Hi, I’m Akista!

Over the past 9 years as an educator and living abroad, I've seen the impact of genuine love. Real peace comes from security of a kind person or group, having necessary resources like a calm place to rest, receiving encouragement and room to be more than you imagined. My grandmother Lil gave this to me, and in an ecosystem of initiatives and programs for The Language Is Love (The LIL), it's been my mission to pass that love on.

For 5 years, The LIL has been of service to 1000+ children and 100+ women; providing food, clothing, hygiene items, and educational activities/services. It's been an effort from the heart, while calling on friends, volunteers, other associations to join. The LIL also organizes intentional mornings of creativity to link local artisans with diverse participants, sister circles with Dakar Sister Circle (a powerful group of 100+ women in total), and more. The LIL Bakery SN has a big purpose of supporting these community care initiatives and has served local customers, travelers wanting a taste of home, and even those abroad to loved ones in Senegal with lovingly made desserts.

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Now, imagine walking into The LIL Place, a home-style third space to hold everything. Women and children have safe accommodations for support. Cross-cultural community gathers for cozy, joyful events to connect, create, fill bellies, and make positive social impact.

Picture young learners with unique needs welcomed into volunteer teacher-led, hands-on projects; supported by reading tools, visual aids, sensory play, and calming corners that celebrate every difference.

Local volunteer artists and specialists lead creative and well-being workshops and gardening sessions for immersive education.

On the same grounds, the air is filled with the fresh-baked warmth of our charming American Southern bakery. You curl up with a good book, have quiet space to work towards your greatest dreams, connect with friends and family, or take time for yourself away from busy life; all while enjoying comforting treats and making a difference with every order.

At The LIL Place, it’s a priority that children bloom through culturally rich wisdom and experiences, women land softly with transitional shared living, and our community builds lasting bonds in this nurturing place that feels like home.

I’m asking for support, as community can only be grown through collective care.

How powerful will it be to see a beautiful shared space made real by all of us! With love, from my grandmother Lil to me and now shared with you.