Samuel Appiah-Kubi 

Adisadel College ’15 

Mastercard Foundation Scholar

BS Computer Science, Duke University ‘20

Software Engineer, Microsoft

Our next feature centers on Samuel Appiah-Kubi who led Adisadel College to its first-ever finals appearance in the National Science and Maths Quiz in 2015. After giving up the opportunity to attend medical school in Ghana, Samuel worked hard on his SATs and college applications and secured full-scholarships award offers from Duke, Columbia, Amherst, and NYU Abu Dhabi. He eventually chose to accept Duke’s offer where he enrolled as a Mastercard Scholar.   

At Duke, he discovered his interests in computer science and robotics and joined the Duke Robotics Club. This interest will grow into an “insatiable curiosity for technology” and its applications in making a difference in the lives of people. As someone passionate about mentoring and giving back, Samuel returned to Ghana to serve as a peer mentor at the Innovate Ghana High School Challenge and started Code Afrique with Cynoc Boahene, another AFEX alumnus at Cornell University. CodeAfrique seeks to raise awareness of computer science and entrepreneurship with sponsorship from Google, Facebook, and Cornell. After graduating from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Samuel will be joining Microsoft USA as a full-time Software Engineer. 

Awards/Honors

Mastercard Foundation Scholar

Winner, Wells Fargo Campus Analytics Challenge

Professional/Leadership Activities

Co-founder, CodeAfrique 

Data Science Intern, Aerobotics (Cape Town, South Africa)

Software Engineering Intern, Microsoft

Samuel hopes to leverage this exciting opportunity to inspire other Ghanaian and African students into Tech related fields and to use the tools of technology in Africa’s economic transformation. AFEX is proud and wishes Samuel the best. 

Cynoc Boahene 

Opoku Ware School ’15 

Founder, CodeAfrique

BS Computer Science, Cornell University ‘20

Software Engineer, Google 

The next alumnus to be featured in the AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series is Cynoc Boahene, an old student of Opoku Ware School. After completing Opoku Ware in 2015, Cynoc prepared for and excelled in the SAT exams. He then put together a competitive application that secured him a full-ride scholarship to the Ivy League institution, Cornell University. 

Although Cornell gave him the chance to discover his passions and set him on a career course where he finds fulfillment, Cynoc realized that such opportunities for self-discovery were very limited in Ghana and across the African continent where resources are limited and the number of tech companies is few. As such he set on a course to raise awareness about computer science back home in Ghana and later across the continent. He collaborated with friends and mentors from Cornell, MIT, and Duke and started CodeAfrique. CodeAfrique is a continuing program for African high school and University students aimed at giving these students a window into the world of computer science, and its vast potential for development. This laudable initiative is now sponsored by organizations such as Google, Facebook, and Cornell. 

Cynoc graduated from Cornell University in May of 2020 with a BS Computer Science and will be heading to Google Inc as a full-time Software Engineer. Here is a brief summary of some of Cynoc’s professional and leadership engagements during his time at Cornell. 

Professional/Leadership Activities

Founder, CodeAfrique 

Teaching Assistant, Algorithms 

Treasurer, Underrepresented Minorities in Computing

Funding Board Member, International Students Union 

Software Engineering Intern, Google Inc

We are excited to have been a part of Cynoc’s story since 2015 when he joined us for our summer program and wishes him the very best.

Jessica Quaye 

Wesley Girls’ High School ’15

BS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT  ‘20

MIT Karl Taylor Compton Prize (Highest Honors given to any MIT Student)

MIT Golden Beaver Award

Incoming Schwarzman Scholar, Tsinghua University

 After completing Wesley Girls’ High School, where she served as the Assistant Head Girl, Jessica was awarded the Overall Best Student in 2015 West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations. With a very competitive application and excellent SAT scores, Jessica received a full-ride scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016. 

An electrical engineering and computer science major, Jessica conducted research with MIT.nano and the HCIE Software Design group in CSAIL. Constantly thinking about how her research at MIT could make an impact back home in Ghana, Jessica established the first MIT Global Teaching Lab initiative in Ghana. Through this program, she led a team of MIT students to her alma mater, Wesley Girls’ High where they taught robotics to the high school students. She also became particularly interested in the intersection between technology, business, and human interaction and has sharpened her technical and business management skills through internships at Google, Microsoft, and Bain & Company.

