Towanda Mullins

Philanthropist of the Year Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron

Towanda Mullins is a dynamic community leader, cultural advocate, and coalition builder whose work has left an indelible mark on Greater Akron and beyond. As chairperson of the Sojourner Truth Project Akron, Mullins spearheaded the decades-long effort to honor Truth's powerful legacy in her hometown.

Originally introduced in the 1990s by University of Akron professor emeritus Faye Hersh Dambrot and sculptor Woodrow Nash, the project stalled until Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro brought together a group of female community leaders to form the Summit Suffrage Centennial Committee, with the initial goal of planning the centennial of the 19th Amendment and raising awareness of women's voting rights. As lead of the committee's Sojourner Truth Project – Akron, Towanda skillfully built a broad coalition of supporters to secure funding and community buy-in, transforming a long-held dream into reality.

On May 29, 2024, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza was unveiled — the largest public art installation dedicated to Sojourner Truth in the United States and one of the most significant public spaces honoring a Black woman. The project gained national attention, with a 12-page feature in Smithsonian Magazine and numerous speaking engagements across the country for Towanda and other collaborators.

Beyond her leadership with the Sojourner Truth Project, Towanda is a longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Akron Alumnae Chapter, where she has advanced civic engagement, mentored young women, and championed educational scholarships and social justice initiatives. Her work reflects a broader commitment to equity, representation, and cultural preservation. She has also served on local boards and committees dedicated to strengthening Akron's civic and philanthropic life, bringing her trademark vision and collaborative spirit to every endeavor.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and service, Towanda Mullins continues to amplify underrepresented voices, preserve history, and inspire future generations. Whether convening partners to create transformative public spaces or mentoring young leaders, she embodies the power of community, culture, and conviction to shape a more just and inclusive society.