It is with profound sorrow that the Aspen Institute mourns the passing of Lola Adedokun, a remarkable leader, colleague, and friend whose legacy will be cherished for years to come.
Lola served as the Executive Director of the Aspen Global Innovators Group and co-chair of the Aspen Institute Forum on Women and Girls, roles in which she demonstrated unparalleled dedication to advancing global health, gender equity, and community-driven development.
She was more than a respected professional—she was a devoted daughter, sister, proud auntie, mentor, and beloved friend to many. Lola’s career was marked by her passion for empowering marginalized voices and advocating for the most vulnerable populations.
Through her leadership at the Aspen Global Innovators Group, she equipped diverse and emerging leaders with the tools they needed to drive meaningful and lasting social change.
Her work was not confined by borders; she championed community-led solutions to global health challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches that truly served those at the grassroots level.
In her role as co-chair of the Aspen Institute Forum on Women and Girls, Lola brought much-needed attention to the challenges faced by women and girls across the globe, always striving to uplift those whose voices are too often overlooked.
Prior to her impactful work at the Aspen Institute, Lola spent 14 years with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, where she oversaw over $150 million in grant-making.
As Director of both the African Health Initiative and the Child Well-being Program, she led groundbreaking initiatives that improved health outcomes for countless individuals.
Her commitment to equitable healthcare and her belief in the power of community-centered development was evident in every project she undertook.
“Lola’s dynamic leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on all of us,” said Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield.
