Ethelind B. Kaba is a visionary leader, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to advancing equity, human dignity, and limitless potential. As the Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, Ethelind leads the organization’s efforts to expand possibilities for K-12 girl-identifying youth across Minnesota, ensuring they have access to transformative opportunities that empower their futures. 

Previously, Ethelind served as Vice President of External Affairs at the Center for Economic Inclusion, the nation’s first organization exclusively focused on building a racially equitable economy. There, she spearheaded high-impact storytelling, strategic communications, and fund development initiatives to advance inclusive growth.

A fierce advocate for women and girls, Ethelind previously founded The Stargirl Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering teen and tween girls, earning her recognition as a Changemaker by MN Women’s Press. She has served on multiple national and local boards, including:

• Board of Regents, Augsburg University (current) championing access to higher education and student success
• Committee Member, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, (current) advocating for affordable housing
• National Governing Board, The Jeremiah Program (2015–2024), where she championed efforts to break the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children 

A speaker, writer, and thought leader, Ethelind has been published in multiple outlets and frequently speaks to corporate and nonprofit organizations nationwide on economic mobility, breaking generational cycles of poverty, and creating workplaces where women and girls thrive. In 2024, she was named to the Twin Cities Business 100 List and recognized as one of Minnesota’s 50 Black Leaders to Know.

A proud immigrant from Ghana, Ethelind brings a global perspective to her work and leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from Hamline University, a master’s degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism, and is a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. In 2022, she was selected as part of a cohort to represent the Twin Cities region at Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

In her spare time, she enjoys Christopher Nolan film marathons with family, lakeside walks, and engaging in spirited debates with anyone determined to convince her to love road trips.