A Philadelphia native who calls “DELCO” home, Akilah is passionate about research, community, Philly sports, and firmly believes “jawn” may be the most versatile word in the English language. Whether she’s leading a complex research study, planning a community event, or being enthusiastically walked by her Cavapoo, Duchess, she’s driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
With more than 20 years of experience in market research, Akilah is an Associate Research Director at SSRS, where she manages complex survey research studies from design through delivery. Her expertise includes survey operations, project management, respondent engagement, and process improvement. She enjoys partnering with clients to solve complex research challenges while ensuring that every project is executed with accuracy, efficiency, and a commitment to high-quality data.
Akilah is an active member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), where she serves as Associate Chair of Education. She is also the Co-Founding Vice Chair of the Black and African American Public Opinion Research (BAAPOR) Affinity Group, helping foster connection, mentorship, and professional development within the survey research community. Beyond the research profession, she serves as First Vice President and Communications Chair of the NAACP Media Area Branch and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Media Fellowship House, reflecting her longstanding commitment to leadership and community engagement.
Akilah earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Temple University and her master’s degree in Management from Colorado Technical University. When she’s not immersed in research, you’ll likely find her spending time with her husband and son, cheering on one of Philadelphia’s sports teams, volunteering in the community, or convincing herself she’s taking Duchess for a walk when it’s usually the other way around.