ABOUT
Empowering minds. Transforming communities.
The Ayangbah Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) community-based organization. Our mission is to create access to education, healthcare and opportunity for underserved people in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.
Our values
- Community-led: people with lived experience shape our programs
- Outcomes-based: we track results and share them openly
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed
- Partnership over competition
Leadership
Dr. Shirley Ayangbah — Founder & Executive Director. Dr. Ayangbah brings a strong background in education, economic research and community development to advancing opportunity in the Inland Empire.
Board of directors
Our board roster, with each member's role and professional affiliation, will be posted here.
Empowering Minds: Transforming Communities
The Ayangbah Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) community-based organization. We create access to education, career training and opportunity for underserved residents of San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.
Honoring a legacy of education
The Ayangbah Foundation honors the legacy of the late Peter Dagson Ayangbah, who believed education could change a family and a community. In Northern Ghana, where opportunities for girls to go to school are still limited, he founded a school to educate local children. He also believed in his daughter and made sure she received an education all the way to a PhD.
Dr. Shirley Ayangbah founded the Foundation to continue her father's work and give back to the community. What began as a commitment to education and outreach in Ghana has grown into a San Bernardino organization offering career training, youth substance use prevention, mentorship and entrepreneurship programs. These programs open the same doors her father opened for her.
Pathways to work, wellness and leadership
We help adults and young people build the skills, confidence and connections they need for good jobs, further education and businesses of their own. Our programs combine hands-on training with mentorship, so every participant leaves with a plan and someone in their corner.
- Community-led: people with lived experience shape our programs
- Outcomes-based: we measure results and share them openly
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed
- Partnership over competition
- Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076
Dr. Shirley Ayangbah
Founder & Executive Director
Legal Economist · International Law Scholar
Bridging law, economics, education, and community impact.
Dr. Ayangbah founded The Ayangbah Foundation to open doors to education and economic opportunity. She brings expertise in workforce and economic development, government contracting, grant writing and proposals, higher education and student success, and nonprofit leadership to every program the Foundation offers.
Six programs, one pathway
Rooted in San Bernardino
Our training site is in downtown San Bernardino at 255 N. D Street. We serve residents across the Inland Empire, with a focus on young people, job seekers and families facing barriers to opportunity.