Leadership Empowerment And Development or LEAD Group was founded in 2000 as a vehicle to enhance the capacity of African leaders and a growing number of African‑led non‑profit organizations.  LEAD Group has been fulfilling an important function as a catalyst for facilitating connections with and between African‑led non‑profits, mainstream agencies and institutions, and African immigrants.

The mission of LEAD Group is to enhance the capacity of organizations and systems that serve New Americans from Africa, in their host communities, and to promote mutual integration, growth and wellbeing.  LEAD Group fulfills its mission through education, training and alliance building services that encourage newcomers to leave their differences "back home" and work together toward common social justice goals.

LEAD Group's current areas of focus include:

• Organizational Development Services
• Restorative Justice Initiative
• Minnesota African Dialogue
• Somali Healthcare Initiative
• Community Research
• Women Empowerment