Olawumi “Ola” Akinwumi is a dynamic cultural strategist, event producer and community engagement leader whose career has been defined by her commitment to uplifting Black and brown communities through arts, culture and storytelling.
Currently serving as president of the Roxbury Cultural District (RCD), Akinwumi brings visionary leadership to Roxbury’s historic Nubian Square, advancing the district’s mission of celebrating the neighborhood’s rich artistic legacy while expanding opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs and residents.
As founder and creative director of AfroDesiaCity Productions LLC, Akinwumi has spent more than a decade curating immersive cultural experiences in the Greater Boston area and on the East Coast. AfroDesiaCity specializes in live entertainment, event production and community activation, partnering with emerging artists and professionals of diverse backgrounds to elevate voices that too often go unheard. From large-scale festivals like Soulful Bliss to intimate cultural activations, her work has consistently created spaces where artistry and community meet.
Deeply rooted in Roxbury, Akinwumi served as artistic director of Hibernian Hall at Madison Park Development Corporation for over five years, where she revitalized the historic arts center with original theater productions, music programming and cultural events. She later became assistant director of community engagement at Nuestra Comunidad, where she expanded her impact in civic leadership, nonprofit management and affordable housing advocacy. Her extensive experience in nonprofits, youth advocacy and cultural programming uniquely positions her to guide the Roxbury Cultural District into its next era.
Akinwumi’s professional journey began in hospitality, where she honed her skills in event management and public relations at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. She later earned a bachelor of science degree in tourism planning and microeconomic development from the University of New Hampshire and an master’s of science in communications management from Simmons University, which provided academic experiences that sharpened her business acumen and communications expertise.
With over 10 years of experience in live entertainment, public engagement and social media strategy, Akinwumi is also known under her creative platform OlascoBVibing. She continues to bridge artistry, cultural preservation and civic engagement to foster spaces where Boston’s communities can thrive.
As president of the Roxbury Cultural District, Akinwumi is leading an ambitious vision: to deepen Massachusetts’ cultural landscape, celebrate artists and build meaningful partnerships that center equity and community pride. Her work reflects not just a career but a lifelong dedication to making culture accessible, visible and transformative.
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