Awards/Honors

MIT Karl Taylor Compton Prize (Highest Honors given to any MIT Student)

Schwarzman Scholar, Tsinghua University

MIT Golden Beaver Award

MIT Mens et Manus Award

MISTI Ambassador Award

MIT OME Distinguished Peer

MIT Laya W. Wiesner Award

MIT Albert G. Hill Prize

National Tau Beta Pi Scholar

National Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) Scholar

MIT Outstanding New Leader Award

MIT Emerging Leader Award

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

President, African Students Association 

Student Representative, Undergrad Student Advisory Group in EECS 

Student Representative, International Students of Working Group 

Student Representative, U.A. Committee on Race and Diversity 

In December 2019, Jessica was announced as one of 5 MIT students and alumni to receive the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship at Tsinghua University. As such, after MIT, Jessica is headed to China to pursue a Masters in Global Affairs. AFEX still remembers the driven, competent, and studious student who walked through our doors and we continue to cheer her on as she embarks on yet another exciting journey in her life.

Sean Enders Ninsing  

Ghana Christian International High School ‘14

B.A. Economics, Williams College ‘19

Recipient, Kershaw Economics Research Fellowship

Investment Banking Analyst, JP Morgan & Chase

We are excited to feature Sean Enders Ninsing as part of our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Sean attended Ghana Christian International High School where he served as the Head Prefect and graduated as the Valedictorian of his class. Sean was also ranked 1st nationally in overall exam performance in the Cambridge International GCE Advanced Level Examinations in the June 2014 Exam Series. After excelling as one of the top scorers in the SAT from Ghana in 2014, Sean won a full scholarship to study at Williams College, which has consistently been adjudged as the Best Liberal Arts College in the USA according to the US News and World Report Rankings.

At Williams, Sean found a thriving community; one that both welcomed and challenged him. He joined the Williams Gospel Choir and the Williams African Students Organizations and would later become the director and President of the two respective student groups. Academically, Sean explored his interests in finance. He co-founded a fintech startup called Famkeepa that aimed to disrupt and simplify the international remittance industry and win $10,000 seed funding for the startup. He also served as a research assistant for the Innovations for Poverty Action program in Malawi. After graduating from Williams College, Sean joined JP Morgan & Chase in New York as an Investment Banking Analyst.

Awards/Honors

Kleinhandler Prize for Excellence in Music

Carl Vogt ’58 Scholarship

Philip Seaman ’16 Scholarship

2nd place Williams Business Plan Challenge

Kershaw Economics Research Fellowship

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

President, Williams African Students Organization

Fellow, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Career

Finance Director, Famkeepa

Research Assistant, Innovations for Poverty Action Malawi

Director, Williams College Gospel Choir

AFEX is super proud of Sean and wishes him the very best in this exciting chapter of his life and work.

Theophyl Kwapong  

American International School ’15

B.A. Economics & French, Africana Studies (minor), Williams College ‘20

Class President, Class of 2020

The Benedict 1821 Prize for Excellence in French

Associate, Capital Associate Program (CAP)

We are excited to feature Theophyl Kwapong as part of our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Theophyl is an alumnus of the American International School in Accra where he served as the President of the Student Council and graduated as the Salutatorian of his class. After completing an impressive and competitive application, he won a scholarship to Williams College, which has consistently been adjudged as the Best Liberal Arts College in the USA according to the US News and World Report Rankings. 

Theophyl graduated from Williams College in June of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French and with a Minor concentration in Africana Studies. He was selected to deliver the commencement speech for the class of 2020. After Williams, Theophyl will be joining the Capital Associate Program (CAP) as an Associate. CAP is a global leadership rotational program that is aimed at grooming Capital Group’s future investment analysts.

Awards/Honors

Class Speaker, Commencement 2020 (~tentatively scheduled for 2021)

The Benedict 1821 Prize for Excellence in French

The Kleinhandler Prize for Excellence in Jazz

The Davis Center’s Outstanding Student Mentor Award

Robert Wilmers Jr. 1990 Student Language Study Fellowship

Dean’s List for Academic Achievements 

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

Class President, Class of 2020

Co-President, The Springstreeters Acapella Group

Co-President, Williams African Students Organization 

Student Rep, Williams College Search Committee for a new Associate Dean of Students

Vice President, Freshman Council 

To say we, at AFEX, are proud of Theophyl will be an understatement. Even though we worked with Theophyl during his SAT prep and college applications 5 years ago in 2015, we will forever remember him as the ever-smiling, always-willing-to-help, and kind-hearted student leader whose hard work and commitment to others served as an example to his peers. AFEX wishes him the very best.

Victor Ohene  

Mfantsipim School ’14 

B.A Architecture, Columbia University ‘20

Architectural Departmental Honors, 2020 Commencement

Victor Ohene is next to be featured in our AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Victor is an alumnus of Ghana’s premier high school, Mfantsipim School where he served as the president of the school’s science club and emerged the Best Technical Drawing Student in the WASSCE 2014. After completing his WASSCE exams, Victor prepared to take the SAT exams and scored as part of the top 1% in the world. This feat, together with his very competitive application that included an impressive art portfolio, earned him a spot at the Ivy League institution, Columbia University in the City of New York where he was awarded the  John W. Kluge Merit Scholarship.

