like saying 'thank you.'"
In addition to her community work, her involvement at Garfield includes Vocal Jazz, Theater, Dance Team, Black Student Union and DECA (a program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management). She does all of this because "you only get to go to high school once!" Akeda's involvement in the Garfield Arts Program started in 6th grade and has continued to this day.
When asked what she would tell politicians who have the power to impact programs to help youth move in a positive direction, Akeda had clear and concise advice. She wants kids to have a reason to be great, because "you can't tell someone to stop doing something if you don't give them something positive to turn to." Those youth that need help finding their path need someone to sit with them, to find out what's important to them, to help them pursue their interests and to push them in that direction. "So many kids don't have the strong family foundation that I have, that helped form my positive outlook and confidence." Akeda wants kids to have what she had.
Looking to the future, Akeda has big plans. She hopes to attend New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, one of the nation's leading centers for professional training in the performing and media arts. She has strong support from her community and is doing all that she can to achieve her goals.
