We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samuel Mensah . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Samuel , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, going to the gym has been a big source of joy for me. It’s not just about fitness, but the mental clarity and energy boost I get from it. It’s become a space where I challenge myself, track progress, and leave feeling stronger both physically and mentally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Samuel Kwame Mensah, and I’m part of an organization called Umbrella for the African Child (UTAC). I grew up between Ghana and Ajegunle, Lagos, so I’ve seen firsthand how much potential lies in African children and also how many of them lack the opportunities to explore it fully.
UTAC was born out of that experience. We work with young people in underserved communities, helping them build confidence, acquire new skills, and envision a brighter future for themselves through mentorship, educational support, and leadership training.
What makes our work special is that it’s personal for us. We are not coming in as outsiders; we’re working with children who remind us of ourselves and our friends growing up. We don’t just give out resources; we create experiences that change how they see themselves.
Right now, I’m really excited about two projects: Take AJ Child Along, which takes children from Ajegunle for a week of learning, mentorship, and fun in a new environment, and Pack Hope, a campaign bringing together Africans at home and abroad to invest in the education of our children. For me, this work isn’t just a project, it’s a life mission. And I’m happy that we have amazing people who believe in the vision and mission of UTAC (Umbrella For The African Child) people like Oluwa Obinna, Dare Odunowo, Wale Lateef, Favour Diche, Ahmed Olapade, Tinisha Thomas, Jacob Dynasty, Tibeme Zita, Rhoda Agilinko, Winnie Kennedy, Oyindamola, Joana Mensah and the lists goes on. Their belief and support remind me that this vision is bigger than me, it’s about all of us working together for the African child.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world happened back in Ajegunle. I remember a little girl walking up to me at night, saying she hadn’t eaten all day. In that moment, nothing else mattered. I told her to come with me, gave her a chair to sit on, and made sure she had a plate of food.
It might sound small, but that moment stayed with me. It wasn’t just about hunger; it was about dignity, care, and how something so basic, a meal, a seat, a listening ear can change how someone feels about themselves, even if only for a day. It made me realize how many children wake up every day with needs that could be met if more of us cared enough to act.
Since then, I’ve seen every child through that lens, as someone deserving of love, opportunity, and the chance to dream beyond survival.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life was losing a childhood friend. We grew up together, went to the same church, and shared so many dreams. After I finished university, I got the opportunity to go to Ghana to further my education. He was just a year behind me in school, but when he finished, he didn’t get that same opportunity.
Without direction, he started mixing with the wrong crowd. I remember coming back to Nigeria for the holidays and seeing him, but I never took the time to sit down and really talk to him, to encourage him. I thought I had time. Things got worse, and eventually, I heard the news that he had died.
That loss hit me deeply. It made me promise myself that any child I encounter will never leave my presence without feeling encouraged, supported, and full of fire to never give up. That commitment has shaped the way I live and the work I do today.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Haha! I love this question
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to Kwame is people, especially young people. They’d say I care deeply about making sure those around me feel seen, valued, and inspired. Whether it’s a child in a community or a friend going through a rough patch, I can’t just walk away without trying to encourage or help in any way I can. They know I’m driven by a belief that every person has potential, and I’ll always fight to help them see it too.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Mmm!!
I hope people will say that I was someone who never walked past a child without giving them hope. That I used my life to encourage, uplift, and open doors for others, especially those who felt forgotten. I want the story to be that I left people better than I found them, that I made them believe in their own potential and showed them that no dream is too big for where you start from.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniorkwame_?igsh=MWFqNndkd3c4aXU4bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kwame-mensah-jr-9710b6212?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Samuel (champs photography) & Sir Farouq
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