Victor entered Columbia with a strong resolve to explore his artistry especially his love for design and construction. Since his childhood, his father, a construction manager, had been an inspiration. Victor graduated from Columbia in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a specialization in sustainable development. He was selected along with other students for Departmental Honors.

Awards/Honors

Marcia Mead Design Award 

Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts [Honorable Mention] 

Architectural Departmental Honors, 2020 Commencement 

Dean’s List for Academic Excellence

John W. Kluge Merit Scholarship

3rd Place, The Global Retail Challenge, McGill University

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

President, African Students Association

Executive, African Development Group

Peer Mentor, Innovate Ghana High School Challenge

AFEX is particularly excited for Victor, because not only was he a student, he served as a math tutor with AFEX and assisted several students to excel as part of the top 1% of test-takers in the math section. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to celebrating him even more. 

Japhet Debrah

Achimota School ’15 

BAS Computer Science, University of Pennsylvania ‘20

Vice President, Penn Ghana

Program Manager, Microsoft

Our next feature centers Japhet Debrah, an alumnus of Achimota School. After excelling in the 2015 edition of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations, Japhet prepared for and took the SAT exams where he emerged as part of the top scorers in the world. He was accepted into the prestigious Ivy League institution, the University of Pennsylvania, popularly known as Upenn or Penn. 

At Penn, he discovered his interests in computer science and engineering. He would explore these interests both in class and in the lab by delving into difficult engineering classes and taking advantage of different research opportunities. He joined a team of Penn students that created a multipurpose, rechargeable, and affordable LED lamp and flooding system to help residents of rural communities without access to electricity that also faced the dangers of floods. During his junior summer, he returned home to Ghana to work with a local tech start-up, Sesi Technologies as a Software Engineering intern. Japhet has also worked for Microsoft as a Program Manager intern. 

Professional/Leadership Activities

Vice President, Penn Ghana

Research Assistant, GlobalTIMIT Project

Software Intern, Sesi Technologies

Program Manager Intern, Microsoft USA

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science, Japhet will be joining Microsoft USA as a full-time Program Manager. AFEX is super proud of Japhet and wishes him the best. 

Henry Dwaah

Prempeh College ‘14

BSc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Richmond ‘19

Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society

MD Candidate, Tufts University School of Medicine ‘23

Henry Dwaah attended Prempeh College, where he was part of the Science club, a member of the intramural soccer team, and the Science and Math Quiz team. After graduating with distinction in May 2014, Henry put together a competitive application that earned him a full scholarship to study at the University of Richmond.

At the University of Richmond, Henry excelled in his social endeavors and engaged immensely with his new community. His service to the community culminated in his induction into Omicron Delta Kappa, one of the nation’s oldest leadership honor societies. He was also selected as one of the University of Richmond’s Global Health Sophomore Scholars, which gave him the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic to learn about health economics and delivery. After graduating from the University of Richmond with the highest honors, Henry enrolled in Tufts University School of Medicine in June 2019. He hopes to use this opportunity to address disparities in health care and to contribute his expertise in finding better treatments for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Awards/Honors

Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society

University of Richmond’s Global Health Sophomore Scholars

AMGEN Scholar, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mortar Board Society

High Honors, 2019 University of Richmond Commencement

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

Co-chair, SEEDS Project

Vice President, University of Richmond Emergency Medical Team

Research Assistant, Columbia University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Henry is excited to meet with other Ghanaian physicians in the diaspora and hopes to join hands with them in putting together resources to mitigate some of the health problems that he encountered back home in Ghana. AFEX is proud of Henry and we look forward to celebrating more successes and milestones with him.

Brian Fleischer

St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School ’14 

BA Human Biology, African Studies (Minor), Stanford University ‘19

Class of 2019 Award of Excellence, Stanford Alumni Association

MD Candidate, Yale School of Medicine ’24

We are excited to feature Brian Fleischer as part of our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Brian is an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School in Accra where he served as the Health Prefect and represented his school in the 2014 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz. After completing an impressive and competitive college application, he won a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University to study Human Biology. 

During his time at Stanford, Brian started the Innovate Ghana High Schools Challenge, a human-centered design camp at the University of Ghana that challenges Ghanaian high schoolers to use STEM skills to address pertinent problems in their communities. After Stanford, Brian returned home to work on starting FLEEF Ghana, a registered Ghanaian nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opening doors for high achieving but low-income students to continue their education on full scholarships in the USA and Canada. Keen about health equity and health care systems in Ghana and across the African continent, Brian will be continuing on to the Yale School of Medicine on a full cost of attendance scholarship to begin his medical training. Below is a snapshot of Brian’s activities and honors while at Stanford. 

