About Us
The Axel Adams Foundation
The Axel Adams Foundation (AAF) was founded by community activist, Axel Adams. AAF strives to impact and empower the Central Savannah River Area by extending support and outreach to those in the community in which we serve. We envision a community in which youth and adults thrive, realizing their full potential, to drive a new era of development, growth and productivity.
Our mission is to make long-term improvements in education, health and wellness, and to acknowledge socioeconomic issues in the CSRA with hopes of invoking positive, transformational and sustainable change.
OUR FOUNDER
Axel D. Adams is employed with Delta Air Lines as a Manager in Supplier Diversity and Inclusion with a focus on Community Engagement. He is thrilled about his role and is a starch proponent for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Prior to working at Delta Air Lines, he was the National Director of African American Outreach for 2020 Presidential Candidate Tom Steyer’s Campaign. His overall responsibility with the campaign was to keep the campaign focused on African American voters, their issues, concerns, and what is important to them.
Axel’s journey has led him to work in Civil Rights. Having served as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of an International Civil Rights Organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) where the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. is the Founder and President.
Mr. Axel Adams, Founder
As the COO, at the age of 34, all operations/departments of the organization were his responsibility. He also held the position of National Director of 1000 Churches Connected Program (OTCC) and had the responsibility to cultivate, build, and leverage partnerships with over five thousand Pastors, representing 4.1 million congregants around the country.
Prior to RPC, Axel worked as Supervisor with Westinghouse Savannah River Company at a Nuclear Facility. There he was the first African American to receive the Company’s Community Service Award. Axel was the first African American elected to City Council in his hometown of New Ellenton at the age of 22 years old, served two-four-year elected terms, and was the first African American Acting-Mayor and Police commissioner.
Axel is a recipient of many awards/honors such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. He is in the history books of Georgia and South Carolina whereas The Georgia Assembly passed House Bill 1984 for his dedication to the betterment of the citizens of the State of Georgia and The South Carolina Senate recognized Axel and passed Resolution 1118 for significant contributions and outstanding achievements in the fields of politics, business, and community outreach. He is a recipient of many NAACP awards while serving on the local, state, and national levels.
Axel released a book entitled “The Journey” based on his life’s experience with Diversity, Inclusion, Racism, and Discrimination. He is the manager of Stellar nominated gospel recording artist, “The Wardlaw Brothers”, a consultant for Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and was a recent media consultant to the “Christian Methodist Church (CME) College of Bishops” and Axel is the President of the Axel Adams Foundation (AAF) (www.axeladamsfoundation.com), providing scholarships to deserving students.
He earned a Master’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s in Business Management, and is a graduate of Aiken County Public School System. Axel says that "God is first and foremost in his life".
AAF Board Members
"Giving back is where you give, and then nothing happens. No benefits for you, no recognition, nothing tangible gets sent your way. Your biggest and sole reward is the realization that you’ve made a significant change in someone’s life. And if not 'significant' then a positive change nevertheless."
Cindy is currently employed as an Administrative Lietenant at Plant Votgle.
"True kindness is giving to others in need, without expecting reward in return."
Karen is a national leader, speaker, Founder and President of Sisterhood Diary national organization.
"Giving back to me is a feeling , a sense of gratification that you are making a positive change in someone's life to achieve their vision."
"A person that is willing to serve his community in any way possible, in order to ensure that all are treated equally."
Garrick currently works as a Field Engineer.
Hasani Pettiford is the co-founder of Couples Academy, a relationship-based learning institute committed to placing couples on the path to fulfillment. Hasani is a celebrity marriage coach who has spent 17 years working with high profile clients, entertainers, professional athletes, Hollywood and corporate execs, small business owners and professionals.
"If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot. Help aid and or assist someone as someone did it for you."
David has been employed at Savannah River Remediation for over 26 years as an Electrician & Instrumentation Mechanic.
"As I have gotten older, I understood what the struggle was as a minority. Giving back is something I look forward to and not expecting anything in return. My biggest reward is the realization that I've made a significant and positive change in someone's life."
Tara is a Paralegal/Office Manager/Signing Agent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"Service is my passion. I am a true Southerner who along with, Gamecock football, golf and Sunday dinners, takes tremendous pride in serving others. I believe that you should honor your neighbors. My beautiful wife, Renee and two gorgeous and energetic daughters, Christian and Carly, drive me to be the best that I can be in my profession and in life."
Carlos is a Financial Solutions Advisor for Merrill Lynch in Augusta, Georgia.
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