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About Us
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AKIELE (pronounced “a-KEY-lay”) was started by two biological, African American sisters, Kimm McNeil and Roxanne McNeil Johnson, as a result of their experiences in Twelve Step Recovery Programs. Akiele means “wisdom” in Swahili. It is also the middle name of Kimm’s daughter, Maya.
In 1989, Kimm, the founder and president, sponsored her first spiritual retreat for women, called “Sister in Recovery.” The majority of the participants were women of color in Twelve Step Programs. Kimm expanded her vision of empowerment, and in 1991 joined with Roxanne to create Akiele. The organization was incorporated in 1992.
In the spring of 1992, Akiele held their first event was a one-day conference on “Parenting.” Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief of “Essence” Magazine was the guest speaker. The scope of the conference included ‘Self-parenting,’ and attracted as many men as women.
Today, the spiritual retreats are sponsored 2 times a year. The response continues to be phenomenal. Since its inception in 1989, over 1,600 women from across the country have experienced “The Miracle on the Mountain.” While the majority of women are in Twelve Step Programs, many are not. All the women share a desire to heal old wounds and strengthen their spirituality.
Originally from Newark, NJ, both sisters currently live in Westchester County, NY, and maintain jobs that keep them in active contact with the people they seek to serve.
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