About Us

What we do.

Akin For Action engages, mobilizes, and inspires our members as well as those we serve. But at its core, Akin For Action gives.

We give children and families a wide array of volunteering opportunities throughout our local and national communities in an age-appropriate, fun, and meaningful way.

We give families a place to meet, to create, and maintain purposeful relationships with others who share in seeking a loving, inclusive, and enthusiastic community.

We give children the power to not only learn about and participate in service, but to take an active role in community building by fully including them in the process of brainstorming, developing, and engaging in our activities.

picture of numerous multicultural hands.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple - bring families together to build up our community. By focusing on kid-forward, family-friendly volunteer and engagement activities, we put you to work in a way that allows your whole family to learn, grow, and inspire together.

Akin For Action is all about an ever growing variety of volunteering opportunities that gives children and families new and interactive ways to participate in their neighborhoods all while developing their sense of self, family, and community.

We strive to foster and enrich our families by extending our mission of service to our own members. Akin For Action gives children and families a space to learn and discuss what community building means and what it looks like in action. We are a family of families working to build a stronger village for us all.

Meet The Team

Hasti Anderson

Founder & President

Hasti was born and raised on the west side of Los Angeles, where she was able to play basketball outdoors year-round. She attended UCLA and later the University of Iowa, receiving the highest service honors for community service. While a civil rights attorney during the day, she has volunteered with numerous non-profits and grassroots movements in the areas of education, addiction recovery, medical financing, sports, and mentorship. She and her husband, Grant, have two young children who fuel their passion for greater diversity, love, and acceptance within their community. In her free time, Hasti loves to travel, explore new experiences, and work on a variety of craft and building projects.

Julissa Ijaola

Founder & Vice President

Julissa was born and raised in Chicago and studied Legal Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Over the past 10 years, she has built a rewarding career as an event planner, blending creativity and organization to create memorable experiences. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to two amazing children. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, staying active through fitness, and finding meaningful ways to give back to the community. Her life is grounded in connection, purpose, and making the most of every moment.

Grant Anderson

Secretary

Grant was born in Chicago, IL, and has made a career in public service. He holds a BS in crop science from the University of Illinois and a JD from the University of Iowa. With more than a decade of experience as a government attorney, Grant brings extensive expertise in oversight, compliance, and advocacy. Grant and his wife Hasti have two beautiful children to whom they endeavor to teach the ideals of civic duty. In his free time Grant enjoys exercise, 3D designs and printing, Illinois sports, and playing Warhammer 40,000.

DeeJay Ijaola

Treasurer

DeeJay was born in Evanston, Illinois and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He pursued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and works as a financial planner, where he helps clients navigate their financial goals and build secure futures. He has a passion for technology, which fuels his curiosity and keeps him engaged with the latest innovations. Outside of work, he enjoys hands-on projects and is always looking for ways to create and build. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, participating in various sports activities to stay active and competitive.