I Am, We Are was created because young people deserve a community that believes in their dreams as fiercely as they do. Before founding IAWA, Meisha Lerato Robinson mentored teens in Washington, DC and Atlanta, and later served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin and South Africa. Across continents, she saw the same truth: youth facing tough circumstances were still powerful, creative, and full of potential—they just needed support, guidance, and a place that reminded them of their worth. That belief, rooted in Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—became the heartbeat of IAWA.
IAWA’s work began in South Africa’s Royal Bafokeng Nation with a simple promise: start early and stay with young people for the long haul. We began working with Grade 8 learners—before the pressures of school, home, and society push too many young people off their path. Through four years of workshops, mentoring, leadership development, and cross-cultural connections with youth in the United States, IAWA created a safe, empowering space where young people could discover who they are, what they care about, and how to build the future they imagine for themselves.
Today, IAWA is a global community of youth in South Africa and the United States who are learning, growing, and leading together. Our programs blend social-emotional learning, mindfulness, life skills, career coaching, work readiness, and tertiary prep, alongside travel and virtual exchanges that help youth expand their world. Whether overcoming challenges in school, preparing for life after matric, or building confidence as global leaders, IAWA youth know they are not alone. They belong to a community that sees them, supports them, and believes in their power to change their lives—and the world.
IAWA’s journey is shaped by the young people and communities who have grown with us across two continents. This timeline highlights the milestones that have defined our evolution and deepened our impact.
Along the way, certain moments have marked powerful shifts in our work and our community. These key events capture the breakthroughs, partnerships, and youth experiences that continue to propel IAWA forward.
2017: Film Festival
In 2017, I Am, We Are partnered with POPPYN Coordinator Nuala Cabral and the Bafokeng Youth Centre to produce youth-led short films on social issues such as Nyaope, HIV/AIDS awareness, and parent–child communication. A documentary by Twilight Ebb Productions, led by James Williams, highlighted the impact of unemployment and IAWA’s role in empowering youth. In 2018, the films were screened at Rustenburg’s Ster-Kinekor and the Bafokeng Conference Centre, followed by engaging panel discussions. The event showcased six powerful films, with IAWA Ambassadors proudly serving as MCs—celebrating creativity, awareness, and youth voices in action.
2017: I Am Man Summit with Brothas Empowered to Teach
I Am Man was a one-day conference dedicated to empowering boys and young men of the Royal Bafokeng Nation. Centered on Steve Biko’s words, “Black man, you are on your own,” participants explored identity, purpose, and brotherhood. In partnership with Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) from New Orleans, IAWA youth facilitators and BE2T fellows co-led powerful sessions that fostered dialogue and connection. The experience created a safe space for young men to share challenges, build solidarity, and recognize that they are never alone in their journeys.
2018: Documentary Tour
Produced by IAWA Founder Meisha Robinson and directed by James Williams, I Am Because We Are is a powerful documentary that tells the story of South African youth facing a 50% unemployment rate—and a Black American woman inspired by their stories to take action. The film weaves together personal testimonies and real-life experiences, offering a raw and moving look at how hope and purpose can emerge in the face of adversity. After touring cities across the United States, I Am Because We Are continues to inspire global audiences, highlighting the power of unity, empathy, and youth empowerment.
2018: Graduation Ceremony
In 2018, I Am, We Are celebrated the graduation of the Bokgoni Cohort, our inaugural Ambassadors, in a ceremony hosted by His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi at the Royal Marang Hotel. The event brought together parents, community members, and leaders to honor the youth’s achievements and growth. It was a proud and successful milestone that marked the beginning of IAWA’s journey of empowering young leaders.
2018: Cape Town Trip
Eighteen IAWA Ambassadors and two facilitators fundraised over R44,000 through car washes, talent shows, yard cleanings, and a Battle of the DJs to make their first trip to Cape Town a reality. During the four-day journey, they explored iconic sites such as Robben Island, Table Mountain, Penguin Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope. They also visited community initiatives including Gangstar Café, Ikhaya le Langa, and the Makukhanye Art Room and Shack Theatre. The experience was a transformative blend of adventure, learning, and community engagement.
2019: Benefit Reception at the South African Embassy
I Am We Are 2019 4th Annual Benefit Reception for I Am We Are was held at the Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C. The event, themed “I Am A Masterpiece,” celebrated the masterpiece in the making and the work of art that is each of us. The evening featured a virtual silent art auction and a performance by Voices of Southern Africa, bringing together supporters, volunteers, and Friends of South Africa members to raise funds for IAWA’s mission of empowering youth through leadership, opportunity, and global connection. The partnership reflected a shared vision of fostering unity, inspiring young people, and building community across borders
2017: Reed Smith LLP’s Penthouse Fundraising
I Am We Are (IAWA) hosted a distinguished cocktail reception at Reed Smith LLP’s Penthouse in Washington, DC to raise funds for its 2017 youth development programs. The event brought together supporters, partners, and members of the IAWA community for an evening centered on impact and global connection. Dr. Kebalepile Mokgethi, CEO of the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s Department of Health and Social Development Services, delivered an inspiring keynote address emphasizing the importance of investing in youth. The reception strengthened relationships and reinforced IAWA’s commitment to empowering young leaders across continents.
2020: I Am We Are Virtual Reception and Art Auction
During the height of COVID, I Am Here, our 5th Annual Reception and Art Auction, was hosted virtually in partnership with the Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C., raising a record-breaking $15,000 above the previous year to support the launch of our Morafe leadership program. The event was named I Am Here to honor the resilience shown amid forced isolation, systemic racism, femicide, and global unrest, while celebrating joy as an act of resistance. Featured guests included Charlamagne tha God, Biso Gxashe Tutu, Master of Ceremony RuQuan Brown, DJ Holla, and IAWA Ambassadors Rorisang, Tsholofelo, Betty, and Milisi, along with artists whose work filled our digital silent auction. We extend gratitude to our hosts, sponsors, partners, and planning committee whose contributions made the 2020 reception a powerful and impactful success.
2025: Pool Side Chat
In celebration of I Am, We Are’s 10-year anniversary, we hosted a Poolside Chat featuring Broadway star Pearl Khwezi. The event, generously hosted by Linda Potter and Tim Shriver, brought together supporters whose contributions helped raise $5,566 (R98,309) toward our “10 for 10” goal. We remain deeply grateful to everyone who made this milestone gathering meaningful and impactful
2025: Youth Symposium
The 2025 Youth Symposium was held on 9 October 2025 at ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg as part of I Am We Are’s 10-year anniversary. Guided by the theme “I Am Excellence,” the event brought together nearly 100 young people, alumni, community leaders, and partner organizations. The programme focused on key topics including personal development, mental health, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy. Robot Boii served as the keynote speaker, offering a message that strongly resonated with the youth. Our Cultural Immersion guests from the United States supported the event through setup and engagement activities. The Symposium also included a formal recognition of the Morafe Cohort, where alumni received their certificates. The event highlighted IAWA’s continued commitment to youth development and community impact.
