EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Hilina D. Ajakaiye
FOUNDER, RISE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP
CHAIRMAN, ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY
Social Impact Leader. Champion for
All Women especially Young Women!
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER. SERVANT LEADER. IMPACT & CHANGE LEADER.
FOUNDER,
RISE WOMENS LEADERSHIP
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RISEWLC.COM
CHECK IT OUT!
CHECK OUT THE LATEST RISE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
COMMUNITY & GIVING. MY PASSION: YOUNG WOMEN'S CIRCLE
FEATURED IN...
A Servant Leader driving impact with humility and authenticity.
Hilina's Story
Hilina immigrated to the United States from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the age of 12. Settling in Providence with her husband, Lanre Ajakaiye, a native of the city, Hilina has built an extraordinary legacy that bridges her roots and the communities she now serves. As the founder of RISE Women’s Leadership Conference, Hilina has created a powerful platform for women’s empowerment that has positively impacted over 7,200+ women across eight years, supported by 24 corporate sponsors creating a safe place for all and diverse women to grow and be in community. She has leveraged the same platform to shape our future creating within it, the Young Woman’s Circle Program—634 young women from schools such as Sophia Academy, Classical High School, and Lincoln School have directly benefited from mentorship programs that connect them with leaders who inspire and represent them and over 30+ have been given scholarship from RISE.
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A Leader of Innovation and Progress
Hilina’s professional journey spans dynamic leadership roles, including her current position as Executive Vice President of Meet Boston. Under her stewardship, initiatives such as the groundbreaking All-Inclusive Boston Campaign transformed regional perceptions, capturing global attention and fostering economic growth. A trailblazer for equity and innovation, Hilina launched a workforce development program addressing labor shortages while enhancing diversity in Boston’s $22 billion hospitality sector. In 2024, she has earned the highest designation possible in the travel and tourism sector, CDME (Certified Destination Marketing Executive). What generally takes on average 7 years, Hilina completed in two. Her efforts reflect her core belief that inclusivity and economic vitality are mutually reinforcing.
Recognized Excellence
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Hilina’s accomplishments have garnered widespread acclaim from a very young age. Graduating University at the age of 20, she moved to Providence with her husband balancing her excellence in Providence, the state of Rhode Island and throughout New England. She has been named Rhode Islander of the Year by Rhode Island Monthly, awarded the IKON Award in Boston, 40 under 40 award recipient from PBN and honored with the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Magic Circle—People We Admire distinction in Rhode Island. Her leadership is also reflected in her board service, including her historic appointment this year as the first Black woman to chair the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy and serving on the board of the Sophia academy in Providence, Rhode Island. Additionally, she’s been recognized for breaking the glass ceiling by Tycoon Magazine.
Community Service Rooted in Purpose
Hilina’s service extends far beyond professional accolades. As a long-standing board member of Progreso Latino, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, the Woodward School for Girls in Quincy, Massachusetts, the Boys & Girls Club of Rhode Island, she has mentored youth, fostering confidence and aspiration in her community. Her influence reaches into governance roles across New England, including Moses Brown School, the Boston Arts Academy, and the New Commonwealth Fund, Centreville Bank demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing educational equity and community growth.
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A Beacon of Inspiration
Hilina’s journey from an Ethiopian immigrant to a revered leader exemplifies resilience, courage, and an unyielding commitment to the common good. Her recent recognition as Chair of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and as an Inspiring Power Couple Award recipient with her husband, Lanre Ajakaiye, in 2024 further underscore her enduring impact. She has been recognized with accolades such as Women We Admire by the Ad Club in and later this December, Hilina is being recognized by the NPG group of Boston, Massachusetts
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
INSPIRE. INVEST & GROW!
WOMEN & EMPOWERMENT
More about Rise Women’s Leadership Conference
THE INCEPTION YEAR:
2018 RISE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
2023 RISE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Hilina D. Ajakaiye is the founder of the RISE Women's Leadership Conference now having been enjoyed by well over 7,000 women for empowerment.
In its first year of 2018, R.I.S.E sold out overcapacity to 587 attendees at The Rhode Island Convention Center, 5th floor. In its second year occurring on September 19th, 2019, 200+ additional professionals attended R.I.S.E. to another sold out event in the region's biggest venue landing it at 782. In subsequent years, RISE has surpassed 1k+ people. Now, in it's 7th year, he has driven the marketing, brand, sponsorship and realization to deliver 1400+ attendees and over 20+ Corporate Sponsors.
The conference brings discussion, thought leadership and sharing of best practices across: Health & Wellness, Financial Literacy, Women in Leadership, Women in Entrepreneurship and Mentorship & paying it forward at one of New England’s most diverse audiences of leaders, executives and influencers. Attendees and participants leave the event feeling inspired and engaged with new learnings, insights and connections.
Awards and recognition
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2024 NPG Impact Award - Boston, Massachusetts
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2024 - Inspiring Leaders Award - Bliss Gives (voted by community votes) - Rhode Island
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2022 - Keynote Speaker, Bryant University
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2019 - Rhode Islander of the Year
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2019-2020 - Leadership Rhode Island
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2018 -2019 - Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) , Planning Committee
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2017 - Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) Alumni, Voted Class Speaker & Speaker of the House (simulation) by classmates, NU II 2017
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MEDIA COVERAGE
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