As a child of immigrant parents, I hear stories of real hardship that many times typify the life of being an immigrant, in a place you call home, but is not exactly your home. My parents did well to raise me and my brother without losing sight of our African culture. My second trip to Ghana, my parents’ birth country, was truly an enlightening experience, as I got to see the land of my parent’s birth and meet most of my extended family for the first time. But I also saw many children my age, with little to no opportunity, many hawking in the city streets.  This truly broke my heart because I was able to see my privileges, and how much opportunity I had.  What I witnessed in Ghana made it impossible for me to just sit down and not do anything to help. Setting up Helping Children Thrive was my way of making an impact. I shared my passion for helping children with my network and encouraged them to support the charity through donations and in-kind gifts and services. For example, we have partnered with Gaede Foundation, a charity owned by my parent’s friends in Ghana, to help with identifying candidates for our sponsor-a-child program.  It’s amazing how much that can do for a child in need.  My work with my charity and my experiences have defined my life and chosen career, as I seek to become a pediatrician and contribute to the health of children.           

I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Operations of Helping Children Thrive. I love my job as I love to organize, mobilize, and give myself to the organization and its goals. I am passionate about helping young women with their sanitary and developmental issues. Since starting my journey into womanhood, I have had immense support from my family. At an early age, I started to wonder what other women were going through, especially those who did not have the same support system as I did. Sometimes cleanliness is the start to getting your life back together or being motivated to do so. Through Helping Children Thrive, I  intend to support women, especially teenage girls in developing countries gain the independence and confidence they need to move successfully through life. My volunteer efforts are currently focused on Ghana, my home country, where my extended family lives. As a developing country, Ghana’s challenges are many, and that means the needs of marginalized groups, such as young girls, are not prioritized. Many girls experience period poverty and are shut out from educational and social events. My goal is to try and erase that emotional and psychological stigma through advocacy, education, and philanthropic giving. The girl child needs your help! Join us in supporting one child at a time!