Continental Who's Who

Akuyoe C. Graham

Akuyoe C. Graham is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Lifetime Member in the field of Nonprofit. Established over twenty two years ago in an effort to help at-risk youth and children in the juvenile justice system, the Spirit Awakening Foundation is an organization implemented to help assist juveniles in recognizing and developing their spiritual identity. The organization uses various methods including, “meditation, creative writing, improvisation and visual arts to build character and raise self-esteem one child at a time.” Through the “power of positive and productive expression,” the organization offers a wide array of services to their clients including an annual showcase of the compilation of works of literature from the children, programs that utilize creative writing as a constructive outlet for communication, leadership retreats, and mission trips teaching them the value of service and giving back to the community. Amassing over twenty-two years of experience in the field, Graham specializes in the areas of nonprofit, acting, writing, program development, training and coaching. Founder and CEO of the Spirit Awakening Foundation, a nonprofit organization that specializes in spiritual direction, Graham is equipped in handling matters in regards to professional acting, writing, spiritual direction, training, program development and coaching. Inspired to work with children who were abused and neglected in the juvenile and foster system, Graham states her, “work with the children really does make a difference in their lives.” She goes onto state that in working with this population, she has learned, “the real meaning of Love and Forgiveness.” An established author, actor and educator, Akuyoe C. Graham is a renowned, “icon, a way-shower and a mentor to hundreds of youth who long to find their way back to themselves.” Under her leadership and counsel, “people of all ages who have forgotten their youthful vision of life’s greater possibilities are able to reconnect with their original spirit, recast their current condition in a new light and dream again of who they truly are and can be in the world.” To further her professional development, Graham is an affiliate of the Screen Actors Guild. When she is not working, Graham volunteers her time to local churches in ministries that work with feeding the homeless population and pastoral care. In her spare time, she also enjoys yoga, meditation, going to the beach, prayer and live dance parties. In recognition of her outstanding work in the field, Graham was the recipient of the Local Hero Award, a nationally recognized award. Graham was honored with the Artist of the Year Award and was recognized by Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, for all of her efforts. Additionally, she was the recipient of the Season of Nonviolence Local Hero Award; Four Dames Freedom Award; Southern California Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine Recognition of Excellence Award; The ARWEY Award; and many Congressional and Mayoral Recognitions and Resolutions. When asked her advice to newcomers in the field, Graham states, “Be patient, be true to your MISSION and let Love be your guide.” In looking to the future, Graham hopes to open a, “Spirit Home” for abused and neglected children as an alternative to incarceration- and as a safe home for them to grow and to be healed from the trauma of their abuse.” Eternally grateful for the opportunities that have been bestowed upon her, Graham hopes to leave behind a legacy of love and giving. Graham dedicates this recognition to her mother, Gladys Boye. For more information, visit www.spiritawakening.org.