Awards/Honors

Class of 2019 Award of Excellence, Stanford Alumni Association

Community Leadership Award, Center for African Studies

Donald Kennedy Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence 

Undergraduate Speaker, Stanford 2019 Black Grad Commencement

Undergraduate Speaker, Stanford African Studies Degree Conferral Ceremony

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

President, Stanford African Students’ Association

Co-creator, Innovate Ghana High Schools Challenge

Program Manager, FLEEF Ghana

Research Assistant, Egan Lab for Infectious Disease Research, Stanford School of Medicine

Teaching Assistant, Global Child Health (Humbio 124C) & Shifting Frames (Africast 195)

AFEX is particularly excited for Brian, who served as a Verbal tutor with AFEX and assisted several students to excel in their applications. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to celebrating him even more.

James Entee Cobbinah  

Mfantsipim School ’16 

BSBA in Accounting and Financial Management (Finance), Bucknell University ‘20

BISON Award For Excellence

MBA Candidate, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania

We are excited to feature James Entee Cobbinah as part of our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. James is an alumnus of the Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. After completing an impressive and competitive application, he won a scholarship to Bucknell University.

At the Freeman College of Management at Bucknell University, James “fell in love with the markets” and set out to explore his interests in financial management and accounting. His analytical experiences at the Wharton China Forum and the Harvard Business School will prepare him for summer internships at CVC Credit Partners and J.P Morgan Chase & Co. At Bucknell, he served as the Consumer Discretionary Sector Leader, Econ, and Strategy Committee for the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). James graduated with Cum Laude honors from Bucknell University in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

Awards/Honors

Forber Under 30 Scholar

Fremont Scholar

Dean’s List for Academic Excellence 

BISON Award For Excellence

Winner, Johnson & Johnson Bucknell University Case Study Competition

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Markets Summer Analyst, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. New York, NY

Co-Founder, Future Leaders Incorporated

Co-Head, Bison Investment Club

Inaugural Advisory Board Member, Freeman College of Management Student Advisory Board 

To say we, at AFEX, are proud of James will be an understatement. AFEX wishes him the very best in the next chapters of his career and life. 

Grace Adoley Ansah 

Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School’13 

BS Chemical Engineering, African Studies (Minor), Stanford University ‘19

Class of 2019 Award of Excellence, Stanford Alumni Association

Ed.M. International Education Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Education ‘20

Faculty, Global Challenges Department, African Leadership University 

Grace Adoley Ansah is next to be featured in the AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Grace completed Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School in 2013 and led her school to its first finals appearance of the National Science and Maths Quiz. Only one other girl’s school has been able to accomplish that in the history of the national quiz. With a very competitive application and excellent SAT scores which included a perfect math score, Grace received a full-ride scholarship from the Craig and Susan McCaw Scholarship Fund for International Students to study at Stanford University in 2015. 

A Chemical Engineering major and African Studies minor at Stanford, Grace had a strong affinity for the promise of STEM and its practical applications on the African continent. However, after summer experiences back home in Ghana at Soronko Academy, West Africa’s first coding and human-centered academy, and at Smartix Education, an ed-tech organization centered on elementary education, Grace developed an interest in pedagogy and education policy. After graduating from Stanford in 2019, she continued to the Harvard Graduate School of Education to complete her Masters in International Education Policy. After Harvard, Grace will be joining the African Leadership University in Rwanda as a faculty member in the Global Challenges Department. 

Awards/Honors

Class of 2019 Award of Excellence, Stanford Alumni Association

Donald Kennedy Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service

Halper Fellowship, Haas Center for Public Service 

Craig and Susan McCaw Scholar

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Educational Consultant, Harvard Ministerial Program

Co-Founder, Smartix Education

Financial Officer, Stanford African Students Association

Physics Learning Assistant, Stanford University Physics Department

AFEX is particularly proud of Grace who served as an SAT math tutor in 2015 and helped many students excel in their tests.  We wish her the very best as she enters another exciting chapter of her life and career. 

Farida Mohammed Bature

Accra Girls Senior High School ’12 

BA Business Administration and Economics, Monmouth College ‘18

Master of Social Work, Westfield State University ‘23 

Next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series is Farida Mohammed, an alumnus of  Accra Girls Senior High School. After completing Accra Girls in 2012, Farida participated in a Canada World Youth exchange program. Upon Farida’s return she enrolled with Afex and studiously prepared for and took her SATs in 2013. Farida won a scholarship to Monmouth College, a private liberal Arts institution in Monmouth, Illinois. 

