Trustee — Community Development & Social Enterprise
Nana Adwoa Denkyiraa I (Georgina "Gina" Fofana) is a Ghanaian-born educator, social entrepreneur, and advocate for sustainable community development whose life's work is rooted in connecting people, preserving culture, and creating opportunity.
Raised in Ghana and now based in the United States, Nana Adwoa Denkyiraa has dedicated her career to building bridges between her two homes. As the founder of Ayebea's Sankofa Marketplace, she has spent years partnering directly with Ghanaian artisans and women's cooperatives to bring ethically made products to the global marketplace while ensuring artisans receive fair compensation and recognition for their craftsmanship.
Her relationship with the women of SabrukaShea Village Foundation began through a shared commitment to empowerment rather than commerce alone. Over the years, she has worked alongside the Foundation to help amplify the stories of the women behind its premium shea butter, creating opportunities that support economic independence, education, and stronger communities.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the SabrukaShea Village Foundation, Nana Adwoa Denkyiraa is honored to help advance the Foundation's vision of empowering women, investing in education, and creating sustainable pathways for future generations.
"Guided by the principle of Sankofa — looking back to move forward, Nana Adwoa Denkyiraa believes that preserving tradition while investing in women and children creates stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come."
"Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself." — John Dewey