Press & Media
For journalists, researchers, and media partners covering our work.
The Institute for Human Advancement (IHA) builds institutional infrastructure for human advancement — across healthcare, AI education, workforce development, and economic empowerment — on three continents. Use the resources on this page for accurate coverage, or reach our media team directly.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Founded
- 2017
- Rebranded
- 2024
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3)
- Headquarters
- New York City
- Program verticals
- 7
- Coalition partners
- 5+
As the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
Institute for Human Advancement (IHA)
New York nonprofit · EIN 41-5182519
US · serving three continents
AI & Education, Healthcare, Workforce, Leadership, Ventures, Delegations, Research
Kenya 2026 multi-sector deployment
About IHA — for use in coverage
Organization boilerplate
The Institute for Human Advancement (IHA) is a New York–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 (as the Global Development Initiative) and operating under its current name since 2024. IHA builds and operates institutional infrastructure for human advancement across seven program verticals — AI & education, healthcare innovation, workforce development, leadership formation, venture studios, global delegations, and research.
The organization works in coalition with Uplift Communities (its community delivery partner, anchored by a government-funded healthcare workforce program with NYC DYCD) and DeepFutures Capital (its impact investment fund). In 2026, IHA leads its first multi-sector international deployment — the Kenya 2026 Delegation — across Nairobi, Kakamega, and Mombasa.
For interview requests & profile pieces
Founder
Lorenzo A. Daughtry-Chambers
Founder & CEO
Lorenzo A. Daughtry-Chambers is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Human Advancement. He is the architect of the IHA model — building institutional infrastructure for human advancement across healthcare, AI education, workforce development, and economic empowerment across three continents.
Under his leadership, IHA has grown from a single development-focused organization founded in 2017 into a three-entity ecosystem encompassing the nonprofit institute, a community delivery partner (Uplift Communities), and an impact investment fund (DeepFutures Capital).
Context for coverage
The IHA ecosystem
Institute for Human Advancement
The institutional brain
Research, program design, thought leadership, and direct programming. Produces the knowledge and operates the programs.
Uplift Communities
Community delivery partner
Workforce development and direct service for underserved populations. Flagship: government-funded healthcare workforce program with NYC DYCD.
DeepFutures Capital
Impact investment fund
Targeting $50M to scale healthcare, technology, and enterprise ventures in underserved and emerging markets.
Story leads
Recent & upcoming
Kenya 2026 Delegation — April 26 to May 5, 2026
First multi-sector international deployment
A free, multi-city summit across Nairobi, Kakamega, and Mombasa bringing together entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, students, and community leaders. Coalition structure, scholarship model, and on-the-ground service tracks (health, education, ministry).
Summit detailsIHA Advance — free AI-powered education
A learning platform for the African continent
Free, mobile-first courses across health, workforce, enterprise, leadership, and technology — paired with KAIA, an AI mentor available to every learner. IHA-certified credentials upon completion.
Platform overviewNYC DYCD Healthcare Workforce
Government-funded workforce program
Flagship workforce development program in partnership with NYC DYCD, run through IHA's community delivery partner, Uplift Communities.
Healthcare work
Media inquiries
Talk to our press team
For interview requests, story pitches, fact-checks, photography requests, or any time-sensitive media question — email us directly. We respond within one business day.
press@humanadvancementinstitute.orgFor non-press inquiries (partnership, donations, programs), please use the main contact form.