At Monmouth College, Farida majored in Business Administration and Economics. Due to her passion for and knowledge in Economics she was particularly keen on sharing this interest through tutoring. She became an economics tutor and an academic coach at the Monmouth College Teaching and Learning Center. She explored her interest in Economics by interning with the city of Monmouth’s Economic and Development center to explore different ideas on how small businesses can be established and sustained in Monmouth.  After her research and data collection, she presented her findings at the first Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research (MJUR) conference held at the college. During her time at Monmouth, she studied abroad at the East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. She also participated in the Global Food Security Study Abroad Program at the University of Ghana. Farida was the senior class president for her graduating class where she gave the farewell speech. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monmouth College in 2018 and is currently working for a non-profit to help the underserved population in the Massachusetts area. Farida will begin her Masters of Social work in Fall 2020 at Westfield State University, in Westfield Massachusetts. She hopes to obtain her license as a clinical social worker to create awareness on mental health issues and to help counsel victims of domestic violence. 

Awards/Honors

Overall Best Economics Student

Monmouth College Dean’s List                                                                  

Blue Key Honor Society  

Mortar Board Honor Society                                                                                                                        

Sigma Beta Delta- Business Honor Society

Tom Johnson Scholarship Award  

White and Crimson Leadership Award 

Intercultural Life Outstanding Student Leader of the Year  

Charles F. and Ruth E. Huseman Endowed Service Scholarship                      

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Class of 2018 Senior Class President 

First place for Creative Financial Design Project – China

Treasurer, Associated Students of Monmouth College

Intern, Economic Development of Downtown Monmouth

Hall Director 

Tutor, Principles of Economics 200

AFEX is excited for and very proud of Farida. We wish her the very best as she embarks on yet another adventure in her life and career. 

David Nartey

St. Peters Senior High School ’13 

BS Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry (Minor), Florida Institute of Technology ‘18

Tau Beta Pi – National Engineering Honor Society

Product Validation Engineer, Cummins Inc.

Next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series is David Nartey. David is an alumnus of  St. Peters Senior High School. After completing St. Peters in 2013, David took and excelled in his SAT tests, completed a very competitive college application, and secured a scholarship to attend the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne, Florida. 

At FIT, David explored his interests in design and building through a mechanical engineering major. He joined the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and would find a community to nurture these interests. At the end of his freshman year, he was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society for his academic accomplishments and contribution to the FIT community. He entered the Florida University Satellite Design Competition and won third place. During his senior year, David had completed a number of design projects including a 3D printed prosthetic hand and a Mars Radio Center. After graduating from Florida Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in chemistry, David joined Cummins Inc in North Carolina as a Product Validation Engineer.

Awards/Honors

Tau Beta Pi – National Engineering Honor Society

Phi Kappa Phi – Honor Society 

Dean’s List for Academic Excellence

Phi Eta Sigma- Freshman Honor Society

Florida University Satellite Design Competition Finalist (Third Place)

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Engineering Intern, Ghana National Petroleum Company

Tutor, Academic Support Center

Diplomat, FIT Orientation Team

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

AFEX is excited for and very proud of David, who joined us in 2013 and has remained a part of AFEX ever since. We wish him the very best as he embarks on yet another adventure in his life and career. 

Julian Achemdey

Bishop Herman College ’14 

BSc Biomedical Science, Troy University ‘19

Chancellor’s Scholar Award

Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Virginia Internal Medicine

Julian Achemdey is next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Julian attended Bishop Herman College where he served as the president of the Science and Math Club and graduated as the Overall Best Biology Student. After completing Bishop Herman in 2014, Julian prepared for and excelled in his SAT tests, and secured a scholarship to attend Troy University in 2015.

Julian majored in Biomedical Sciences with a pre-medicine concentration at Troy University. He also worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Wang Physics and Biochemistry laboratory. At the end of his freshman year, Julian was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society and would later be inducted into the Tribeta Biological Honor Society. In his junior and senior years, Julian served as a resident assistant and a resident director respectively. He graduated from Troy University in 2019 as the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholar Award. He currently works with Virginia Internal Medicine as a clinical laboratory assistant. 

Awards/Honors

Chancellor’s Scholar Award

Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor society

Tribeta Biological Honor Society

Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Troy University African Student Association (President)

Undergraduate Research Assistant, Wang Physics and Biochemistry Lab

Resident Director

Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Virginia Internal Medicine 

Julian plans to apply and enroll in medical school in the future. He hopes to work with pediatric patients in underserved and conflict areas in Africa. AFEX is excited for and very proud of Julian, who joined us during his second year of high school in 2013. 

