By Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye
MS Project Management Student and AGI Co-Op Student

Africa has always been a continent of boundless potential, vibrant culture, and brilliant minds ready to make a global impact. At Northeastern University, the Africa Global Initiative (AGI) is helping bring that excellence to the forefront. AGI is more than just a university program. It is a platform connecting African students, researchers, and faculty with opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and lead on a global stage.

As the project management co-op intern working to advance the goals of AGI this year in collaboration with its Chair, Jared Auclair, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, I saw this work not just a professional opportunity, but as a calling.

I was drawn to AGI because it embodies what I value most: collaboration, empowerment, and the celebration of African excellence. From the moment I stepped into this role, I felt that I was part of something bigger than myself, a community working together to create meaningful impact.

AGI’s mission is to foster meaningful engagement between Northeastern and Africa. Through research collaborations, leadership initiatives, and experiential learning programs, AGI empowers Africans within the Northeastern community to contribute ideas, solve real-world problems, and participate in projects with far-reaching impact. It is a space where African talent is recognized, nurtured, and amplified, and where mentorship, collaboration, and global engagement thrive.

For African students, AGI opens doors to transformative experiences. Abiola Olatoye, a PhD student in Chemistry from Nigeria, shared how AGI has supported her research initiatives and connected her with faculty and collaborators who helped refine her projects.

“AGI gave me access to a network of mentors and resources I could not have reached on my own. Being part of this initiative has enhanced my research, expanded my perspective, and inspired me to aim for excellence in every aspect of my work.”

Abiola Olatoye

Similarly, Francis Floyd Doe, a master’s student in Project Management from Ghana, reflected on how AGI enriched his academic and professional journey. Through AGI’s programs, he participated in workshops and networking events that exposed him to best practices in project management and leadership. AGI also connected him to the African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) at Northeastern, creating an environment where he could find community and support.

AGI also creates pathways for faculty and researchers to collaborate with African institutions. Through partnerships with leading universities across the continent, AGI enables joint research projects, coauthored publications, and collaborative programs that address pressing issues from healthcare to technology and sustainable development. These collaborations enrich Northeastern’s academic ecosystem while strengthening ties with African scholars and institutions, fostering a shared vision of innovation, knowledge exchange, and impact.

“AGI challenged me to think bigger and act with purpose. It has created opportunities for growth that extend beyond the classroom, preparing me to make an impact both here and in Africa.”

Francis Floyd Doe

As the project manager for AGI, in my daily work I work closely with students like Francis and Abiola, coordinating programs and supporting project planning. But what excites me most is witnessing the tangible difference these initiatives make. Seeing students find mentorship, researchers discover new collaborations, and faculty engage in impactful projects has been deeply rewarding. I have been surprised and inspired by the ripple effect of these efforts. Small actions, like helping a student connect with the right mentor or assisting in a research collaboration, often blossom into opportunities that shape careers and create lasting impact.

As I continue in this role through the Spring of 2026, I aim to contribute to AGI’s legacy of excellence while growing as a leader and project manager. I strive to ensure that every initiative I support is thoughtfully executed, meaningful, and inclusive, helping students and researchers feel supported, valued, and motivated. Above all, this experience has reinforced my belief that leadership is not simply about managing tasks; it is about creating spaces where others can thrive, excel, and make a difference.

On a personal note, being part of AGI has been a journey of learning, inspiration, and purposeful contribution. It has deepened my appreciation for African talent, shown me the power of collaboration, and strengthened my commitment to cultivating opportunities that elevate excellence across our community.

In a world that often underestimates Africa’s potential, AGI stands as a beacon of possibility. It demonstrates that when talent, opportunity, and vision converge, African excellence can flourish and shape global conversations. AGI is more than a university initiative; it is a platform that nurtures leaders, inspires innovation, and celebrates the brilliance of Africa.

For those connected to Northeastern or Africa, engaging with AGI is an invitation to be part of this movement. Through mentorship, research, and experiential learning, we are not just witnessing change. We are creating it.

For more information about the Africa Global Initiative and to read the most recent 2025 Annual Report, visit: africaglobalinitiative.northeastern.edu