Francis Addo’s path to a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ashesi University in Ghana is a story of perseverance, vision, and remarkable transformation. Once employed as a cleaner at the very institution where he would later study, Francis’s rise from janitorial duties to a celebrated graduate has captured widespread admiration and serves as a beacon of hope for many.
Francis’s story began with a humble role at Ashesi University after he completed junior high school. During this time, he often engaged with students and staff, absorbing insights about Ashesi and planning how he could one day become a student there. This aspiration drove him through Senior High School, which he entered in 2015 with unwavering resolve to eventually attend Ashesi.
In 2019, Francis’s dream materialized when he secured admission to Ashesi as part of the Class of 2023—a journey he describes as “the best time” of his life. Over the next four years, he would go on to excel both academically and in campus life, making a lasting impact on the university community.
At Ashesi, Francis was not just a student; he became a vibrant member of the institution’s community. He joined the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, an opportunity that allowed him to represent Ashesi at summits and conferences across Africa, broadening his worldview and enhancing his leadership skills. Francis also served on the Judicial Executive Council, offered mentorship to new students as a buddy, and played a pivotal role as a Resident Assistant in Walter Sisulu Hall, helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
His dedication and leadership qualities did not go unnoticed. He was eventually elected President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Ashesi, a role through which he amplified his positive influence on campus. Francis’s contributions extended beyond academics; he embodied Ashesi’s values of community and service, often supporting fellow students in their transition to university life.
Reflecting on his journey, Francis shared, “Before I came to Ashesi, I was fully aware of the abundant opportunities available to me as a student… today, I can proudly say that I have ticked all the boxes.” His time at Ashesi was not without challenges, especially during his first year when he faced setbacks that tested his resilience. However, these early struggles shaped his understanding of his capabilities, helping him emerge stronger and more determined.
In June 2023, Francis’s journey came full circle as he walked across the graduation stage alongside more than 200 other students. The story of Francis Addo—the former cleaner turned graduate—continues to inspire those who read about him, proving that with perseverance, vision, and a willingness to seize opportunities, one can rise above limitations to achieve extraordinary success.
As he embarks on a new chapter, Francis’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential within each of us, a testament to the importance of hard work, and an inspiration to all who dream of turning their aspirations into reality.
In the spring of 2022, Danielle McCleave achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first Black woman to earn a Doctor of Architecture degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) School of Architecture. Her achievement represents a significant leap in an industry where Black female architects account for a mere 0.4% of licensed architects in the United States—a figure that underscores both the rarity and the importance of her accomplishment.
Reflecting on her journey, Danielle shared, “When I first found out I would be the first Black woman to obtain this degree, I was hit with a variety of emotions. I was excited to be in this position of trailblazing, and I knew it would be encouraging for other Black women looking to get into design. I was also proud to have been here… but saddened that in 2022, there are still firsts like this to be had.” She added that this achievement felt “overdue” and highlighted the need for more inclusive representation in architecture and design.
Danielle’s journey to architecture started with a foundation in the arts. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, focusing on sculpture and painting, from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, which informed her aesthetic sensibilities and love for creative expression. Her diverse education led her to UH Mānoa, where she developed a passion for integrating culturally aware wellness into architectural design, exploring this concept in her award-winning thesis, Redesigning the Hood: Using Culturally Aware Wellness as a Tool to Inform Architectural Design. Her project received the prestigious Hawaiʻi Architectural Foundation Award, affirming her vision of creating equitable housing that resonates with the communities it serves. Read more about Danielle McCleave here.