Matthew Adusei

Opoku Ware School ’14 

BS Biology, Spanish (Minor), Lafayette College ‘19

Beta Beta Beta Biological Science Honor Society

Ph.D. Student Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

We are excited to feature Matthew Adusei as part of our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Matthew attended Opoku Ware School in Kumasi, Ghana. After completing Owass in 2014, Matthew prepared for his SAT tests and put together a very competitive college application that secured him a full scholarship to Lafayette College, through the college’s early decision program.

At Lafayette, Matthew explored his intellectual interests in scientific research. He is a three-time EXCEL Research Fellow whose research centers on detecting and quantifying retinal inn crayfish caudal photoreceptors. This work has led to a published peer-reviewed article and several poster presentations over the past few years. He is an inducted member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Science Honor Society and the President of the Biology LEADERS program. But aside these, Matthew is passionate about sharing through teaching. He taught first-year Biology majors as an HHMI SEA-PHAGES Teaching Assistant and mentored students from Madagascar through the Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education (LIME). Matthew is also very fluent in Spanish and French and served as a Spanish tutor. 

He graduated from Lafayette with honors in 2019 and won the Dean’s Graduate Student Fellowship to begin his Neuroscience Ph.D. at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.

Awards/Honors

Beta Beta Beta – Chi Chi Chapter (Biology Honor Society)

Alpha Alpha Alpha – Gamma Chapter (First Generation Honor Society)

Sigma Delta Pi – Sigma Phi Chapter (Spanish Honor Society)

Sally Elbert Kalin ’87 Memorial Scholarship

Leslie F. Gates 1897 and Helen Gates Taylor Scholarship

Dean’s List

Dean’s Graduate Student Fellowship

Lafayette College Academic Research Committee Grant

EXCEL Research Scholar 

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

President, Biology LEADERS Program

Vice President, Friends of Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education (FLIME)

HHMI SEA-PHAGES Teaching Assistant, Biology Department, Lafayette College

Spanish Tutor, Lafayette College

Independent Researcher, Lafayette College

AFEX is excited for and very proud of Matthew, who served as a peer tutor with AFEX to assist his peers to excel on the SATs. We wish him the very best in this exciting chapter of his life and career. 

Enyonam Fanjavatsara Donkor

St. Mary’s Senior High School ’14 

B.E. Electrical Engineering, Co-op Option, Carleton University

Golden Key International Honor Society

Next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series is Enyonam Fanjavastara Donkor. Enyonam is an alumnus of  St. Mary’s Senior High School. After completing Merries in 2014, Enyonam took and excelled in her SAT tests, and completed a very competitive college application and secured funding to attend Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. 

At Carleton, Enyonam explored her passions for engineering and particularly Electrical Engineering. Through her University’s unique co-op program, she did an 8-month internship at AIS Technologies Group- Radix Technology Solutions where she worked as a Controls Design Intern and contributed to electrical, controls, and machine vision systems design, programming, testing, and implementation. She also did another 8-month internship at Syncrude Canada Limited. Her final year project was about making a magnetic levitation drive for space by using simulated microgravity and commonly found naturally occurring metals. Enyonam is a three-time recipient of the Entrance Scholarship and a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honor Society. 

Awards/Honors

Golden Key International Honor Society

Recipient, Entrance Scholarship

Dean’s Honor List 

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Controls Design Intern, AIS Technologies Group- Radix Technology Solutions

Intern, Syncrude Canada Limited

Project Member, Magnetic Levitation Drive

Volunteer, Carleton Serves

Enyonam joined AFEX in 2014 after completing high school for our SAT prep program and college application consultation. AFEX is excited for and very proud of Enyonam who has consistently excelled in her various fields. We wish her the very best in the next chapters of her life and career. 

Andrew Kofi Appiah Oppong 

Achimota School ’13 

BA Political Science and Philosophy, Calvin University ‘18

Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society

Justice Mobilization Specialist, Christian Reformed Church in North America

Andrew Kofi Appiah Oppong is next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Andrew is an old student of Achimota School. After graduating from Achimota School in 2013, Andrew prepared for the SAT exams, excelled in it, and submitted an impressive college application to a couple of colleges in the United States. He was admitted into Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a scholarship.

An ever-articulate debater and orator, Andrew set out to explore the ways to use his voice and skillsets for the upliftment of others and for the fight for social justice. He majored in Political Science with a pre-law specialization. He later served as the President of the Student Body at Calvin where he collaborated with the college’s cabinet and president and represented student opinion to Board of Trustees, Faculty Senate, and pertinent college audiences. He also worked with The Constitution Project in Washington D.C. as an Undergraduate Public Policy Intern where he worked on reforming Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, an experience that cemented his interest in social justice and the need to center issues of justice. Aside from a major in Political Science, Andrew also majored in Philosophy and tutored for 6 Philosophy and Religion students each semester during his sophomore year. He graduated with honors in 2018 and currently works as a Justice Mobilization Specialist for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. 

