Meet Nana Akosua Ofori Amanfo

We recently connected with Nana Akosua Ofori Amanfo and have shared our conversation below.

Nana Akosua , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience was forged through the circumstances life handed me early on. I have experienced situations where I had little control over my circumstances, where I had little say in decisions concerning my life, and opportunities were not equally available. Those moments taught me how to stand firm in uncertainty, how to find strength in silence, and how to keep moving even when the path wasn’t clear.

I also draw resilience from a deep sense of responsibility; to myself, to those I care about, and to the future I envision. Every setback became a lesson, every limitation a reason to push harder. Over time, I learned that I didn’t have to accept the life handed to me; I could build the one I wanted. That mindset continues to fuel me.

So when things get tough, I remind myself of how far I have come, not just in terms of achievements, but in reclaiming my voice and agency. That’s where my resilience comes from: the journey of turning struggle into strength and choosing growth even when giving up felt easier.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am currently a graduate student at Canisius University in Buffalo, New York, studying Higher Education Leadership and Administration. As part of my graduate assistantship at the university’s Counseling Center, I lead mental health outreach initiatives designed to support student well-being. These include Suicide Prevention training, Mental Health Screening, Stress-less Days, Wellness Awareness Campaigns, etc, programs that not only raise awareness but also create safe spaces for students to engage with their mental health.

What I find most meaningful is witnessing the positive impact of these efforts; seeing students feel heard, supported, and empowered. This experience has deepened my commitment and passion for promoting student success and development, with a focus on fostering resilience and holistic well-being across diverse university populations.

Looking ahead, I am excited to expand the outreach work and collaborate across campus to build more inclusive environments. My goal is to help students not just survive college, but truly thrive; emotionally, mentally, and personally. I believe mental health support should be proactive, accessible, and culturally responsive, and I am committed to playing a role in that transformation through my future work.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

As a young Ghanaian woman, I have carried more than my share of challenges. Each experience has shaped how I see the world, how I show up for others, and how I hold space for healing. The three qualities that shaped my journey most were resilience, self-advocacy, and empathy.

Resilience was foundational. Facing loss, separation, and having little control over my life early on taught me to keep going even when the path was unclear. It helped me push through fear and uncertainty and eventually take control of my future. I built resilience through small, consistent acts, setting modest goals, showing up for myself, and learning to celebrate progress over perfection.

Self-advocacy came when I began trusting my voice. For years, I did not have much say in my life, but once I realized I could shape my own future, I started asking questions, seeking opportunities, and choosing environments that aligned with my values. That shift allowed me to take ownership of my path.

Empathy grew from both my personal experience and my work in mental health outreach. I have felt what it’s like to not be heard, and that’s why I make it a point to truly listen. I have seen how powerful it is to truly listen and create space for others to feel safe and supported. Volunteering and engaging with diverse communities deepened my understanding and commitment to inclusive care.

These qualities did not develop overnight. They were shaped by experience, reflection, and a deep desire to grow. For those early in their journey, I would say: be patient with yourself, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of your own story. It’s often the challenges we face that reveal our greatest strengths.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to music; it’s my reset button. Whether I’m navigating a stressful workload or processing something emotionally heavy, stepping away and immersing myself in music helps me recalibrate. It’s not just background noise; it’s a way to shift my mental state. Sometimes I’ll play something calming to slow my thoughts, or something upbeat to energize and refocus. It gives me space to breathe, reflect, and return with a clearer mindset.

I have learned that overwhelm often signals the need for a pause; not a shutdown, but a moment to regroup. Music is my go-to, but I also pair it with journaling or talking to someone I trust when needed. My advice to others would be: find what genuinely calms you. It doesn’t have to be big, just something that helps you step out of the stress and back into yourself.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: www. linkedin.com/in/nana-akosua-ofori-amanfo