About Us
Breaking Cycles. Building Brighter Futures.
WLIF is a life-transforming, fast-growing leadership movement breaking cycles of recidivism and building brighter futures – empowering young inmates to return as contributing citizens and guiding children to become responsible, purpose-driven leaders our communities can trust.
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Cultivating New Leadership Culture
WLIF is a youth-cantered, 501(3) c nonprofit organization committed to nurturing creative thinkers, responsible leaders, and purpose-driven changemakers. Founded in 2018, we exist to break the cycle of poor leadership and societal decline by equipping young people with proven leadership tools, mentorship, and real-world skills that inspire integrity, resilience, and impact.
Our work spans two powerful initiatives:
Rebuild Initiative: Supporting young inmates with soft leadership training, character development, and reintegration skills to help them break free from recidivism and re-enter society ready to make a positive difference.
SmartStart Mentoring: Guiding children and teens to build a strong foundation in leadership, creative writing, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, empowering them to discover their passions and lead with purpose.
Through engaging programs, we teach communication, ethical decision-making, financial intelligence, digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, leadership skills, and creative expression.
- Many of our mentees have become published authors before age 13, launched community projects, and inspired their peers academically and morally.
- Young inmates are rediscovering themselves, returning to school, and finding meaningful career paths after release.
At WLIF, we believe leadership is not a title; it’s a lifestyle of service and character. Together, we are raising voices, rebuilding lives, and shaping values for a better tomorrow.
Transforming Minds. Rebuilding Lives. Leading Tomorrow.
WLIF empowers kids, teens, and young inmates with the leadership skills, mentorship, and real-world tools they need to break cycles, discover purpose, and build a brighter future.
Programs
Rebuild Initiative – Supporting Young Inmates
Helping incarcerated youth transform their mindset and develop soft leadership skills for successful reintegration into society.
Participants learn:
- Character development and ethical decision-making
- Communication and emotional intelligence
- Creative writing and storytelling for self-expression
- Entrepreneurship and financial literacy for life after release
- Community project involvement to inspire responsibility and impact
Many participants have returned to school, launched careers, and become positive forces in their communities after release.
SmartStart Mentoring – Guiding Kids & Teens
Building strong foundations early by equipping children and teens with:
- Soft Leadership Skills – character, resilience, and responsible decision-making
- Creative Writing Skills – self-expression, imagination, and communication
- Entrepreneurship & Digital Literacy – innovation, problem-solving, and healthy technology use
- Financial Literacy – money management, saving, and early investing habits
- Passion & Purpose Projects – discovering unique gifts and serving their communities
Many of our mentees have become published authors before age 13, launched community projects, spoken at major events, and inspired their peers academically and morally.
Impact
Since our founding, WLIF has empowered countless young people to lead with courage and character.
- In correctional facilities, youth are rediscovering themselves, returning to school, and starting successful careers after release.
- In the community, our mentees are becoming well-behaved young leaders in schools, many of them award-winning published authors whose books have been adopted by schools and featured on platforms like the NAACP
Get Involved
Change begins with you. Join us in shaping the next generation of leaders by:
- Sponsoring a Second Chance – Help a young inmate access leadership training.
- Mentoring a Future Leader – Guide a child or teen to discover their purpose.
- Partnering With WLIF – Collaborate on community projects and youth initiatives.
- Volunteering Your Skills – Share your expertise to create a lasting impact.
Rebuilding Lives. Defining Values for a Better Tomorrow.
Our success stories.
Rebuild Initiative
Rebuild Initiative Graduate
The leadership and financial literacy lessons I learned at WLIF prepared me for life after release. Now I am productively engaged and happy to be with my family.
SmartStart Mentoring
Author: Friendship and Forgiveness
“Before joining WLIF’s SmartStart Mentoring, I loved to write but didn’t believe anyone would read my stories. With guidance and encouragement, I published my book, Friendship and Forgiveness, at age 8! Now, I speak at schools, inspiring other kids to explore their creativity and leadership potential. WLIF taught me that leadership starts with using your voice.”
Inspiring Siblings Through Writing
“WLIF helped me discover my passion for writing and mentoring. I wrote How to Love My Siblings, and it has inspired my peers to strengthen their relationships at home and school. Through mentorship and community projects, I’ve learned that leadership is about making a positive impact wherever you are.”
Taking Action Through Involvement
“I learned how to combine my ideas with action through WLIF’s mentoring program. My book Getting Involved encourages kids to participate in their communities and lead by example. WLIF showed me that small steps can create big change.” Now, I speak at schools, inspiring other kids to explore their creativity and leadership potential. WLIF taught me that leadership starts with using your voice.”
Addressing Bullying Through Writing
“WLIF encouraged me to write Lola the Bullied Girl, which helps kids navigate challenges with confidence and kindness. Mentorship taught me that leadership is about standing up for yourself and others while staying true to your values.”
Passion Meets Purpose
“Through WLIF, I combined my love for basketball with lessons in discipline, teamwork, and leadership. My book Love for Basketball inspires peers to pursue their passions while building character. WLIF taught me that leadership isn’t about age—it’s about action.”
PARENT TESTIMONIES
Parent of a Child in the Foundation
As a parent, I deeply appreciate the leadership of World Leadership and Inspirational Foundation (WLIF), Charles Awodu. His passion to invest in young minds especially intellectually and desire to facilitate their visibility to the world is unparalleled. The impact the Foundation has had on the growth of my children is incredibly undeniable. More so, the Foundation’s genuine commitment to community development is heartwarming. WLIF Foundation is indeed a blessing to kids and teens, youths and adults, families and communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this Foundation to every parent who wants their child to imbibe leadership values and develop a heart with passion and vision.
Father of Mary Folorunso
My name is Johnson Folorunso, the proud father of the young author of Lola the Bullied Girl. I would like to take this opportunity to testify to the impactful work of the World Leadership Foundation (WLIF), under the passionate leadership of Mr. Charles Awodu. Charles Awodu is a dedicated educator and mentor who genuinely enjoys guiding children to discover and unlock the potential within themselves. He worked closely with my daughter, encouraging her to tell her story and believe in her voice. Through his mentorship, Lola the Bullied Girl was not only written but also successfully published; a remarkable achievement for a young author. Charles consistently sees the possibilities in the future of every child. His belief in their abilities is inspiring, and his work through WLIF continues to empower and shape young lives for the better. I am deeply grateful for his support and proud to witness the difference he is making in our children's lives.
“Rising Voices, Shaping Futures”
From Inmate to Mentor
Rebuild Initiative Participant