True story: Several years ago, while private-lunching at Penny Roma with a mélange of lady creatives, entrepreneurs, and brand founders, I found myself seated across from a nattily dressed woman radiating strong energy.
“So what do you do?” I asked Dr. Akilah Cadet. I don’t recall her exact answer, but I do remember being (viscerally) humbled and wowed by the multi-hyphenate powerhouse before me.
Just a few of the many hats this passionate, outspoken Oaklander wears: CEO of organizational development consulting firm Change Cadet; podcaster (Humane Rights); Substack-er (Change Cadet Action Network); and author (White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Disabled Woman In a White World).
Cadet's book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Disabled Woman In a White World came out in(Marcell Turner)
But lest you think Cadet—who often references her (detail-oriented) Virgo traits—operates only in serious mode, you should know she’s also very funny and a fashion girl at heart. Through her Keep Being Amazing collection, she sells reworked vintage pieces infused with her signature colorful style. (For the uninitiated, “Keep Being Amazing” is Cadet’s trademarked catchphrase, motto, and email sign-off.)
Cadet’s also a devoted Bay Area sports fan. The Oakland Roots are her team of choice, which makes perfect sense given she’s a lead investor and co-owner. (Told ya… many hats.)
Since founding Change Cadet more than a decade ago, the Sacramento native has put her Doctor of Health Sciences degree (with a focus on leadership and organizational behavior) to good use. The daughter of a lawyer-turned-diplomat father and (retired) executive mother, Cadet has worked with dozens of major companies: Google, Peet’s Coffee, Kendo Brands (including Rihanna’s Fenty), Lululemon, Vita Coco, and women-owned Dôen and Vintner’s Daughter.
Her mission? Helping organizations build more inclusive workplaces, coaching leaders, and addressing racism and other systemic challenges through education, dialogue, and accountability. “I’m really good at building relationships and solving people’s problems,” she explains. “I figured out how to connect things that brands couldn’t see—from workplace culture to their storytelling, or their crisis management.”
Cadet in front of her Akilah-X-Giants collaboration(Chloe Jackman)
“Plus, over the years, I’ve gotten to do a lot of things that were important to me as a Black woman business owner, like supporting brands like Fenty,” she adds. “Rihanna has way more ownership and involvement than people realize. She says ‘BIPOC’ because of me, which I think is really, really great.”
In 2021, Cadet was named to Forbes’ Next 1000 Entrepreneur list, a recognition that honored both her business success and her commitment to creating meaningful change through storytelling, education, and advocacy during the pandemic. Few people have been fiercer champions for either the BIPOC community… or the disabled one. Cadet has myopathic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder, along with other chronic conditions that impact her daily life. Still, despite constant pain and numerous hospitalizations, she continues to fight.
Taking things one day at a time, hanging out at her regular Oakland spots, sipping her go-to chai with almond milk, and putting together fabulous outfits are just a few of the ways Cadet navigates life’s challenges.
And, naturally, she keeps being amazing.
Cadet sat down with us to share a few of her favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and explore around the Bay.
Akilah Cadet modeling one of the looks from her 'Keep Being Amazing' collection(Courtesy of @changecadet)
Where do you live and what’s your favorite thing about living there?
I live in and love Oakland, deeply. It is everything for me—culture, history, activism, nature, sports, music, food, city life, and art. Oakland being the home of the Black Panthers, iconic teams like the Raiders and Warriors, and [its] diversity is why I'm proud to own a home and run my business here.
What's your go to coffee-shop or café?
Kinfolx (1951 Telegraph Ave., Ste. 4, Oakland). I always look forward to getting a chai with almond milk… along with seeing someone I know. There's beautiful art and community events, too!
What's your favorite restaurant?
Jaji (422 24th St., Oakland) is Afghan food that has delicious details and vegetarian options. Also, the drinks, the vibe: perfection.
How and where do you get your culture fix?
At Oakland Roots games! I’m biased being a co-owner and lead investor, but the energy in the Coliseum is reminiscent of Raider Nation days. We even have an art gallery each game, where we highlight local artists. And with FIFA World Cup taking place here, Oaklanders were exposed to real football. You can always find me at the Coliseum (7000 S. Coliseum Way) walking around the concourse, checking in on staff and fans.
Marcus Books in Oakland "is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in America," says Cadet.(Courtesy of @lex_withthe_text)
What's the bookstore of your dreams?
Marcus Books (3900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland), which is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in America. I felt like I arrived when they started selling my book.
Where do you like to convene with nature?
Any trail in the Oakland Redwoods (7867 Redwood Rd.). It's a true peaceful escape.
Favorite place for retail therapy?
ReLove (3258 Grand Ave., Oakland + 1815 Polk St., Lower Nob Hill). It's two stories of vintage and thrifted fashion. The store is beautiful and beautifully curated. You can find me in the men's section (one of the secrets to my style).
Where do you buy items for your collection?
I actually source vintage for my Keep Being Amazing collection all around the Bay. I collaborate with local artist Asaad Bruno, who also has his own designs. My favorite jeans to embroider with my motto come from him. I love seeing people joyfully wearing my pieces with a built-in reminder to keep being amazing.
"I love Freda Salvador," says Cadet.(Courtesy of @fredasalvador)
Are there any local brands you adore?
I love Freda Salvador (2416 Fillmore St., Pac Heights). I'm known for having an impressive shoe game, and they’re certainly a great supplier. I’m currently obsessed with my mini cowhide purse that I love adding to any look.
Is there a local artist who inspires you?
Taylor Smalls, a palate knife painter in West Oakland and Throughline creator. [Akilah was featured in the exhibit.] Her portraits of women of color are celebratory—especially important when Donald and Co. (how I refer to the Trump administration) are actively working to eliminate us.
// Learn more about Akilah Cadet at changecadet.com and on Insta.
