CDIAL.AI Lagos, Nigeria. August 23, 2023. The Founder of the Center for the Digitization of Indigenous African Languages (CDIAL) has been selected as a 2023 Echoing Green Fellow. One of 20 Fellows chosen by the leading global fellowship program for emerging social entrepreneurs, is building a digital ecosytem to support Africa’s linguistic diversity and bridge the digital divide on the African continent.
Fellows join a lifelong support community of innovative thinkers, strategic partners, and industry peers. Since 1987, Echoing Green has identified nearly 1,000 leaders launching new social enterprises and equipped them with the support and networks. The organization has accelerated the work of some of the world’s best and brightest social innovators. Previous Fellows include former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama (’91); political commentator Van Jones (’94); co-founders of national health movement GirlTrek, T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison (’13); and founder and chief executive officer of climate technology startup BlocPower, Donnel Baird (’12).
“With 70% of our newest Fellows working outside the United States, this cohort is one of our most global classes yet, and I’m excited by the potential these dynamic leaders hold to impact the lives of millions around the world. From creating a more equitable health system for women and people with low incomes in the Global South, to helping students in India find their voice through creative expression, these extraordinary innovators are addressing a range of urgent and intractable issues. They have a deep understanding of the ways in which representation, sustainability, and proximity can catalyze social change in their communities,” said Echoing Green President and 1992 Fellow Cheryl L. Dorsey.
She added, “With their bold vision, unwavering commitment, and boundless creativity, these leaders inspire hope for our collective future. We are honored to support them and their work to transform the world for the better.”
“We are extremely proud to be part of Echoing Green community. Global collaborative efforts are central to our vision in bridging the digital divide across Africa and creating a more connected world. Echoing Green’s unique support model will equip us with access to seed funding and meaningful opportunities for networking and partnerships, which we look forward to leveraging for preserving African languages and localizing digital access to education, healthcare, and financial services.,” said Iyinolakan said.
The 2023 Fellows were selected through Echoing Green’s open call application and participatory
grantmaking process, with nearly 1,900 applications received for this cohort. The newest Fellows are driving systemic social change across ten countries and four continents: Argentina, Cameroon, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the United States.
The newest Fellows are launching and growing innovative solutions to address urgent global challenges, including maternal and infant mortality in Zanzibar, bridging the digital divide in Nigeria, and high rates of food insecurity in conflict-affected regions of the world and the U.S.
To learn more about the Echoing Green Fellows visit: https://fellows.echoinggreen.org/fellow/olayinka-iyinolakan/
About Echoing Green:
For 35 years, Echoing Green has been on the front lines of solving the world’s biggest problems, raising up the transformational leaders willing to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo. The organization finds emerging leaders with the best ideas for social innovation as early as possible and sets them on a path to lifelong impact. Echoing Green’s community of nearly 1,000 social innovators includes past Fellows such as First Lady Michelle Obama and the founders of Teach For America, Center for Black
Innovation, BlocPower, and One Acre Fund. Built and refined over three decades, Echoing Green discovers tomorrow’s leaders today, and then funds, connects, and supports a new generation of social impact leaders. For more information, visit www.echoinggreen.org.
About CDIAL
CDIAL is a Nigerian social enterprise building a digital ecosystem to empower billions of Africans through Artificial and Collective Intelligence. The organization is dedicated to harnessing the power of AI-enabled information systems to bridge linguistic gaps, empower cultures, and foster inclusive digital ecosystems. CDIAL’s commitment to linguistic diversity drives the development of innovative solutions that unlock opportunities for education, communication, and growth. With a focus on promoting local languages and making technology accessible to all, CDIAL stands at the forefront of shaping a more inclusive and connected world. or more information, visit www.cdial.co
