I am a passionate educator who’s committed my life’s work to empowering students and families from underrepresented populations. My goal involves identifying and mitigating systemic barriers, promoting inclusivity, and fostering learning environments where each student can reach their full potential. I wake up every day hoping to work collaboratively with stakeholders (which include my students and their families as much as it involves administrators and policymakers), to eliminate disparities and provide an education that is just and accessible to everyone, irrespective of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or other factors. I am a first-generation Ghanaian immigrant who moved to the United States in the cold winter of 2007. All my experiences have been from this lens, this identity. Hence why I work with some local non-profits such as A.C.E (African Community Education) to serve and support the needs of our marginalized communities. Worcester is my home, and I can’t say enough about how this city transformed my life and molded me into the person I am and hope to become in the years ahead.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I currently serve as the Dean of Equity & Inclusion of Worcester Academy. I consider my current career in the realm of education to be a “calling”. Moving to the U.S I felt like I was blessed to learn about the many resources the city provided for me to succeed. It wasn’t easy though. I remember having to ask and beg my way into certain programs. I had to really advocate for myself. When I became a professional, I decided to dedicate my life’s work to becoming an advocate and a champion for students and families with backgrounds and life experiences from marginalized communities like myself. I love when I see my students thriving – when they feel as though there are no hindrances and barriers to their success and they can just be “students”. I also love when I get to connect with and support parents who only need someone to listen to them, who need someone to validate their concerns and to lead them to the right resources. What’s even more special is that these conversations don’t just happen at the Academy; it could even be on a Sunday after church service. You would often find me explaining the college application process to some of my church members or chatting with one of my Ghanaian aunties, breaking down the extra accommodations they could request for their students when it comes to test-taking at their school. It’s a real blend of my worlds.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Worcester has so many great food places ! I’ll highlight Anokyekrom where my “go to” order is a half Fried Rice and half Jollof Rice (the best of both worlds). And Sazon Latino – they make a terrific Pernil and yellow rice combo with sweet fried plantains.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
The regional head of my church, and my spiritual father, Apostle Sampson Yiadom of the Church of Pentecost (New England Region) is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. I would describe him as a charismatic leader with a vision and instinct to serve and facilitate both spiritual and holistic development in his congregants throughout all facets of their lives. One seldom walks away from a conversation with Apostle Yiadom ,or from listening to one of his thought provoking teachings, without feeling strengthened, comforted and empowered – without wanting to go out there and positively impact the world. He has such a savviness and great flair in connecting with young people – its truly humbling.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
It would be to go back home to Ghana. Being able to spend some time with my husband and family who currently reside in Ghana would be an incredible gift . On the other hand, I would love to engage with the local communities in Ghana to understand their specific educational needs. It would be a dream come true to share educational resources, materials, and best practices that I have encountered here in the US with educators to help improve the overall educational experience for students. This could include curriculum ideas, teaching methodologies, or materials that have proven effective in student equity and engagement.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
As a woman of faith I listen to a lot of gospel music. Team Eternity is a “go to” dynamic, Ghanaian gospel music groups.
Q: What is your best advice?
Adversity and trials are hard to get through, but nothing feels better than turning that pain into your power. Someone’s life could depend on you finding purpose through your challenges. Embrace a pioneer mindset, see challenges as opportunities and thrive on curiosity..
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Visiting and explore all seven continents.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
The Accra Market off Cambridge street and the several other African supermarkets in the city of Worcester makes me the most nostalgic . After receiving my Masters degree from Boston University, I took a job in Saint Louis and had to live away from home for 4 years. It was within those 4 years that I realized the true depth of what those markets mean to me. They serve as more than just places to buy groceries; they are cultural touch points that bridge the gap between my “present” and my cultural heritage. They carry several food products from my homeland, and ingredients that are essential to traditional recipes. Something as simple as engaging in conversations with fellow shoppers or store staff in my native language is a powerful reminder of my cultural identity as a Ghanaian.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I would love to have lunch with acclaimed Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi to discuss her incredible works, but also to seek advise on how to write my own version of history for my generation of Ghanaian and African Diasporan immigrants that also describe these current times and encourage thought provoking conversations about how we could impact a better future for those to come.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself working continuing to work collaboratively with administrators, policy makers, educators, coaches, parents, student leadership groups, etc. employing effective and efficient student- centered practices to create and maintain a positive learning environment for all students in our city and beyond.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
An intriguing aspect that might surprise those in my inner circle is my avid interest in homeopathy and Ayurveda. I invest considerable time learning about diverse natural remedies and supplements, aiming to cultivate a holistic and balanced lifestyle for myself; with the hope of teaching others. Additionally, I sometimes experiment with various Ayurvedic herbs and products. Right now my experimenting has been in the domain of hair growth.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
1)Family 2) Safety, Peace, Joy and Laughter 3)Where my roots can flourish and grow
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
I would say Jennifer Hudson. She is a multi-talented American singer, actress and talk show host who comes from humble beginnings and has leveraged her platform to support her community as well as a plethora of charitable causes. Jennifer Hudson didn’t even win “American idol” which was how the world got to learn about her. But it was her persistence and determination , and all the trials she endured along the way, that makes her as incredible a public figure as she is a person. Her story tells me that you can “lead” or “win” from wherever you find yourself, as long as you believe in the necessity of what you are fighting for.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
The City of Worcester is truly a city of growth with vast cultural richness. We have a diverse economy with a range of industries that contribute to the city’s development which is crucial . This means there is something for everyone, and the possibilities of what one can pursue is endless. Additionally as a first-generation Ghanaian immigrant who calls this city “home” my connection with the various cultural communities has always made me feel a sense of belonging. Worcester has the highest concentration of Ghanaian immigrants in all of the United States and several of our families are connected to each other. I’d say that makes this city pretty unique !
Q: What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is the aroma of traditional African spices wafting through the kitchen when my mother is preparing a home-cooked meal. The blend of spices triggers a flood of memories from my childhood, connecting me to my cultural heritage. It’s not just a scent; it’s home, it sends me back to the warmth of my roots, family gatherings, and in many ways, also helps to keep me grounded by reinforcing a connection to my cultural foundation.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I truly cannot narrow it down to one person even if I tried ! There is my brilliant younger brother, whom I am constantly striving to be a good role model to, and then my mother who is an embodiment of compassion, selflessness and industriousness. Her unwavering dedication to our family and her relentless work ethic make her an inspirational figure in my life. I have my father who instilled in me the significance of nurturing relationships, emphasizing how it can unveil unexpected opportunities and lead me to unimaginable places; and my husband, whose encouragement in all of my pursuits helps me to continuously improve as a career woman. My students, every student I’ve ever worked with, truly. Witnessing their resilience, curiosity, and passion for the pursuit of knowledge and a better life for themselves and their families is what propels me to serve them in ways that are responsive, empowering , engaging and holistic.
