The Magnolia Mother’s Trust is changing lives by providing direct financial support to Black mothers, proving that investing in families leads to stronger communities.
Founded in 2018, the initiative is the nation’s longest-running guaranteed income program, supporting over 400 mothers by providing no-strings-attached cash payments.
The results have been transformative, helping participants pay bills on time, build savings, secure health insurance, and even transition out of federally subsidized housing.
At the forefront of this movement is Aisha Nyandoro, CEO of Springboard to Opportunities and founder of the trust.
Committed to reshaping gendered and racialized narratives about poverty, Nyandoro’s approach is deeply rooted in trust and community-driven solutions.
“Guaranteed income programs have the potential to break the bonds of intergenerational poverty—particularly for Black Americans—providing resources to help families lead their best lives, thereby laying the groundwork for restoring dignity and moving our country toward economic and racial justice,” Nyandoro told Forbes in 2023.
Nyandoro’s work aligns with research showing that while lower-income mothers aspire to career growth as much as higher-income mothers, they face greater barriers such as financial instability and a lack of professional mentorship.
Through Magnolia Mother’s Trust, Nyandoro ensures these mothers receive financial security and the resources they need to thrive.
Her advocacy extends beyond direct aid!
She has testified on Capitol Hill, pushing for systemic changes such as a permanent child tax credit and streamlined access to financial support programs. She made a strong case for direct cash interventions, believing they serve as a crucial step toward economic and racial justice.
Nyandoro’s passion for community advocacy stems from her upbringing in a family dedicated to social justice. She recalls dinner table discussions that were more than just conversations—they were forums for solutions. That foundation led her to create impactful initiatives like Magnolia Mother’s Trust, ensuring that those most affected by poverty are at the helm of shaping their own futures.
Through her work, Nyandoro is not just addressing poverty—she is reshaping systems to prioritize dignity, agency, and joy.
