About
Us
Turning Pain Into Purpose
History and Timeline
ACADA YouthsEd Foundation didn’t begin in 2025—it began with a vision born decades earlier. Founded by Pastor Elsie Otegbade, a woman who intimately understands the barriers that poverty and cultural limitations place on education, our work is rooted in years of dedication to youth empowerment across continents.
What started as a youth leadership conference in Lagos, Nigeria, has grown into a comprehensive 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving under-resourced youth across the United States, Nigeria and Africa. Every scholarship we award, every mentor we connect, every leader we develop—it all traces back to one core belief: that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. This is our journey. This is how passion became purpose, and purpose became impact.
2007-2008
The Beginning: Daniels Youth Leadership Program
In Lagos, Nigeria, Pastor Elsie Otegbade launched the Daniels Youth Leadership Conference—a transformative week-long program that brought together junior and high school students for mentorship, motivation, and real-world preparation. Through seminars, breakout sessions, talk shows, and debates, students learned essential life skills: academic excellence, public speaking, integrity, decision-making, and how to navigate the transition from high school to college and beyond. The message was clear: “Be the Change!” This initiative proved that with proper guidance and mentorship, young people could rise, lead, and thrive.
2014
Expanding Impact: Youth Empowerment Continues
The Daniels Youth Leadership Conference continued to impact hundreds of students across Lagos, addressing critical topics like peer pressure, personal identity, fashion and decency, community service, heritage, and talent development. Students weren’t just prepared for college—they were equipped for life. The foundation was being laid for something even greater: a vision to bring this transformative work to more communities and more continents.
2025
A New Chapter: ACADA YouthsEd Foundation is Born
After years of grassroots youth work in Nigeria, Pastor Elsie Otegbade officially established ACADA YouthsEd Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. The foundation formalized and expanded her decades-long commitment to youth empowerment, now offering comprehensive programs including Youth Leadership Conferences, Education & Scholarship Programs, Healthcare & Wellness Initiatives, and Operation Blessing. With a team including Board Chairwoman Dr. Olufunke Fasawe and dedicated board members, ACADA began serving students in California while maintaining connections to African communities.
2026 – Present
Transforming Lives Across Continents
Today, ACADA YouthsEd Foundation serves under-resourced youth across California, the United States, and Africa—particularly Nigeria, where it all began. We provide scholarships that remove financial barriers, mentorship that guides students through life’s challenges, leadership conferences that develop confident change-makers, and holistic support that addresses educational, emotional, and practical needs.
Our Mission
To nurture hidden potentials through transformative education, opening doors for less privileged youths to rise, lead and thrive.
Our Vision
To unlock the doors of opportunities for youths from underserved communities through education. Empowering them to lead, innovate, and impact their world.
Our Core Values – ACADA
The principles that shape our mission, guide our actions,
and define how we serve and empower youths.
Our core values guide every step we take. They are;
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and remain transparent in all that we do
Compassion
We act with empathy, kindness, and respect for every individual we serve
Aspiration
We encourage youths to dream boldly and believe in a higher purpose for their lives
Dedication
We are fully committed to learning, service, and creating lasting positive change
Achievement
We celebrate progress, excellence, and the success stories that emerge from hard work and opportunity.
Pastor (Mrs.) Elsie Otegbade
Executive Director
Dr. Olufunke Fasawe
Board Chairwoman
Mema Bamba
Board Member
Ore Otegbade
Board Member
Your Donation Opens Doors
Every gift to Acada Foundation removes barriers that keep talented students from reaching their potential. Your support funds scholarships, leadership development, mentorship, and the resources that transform lives.
When you give, you don't just change
one life—you change a family, a community, a future.
About
Acada YouthsEd Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through transformative education, comprehensive mentorship, and dynamic leadership development.
Contact Information
Phone: 510-707-0499
Email: info@acadafoundation.org