Empower With Literacy

How We Started

Empower With Literacy was founded by Malaika Ali when she was 16 years old after she had personally witnessed her sister endure the biological consequences of familial incest. 

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Growing up, Malaika's family faced immense challenges, but none shook her more profoundly than witnessing her sister stand at death’s door almost five times. The circumstances of their upbringing—shaped by their parents’ incest and lack of education—left scars that drove Malaika to take action. She resolved to break the cycle of suffering caused by ignorance, believing educational empowerment could change lives.

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Malaika’s journey began in Los Angeles, California, where she passionately fundraised at local colleges, including USC and UCLA. With a heart full of determination, she set up pop-up booths across the city, spreading her mission and engaging her community. These early efforts laid the foundation for something bigger. Over time, as her impact grew, she transitioned her initiatives online, expanding her reach and building a stronger connection with supporters from all walks of life.

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In 2024, Malaika officially founded Empower with Literacy, an organization dedicated to equipping underprivileged children with educational supplies. The organization’s innovative approach combines online learning, skill-building, and practical tools to foster independence and resilience. 

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Malaika plans to expand this organization into a worldwide impact. With previous experience in fundraising and event planning, Malaika knows that this new journey will serve as a testament to her grit and determination. Malaika's lifelong motto has always been, "If there's a will, there's a way." Stay tuned to see how big of a splash EWL makes!