Awards/Honors

Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society

Academic Achievement Award 

Honors Scholarship

De Kryger Monsman Memorial Scholarship

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

President of Student Body, Calvin University Student Senate

Justice Mobilization Specialist, Christian Reformed Church in North America

Undergraduate Public Policy Intern, The Constitution Project

Philosophy and Religion Tutor, Calvin University Academic Services

AFEX is excited for and very proud of Andrew and we wish him the very best in this exciting chapter of his life and career. 

Gertrude Kumi

Mfantsiman Girls ‘ 14

BSc Psychology, General Business (Minor), Troy University ‘18 (Summa Cum Laude)

Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

Mission Partner, The Dynamic Catholic Institute

We are elated to feature Gertrude in the ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Gertrude attended Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High where she served as the President of the Science and Math Club. After graduating from Mfantsiman Girls’ in 2014, Gertrude prepared for and excelled in her SAT tests, and secured a scholarship to attend Troy University in 2016.

At Troy, Gertrude found a community and a home to explore and to nurture her interests. She set out to explore a major in Psychology and excelled brilliantly. She also explored her interests in business and finance and graduated with a minor in General Business. Aside from these academic accomplishments, Gertrude challenged herself to grow as a leader. She served as the International Students’ Senator at Troy University’s Student Government Association and a chair at the International Students’m Cultural Organization. Gertrude was later inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society for her exemplary leadership. She graduated Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) from Troy University and currently work as a Mission Partner with the Dynamic Catholic Institute. 

Awards/Honors

Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient

Gregory Glenn Riley Scholarship

2nd place – 2019 Undergraduate Research Award

Chancellor’s list for Scholarly Achievements

Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

Phi Kappa Phi

Psi Chi

Who’s Who Among American College Students

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Freshman Orientation Leader, IMPACT

International Students’ Senator, Student Government Association (SGA)

Chair of Publicity, International Students’ Cultural Organization (ISCO)

Student Leader Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and Newman Ministry

Secretary, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

AFEX is excited for Gertrude who joined us in 2014 for her SAT classes and college application consultation. We are really proud of her and cannot wait to celebrate her even more. 

Esperance Mugabekazi

St. Peter’s Mission School ‘ 13

BS Neuroscience, Agnes Scott College 

Nu Rho Psi Honor Society

Team Leader/English Tutor, Institute of Asian Culture and Development (IACD)

We are really excited to feature our very own, Esperance Mugabekazi in the ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Espy, as she is popularly called, attended St. Peters Mission School in Accra, Ghana. After completing high school, Gertrude prepared for and excelled in her SAT tests, applied to colleges in the US, and secured a scholarship to attend Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia.

At Agnes Scott, Espy explored her interests in scientific research. She started as an undergraduate researcher in Agnes Scott’s Neurobiology Program. She then joined psychiatric and behavioral sciences research projects at the Emory School of Medicine where she was eventually named a Petit Scholar Researcher for her work. Espy was also inducted into the Nu Rho Psi Honor Society for her dedication to improving the understanding and appreciation of neurobiological study. Aside from these academic pursuits, Espy was also committed to service. She served on the Agnes Scott Student Senate as a senator and volunteered at the Grady Memorial Hospital and two health-related nonprofits. After graduating from Agnes Scott in 2017 with a major in Neuroscience and a concentration in Public Health, Espy joined the Georgia Institute of Technology as a researcher, served as a  Coordinator at STEM Mentored Research Program and most recently worked with a non-profit NGO, IACD, as an English teacher and team leader at a Syrian refugee school.

Awards/Honors

Nu Rho Psi Honor Society

Georgia Institute of Technology Petit Scholarship 

Goizueta Foundation STEM Scholarship

Letitia Pate Evans Scholar (Merit Award) 

International Student Grant (Merit Award)

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Senator, Agnes Scott Student Senate

Petit Scholar Researcher, Emory University School of Medicine

Orientation Leader, Agnes Scott College Orientation Council

Undergraduate Researcher, Agnes Scott College Neurobiology Program

Coordinator Assistant, Agnes Scott STEM Mentored Research

AFEX is proud of Esperance and all she has been able to accomplish. We wish her the very best in the next chapters of her life and career.

Deirdre Debrah 

Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School ‘14

BA Communications, Environmental Studies (Minor), Cinema (Minor), Denison University ‘    19

Our next feature in the AFEX Alumni Spotlight is Deirdre Debrah. Deirdre completed Mfantsiman School in 2015 as the Library Prefect and secured a scholarship to the prestigious liberal arts college Denison University in Granville, Ohio. 

