A CREATIVE LEADER AND BRIDGE-BUILDER WITH A PASSION FOR PEOPLE, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
Feyisola Akintola brings her expertise and vision to Pittsburgh Tomorrow to spearhead initiatives that welcome immigrants to the region.
Feyisola Akintola was born in Nigeria and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She brings a rich blend of global perspective and local experience to every role whether leading immigrant and refugee inclusion efforts, designing programs that foster equity, or mentoring the next generation.
She came to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2014 to pursue her Master’s degree at Chatham University. At first, she wasn’t drawn to the city, but over time, it began to grow on her – largely thanks to the faith community she found at RCCG Living Spring Pittsburgh. They became a family and a safe space, helping her see Pittsburgh in a new light. She remembers thinking, “Pittsburgh is going through a change, and I want to be part of it.” That sense of possibility, hope, and excitement drew her in, and Pittsburgh has been home ever since.
Feyisola has served as a leader in local government, where she led Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for the City of Pittsburgh under two mayoral administrations. She has collaborated across city, county, and state levels, developed city-wide initiatives, and spoken on national platforms about inclusive policy, education access, and belonging.
Her academic journey reflects her deep commitment to lifelong learning: Feyisola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of West Georgia, dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Sustainability from Chatham University, and a Women in Leadership certificate from Coro Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Education Policy and Social Change at the University of Pittsburgh.
Her work and leadership have been recognized through several honors, including the Home Sweet Home Community Partner Award from Hello Neighbor, the Emerging Leaders Certificate from Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, and inclusion in The Incline’s 2019 Who’s Next: Politics class. She is also a proud alumna of the Coro Pittsburgh Women in Leadership program.
Outside of her professional work, Feyisola is an HGTV enthusiast who loves design, décor, and working with her hands to create welcoming spaces. She finds deep joy in reading personal stories, especially books that explore how people become who they are, books that reveal personal journeys, resilience, and transformation . Whether she’s curating a room or a community conversation, Feyi shows up with purpose, creativity, and compassion. When she’s not exploring Pittsburgh with her family or spending time with her church community, she’s daydreaming about her next travel adventure, savoring flavorful foods, and soaking up every moment watching her kids grow.
“I joined Pittsburgh Tomorrow because I truly believe this city is a gem. It’s become home for me, and I see so much potential for growth. I wanted to be part of a space where we could think creatively, collaborate across sectors, think outside the box, take a leap of faith, and tell an evolving story of Pittsburgh; one that can serve as an example to the world without leaving people behind.”
FeYisola Akintola
Head of Welcome Center
