Every experience I gained over the course of my career prepared me for my position with our Cocoa Life team today. From an early age, I fancied becoming a lawyer. I would stand in front of the mirror and mimic lawyers that I had seen on TV. I would come to the defense of anyone that I felt was being dealt a bad hand. Although I was so delighted when I gained admission into the university to study law I somehow got sidetracked to believe that with my excellent grades, I should rather opt for Business Administration and that is how I ended up with Business Administration as my first degree from the University of Ghana. My career evolved from there: I started in journalism before shifting into work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At each step, I paused to reflect on my skill set, making changes that at times put me out of my comfort zone which eventually led me to MDLZ today, where I could not be more grateful!

I am quite intentional about my actions. Every action I take is intentional. When I allow myself to lean into any situation or issue, it is because I choose to. It helps me to stay authentic.

Honestly, I do not know where my energy comes from! My fulfilment, on the other hand, is from seeing what I contribute to, grow organically. This helps me see little (microscopic) impact as well as big tangible ones.

Building Cocoa Life calls for advocacy, relationship building and networking among all stakeholders. I bring together politicians, administrators, non-governmental organizations, communities, farmers, plant breeders and many more. Achievements deriving from these conversations make me feel confident that we are on the right track for a thriving cocoa sector.

One particular aspect of our 10-year journey is the transformation taking place across the communities we work in and its rippling effect in the cocoa sector at community as well as policy levels. I am inspired by the ability of farmers and other community members to grow organically along with us. Indeed, Cocoa Life is about growing and developing together. I see how farmers are realigning their lives and seeing their farm as a business. And, I am very proud of the women of the country. Their courage to raise their voices and the knowledge that they have a strong voice as well as the economic opportunities they find for themselves are impressive.

I really am hesitant about giving advice to other women because of our different realities. I hum (and when alone, sing) the song, "This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let it Shine" to myself all the time. My mother taught me the song when I must have been 4 years and it was my father who encouraged me to sing it as my mantra. The song sees me through all.

It is good to sometimes open the door of a room that is suffocating you, and close it firmly behind you: Oftentimes, doors leading to better fulfillment would present themselves, some open and some closed. You get to choose. And pray you choose right.