 At Denison, she worked to build the Educational Technology department which focused on introducing innovative technology to the classroom and supporting digital competency and accessibility. Deirdre discovered an interest in environmental equity and was selected to visit the UN in Bonn to present solutions on the effect of climate change on the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. After Denison Deirdre joined HubSpot as a Success Coach. In her junior year, she was inducted into the official Communication Studies honor society Lambda Pi Eta for her research on the political impact of digital media.

Awards/Honors

Lambda Pi Eta – Communication Studies Honor Society

Tyree/Parajon Scholarship 

Distinguished Production Award – Photo Series: Everyday Apocalypse, Analyzing Climate change through photography 

Leadership/Extracurricular Activities

Events Coordinator, African Student Association 

Public Relations Officer, Denison Community Sevice Association 

Assistant, Educational Technology 

Director, Denison Department of Cinema  

We, at AFEX, are super proud of Deidre and wish her the very best in this exciting chapter of her life and work.

Leslie Goloh  

Aburi Girls’ Senior High School ‘14

BA Computer Science, Bryn Mawr College ’19 (Cum Laude Honors)

Junior Software Engineer,  SiriusXM & Pandora

We are elated to feature Leslie Goloh in this edition of the AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series. Leslie completed Aburi Girls’ Senior High School in 2014 where she served as the secretary of the Aburi Girls’ Robotics Club. Leslie was part of Team Turbo Divas, the robotics team that emerged 2nd best of all female teams and made Ghana proud at the 2013 edition of the World Robotics Olympiad in Jakarta, Indonesia. After graduating from Aburi Girls’, she took her SAT exams and completed a very competitive college application that secured her a scholarship to Bryn Mawr College, an all-female liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. 

At Bryn Mawr College, Leslie found the freedom to explore her burgeoning intellectual interests in Engineering and Computer Science. She joined the Bryn Mawr Engineers and Makers Club and will become the club’s secretary in her junior year. She also worked as a technical assistant for the Bryn Mawr College Education Technology Services. She explored a number of internship opportunities bot on campus and with Pandora LLC. After graduating with honors in 2019, Leslie currently works as a Junior Software Engineer for SiriusXM & Pandora. Her short term goal is to become a Senior Software Engineer. Looking into the future,  Leslie hopes to explore a career in other areas such as  AR/VR and data analysis and eventually start her own startup.

Professional and Leadership Positions

Mobile Engineering Intern, Pandora LLC

Information Security Intern, Bryn Mawr College

Digital  Curriculum Intern, Bryn Mawr College

Technical Assistant (Bryn Mawr College Education Technology Services)

Extracurricular Activities

Secretary, Bryn Mawr Engineers, and Makers Club

Bible Study Leader, Bryn Mawr InterVarsity Association

Dancer, Bryn Mawr Choom Boom Dance Club

We, at AFEX, are super proud of Leslie and wish her the very best in this exciting chapter of her life and work.

Abrafi Osei-Kofi

Aburi Girls Senior High School ’12 

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Studies and French, Monmouth ‘17

Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Florida Levin College of Law ‘20 

Next to be featured in our ongoing AFEX Alumni Spotlight Series is Abrafi Osei-Kofi, an alumnus of  Aburi Girls Senior High School. After completing Aburi Girls in 2012, Abrafi enrolled with AFEX and studiously prepared for and took her SATs. Abrafi won a scholarship to Monmouth College, a private liberal Arts institution in Monmouth, Illinois. 

At Monmouth College, Abrafi majored in Political Science, International Studies, and French. At Monmouth, Abrafi found her passion for teaching and assisting other students to excel and served as a Writing Tutor at the Monmouth College Writing Center, as well as a French Tutor and Academic Coach at Monmouth College Teaching and Learning College. Aside from these activities, Abrafi also served as a head resident in her dormitory, and an International Student Orientation Leader. Abrafi graduated magna cum laude from Monmouth College in 2017. 

As a pre-law student, particularly passionate about standing up for underserved communities, Abrafi sought out internships and other work experiences. She worked as a Student Attorney at the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic, and a legal intern for the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America. She began her training as a Juris Doctor Candidate at the University of Florida Levin College of Law where she won the Dean’s Scholarship and received the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation Scholarship. Abrafi graduated from Law School in May 2020 and will be joining a private law firm in Massachusetts as a Staff Attorney. 

Awards/Honors

International Distinguished Young Leaders Award

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

K.Critser Memorial Prize

Head of State Awards Program (HOSA) 

Monmouth College Dean’s List 

Two-time Moot Court Award Recipient 

Finalist, Mitchell Scholarship for Study Abroad

Leadership and Professional Experiences 

Copy Editor, Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research

Volunteer French Translator

International Student Orientation Leader

Secretary, Monmouth College International Club,

AFEX is excited for and very proud of Abrafi. We wish her the very best as she embarks on yet another adventure in her life and career.