Ambassador Young and Harris Named Co-Chairs for LEDI Gala
News related to:Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) · 1 min read
Ambassador Andrew J. Young and Virginia W. Harris have been named Honorary Co-Chairs for the 11th Annual Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, set for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel.
Young, a renowned civil rights leader, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Mayor of Atlanta, will serve as Honorary Co-Chair for the second time. He is also a 2023 recipient of the LEDI International Life Changers Award. Harris, the National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., will also hold the position for her second consecutive year.
The gala, themed "We Are The Light," will bring together business and civic leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, professionals, and community changemakers for an evening of recognition, powerful connections, and new opportunities. The event aims to celebrate exceptional leaders whose influence and service are changing lives, while supporting LEDI's mission to reduce poverty and change lives.
Joan Curran Darkortey, CEO and Co-Founder of LEDI, expressed the significance of the event, stating, "Ambassador Young and Mrs. Harris exemplify the very spirit of the Life Changers Awards through their extraordinary records of leadership and service. Together, they reflect the caliber of leadership, service, and impact that has become synonymous with the LEDI International Life Changers Awards."
The gala will feature a black-tie and red-carpet atmosphere, offering guests the opportunity to build meaningful networks, meet the 2026 Honorees, and connect with accomplished leaders across various fields. The evening will also advance LEDI's life-changing work in Atlanta and internationally, focusing on education, literacy, scholarships, technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, youth and community empowerment, and economic opportunity.
In Liberia, LEDI is currently constructing a multimillion-dollar modern state-of-the-art public library and technology center, envisioned as a regional hub of excellence for literacy, digital learning, technology, artificial intelligence, and opportunity for future generations.