about · 501(c)(3)

we build what our
communities need to live,
work, create, and move
with dignity.

the birthright project creates ventures, platforms, and community networks for wellbeing, digital opportunity, and financial autonomy.

happy sunday softerbread mmaadd institute clean bill direct cultured care pantrytransfer respira unclehonest distant cousins presents 54 siblings the bakery happy sunday softerbread mmaadd institute clean bill direct cultured care pantrytransfer respira unclehonest distant cousins presents 54 siblings the bakery
how the work is organized

three lanes toward
economic dignity.

every build sits in one of three lanes. what works becomes shared infrastructure communities can own.

community wellbeing
the health, care, and security people need to earn, build, and belong.
financial autonomy
the capacity to earn, own, and build on your own terms.
digital opportunity
a way into the creative, technical, and emerging economies.
the pulse
3
impact lanes
15+
ventures in motion
100%
proceeds returned
501(c)(3)
ein 99-3166732
distant cousins

the people behind the work.

distant cousins is our collective of artists, operators, builders, scientists, and community partners carrying the work across markets and borders.

abi odunuga
people advisor
board advisor
birthright labs
ade ajay
global partnerships

"do good; do well; then go big."

birthright project
aliyya suraleigh
research + development

"support should feel familiar before it feels impressive."

happy sunday
alysha english
board advisor

"brilliant people deserve the chance to become visible."

birthright labs
bawo ebigbeyi
global operations

"we need more businesses that employ entire communities."

birthright
bexx chevalier
advocacy advisor
advocacy advisor
birthright project
bimpe ayeni
board advisor

"women hold extraordinary strength — here it builds something that lasts."

happy sunday
earl osuagwu
chief wellbeing officer

"community wellbeing is a form of freedom."

happy sunday
ekeke adovor
global partnerships
global partnerships
distant cousins
eric yeh
board
board advisor
birthright labs
fẹ́mi munis
co-founder + director

"across industries and markets, the difference is regenerative leadership and shared infrastructure."

cofounder + board director
funso finnih
dean · the mmaadd

"a new generation is building their dreams on their own terms."

mmaadd institute
gbenga sanni
africa ventures

"african founders are ready for real capital and real ownership."

africa growth · birthright labs
janet etienne
market development
market development
birthright labs
jay soon
technology advisor
board advisor
birthright labs
jesse owens ii
technology + product
tech, product, design
birthright labs
john mwangi
advisor
advisor
birthright project
kalu balogun
cofounder

"founders are human before they are businesses."

cofounder · birthright project
karem coronel
foundation
foundations + community engagement
birthright foundation
krista smitten
wellbeing engineer

"wellbeing is rarely just physical."

happy sunday
max banjo
global partner / latam

"talent is everywhere; here, support meets it."

founder / puente nova
melanie nasser
board advisor
board advisor
birthright labs
ola heavens
global partner / africa

"deliver meaningful gains in livelihood. that's the work."

founder / awipa ng
sheila diba
co-creator
co-creator
54siblings · mmaadd
shereka evans
creative director · the mmaadd
designer · co-creator · creative director
mmaadd institute
sherry seetram
board advisor
board advisor
birthright labs
tolu odunuga
director

"talent should open every door — that's the world we're building."

cofounder + director
tosin salami
co-creator
co-creator
birthright project
u / y edebiri
ventures
venture advisor
birthright labs
yinka omolade
global programs
global programs
birthright labs

we were all african before we became anything else.

where

rooted between
places.

birthright follows need, trust, and possibility. each city shows where the work is taking root.

africa
the caribbean
latin america
the diaspora

roots & oxygen

it started with
believers.

roots — our first community-backed seed circle — closed in january 2026 with the supporters and collaborators who brought birthright into motion.

the oxygen fund is the open giving channel that keeps the work moving — supporting ventures, pilots, fellowships, and community infrastructure.