Aniyah Ayres is a thirteen year old, God fearing, entrepreneur, philanthropist, community activist, motivational speaker, author and Founder of Aniyah’s Mission. She has devoted countless hours, effort and personal commitment to the Philadelphia community through her service and devout reverence to the Lord. Aniyah is the owner of Aniyah’s Water Ice Stand. She started this business in 2012 when she was 6 years old. Aniyah also launched her Lip Care line in 2018. It includes Lip Gloss, Lip Balm and Lip Scrubs. Aniyah’s Water Ice Stand and her Lip Care Line donates 100% of its profit to Aniyah’s Mission. Aniyah also volunteers on Tuesday evenings to feed the community in the Mantua area. Aniyah is the Youth Ambassador for the Sixers Youth Foundation and was instrumental in creating the Annual “Kids Can Youth Summit” sponsored by the Sixer’s Organization and Peco in honor of Black History Month. The summit is held every year and promotes awareness around getting children involved in the community to create change while fostering and learning about the rich African American heritage.
Aniyah is a spunky, vibrant and enthusiastic young girl. Her philosophy on life is kid simple: all children should be able to have a voice and be heard; eat everyday; have clothing and a warm place to sleep. Her motto is “Kids Can!” She believes all kids can excel and achieve their dreams regardless of financial or geographical backgrounds if they put their minds to it, stays focused and is supported and encouraged. She has been taught to believe in God, respect her elders and be polite at all times. She loves to sing, act, dance, write monologues and play with her friends. Aniyah is an avid reader and journals everyday. Aniyah is the epitome of what a leader strives to be: poised, articulate, and motivating. She takes up for those without a voice especially kids being bullied. Aniyah has been blessed to be honored for her service. She is the Chaplin Award recipient of the Knights of Peter Claver for her work in the Philadelphia community. Aniyah was a Sixer’s Strong Kid Hero Awardee for her community service. Aniyah was the 2018 Black Gala Rising Star Awardee. Aniyah was given a Citation from the City of Philadelphia and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, recognizing her community service and leadership. Aniyah was awarded the NBA Game Changer Award. She is the youngest to ever receive this honor. She is also the recipient of the 2018 Mayor’s Day of Service Youth Hero Award. She was awarded the Universoul Circus Leading Lady honor in November 2018. Aniyah was also blessed to be the Health Partners Foundation 2018 Trailblazer Awardee. Aniyah was the youngest and 1st WDAS 2019 “Aspiring Woman of Excellence. Aniyah is the Youth Ambassador for the 76ers Organization “Walk in my Shoes” program and Youth Ambassador for the “Girls Who Brunch Tour”. She has been featured on various Local radio stations and in print in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. Aniyah is a young visionary who has already made an impact on the Philadelphia area but who is striving to become a voice of the voiceless children. Aniyah is the young sister of Aliyah Gibson and cousin of Kalani Harrington.