My name is Akenten Dwamena. I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership and a research assistant in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies at the College of Education. I am originally from Ghana and hold a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, both from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. 

Before beginning my doctoral journey, I served as an administrator and educator with the Ghana Education Service, where I developed a strong commitment to improving educational systems and supporting student success. This passion led me to the University of Iowa to pursue doctoral studies in Educational Leadership, where I continue championing educational policy reform. 

As part of the university community, I am actively involved in various leadership and service roles on campus. I am serving as a member of the Dean of Students Advisory Board and the Graduate Student Executive Committee within the College of Education. I also served as a grants committee member with the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) before assuming my current role as GPSG Grants Director. I have also volunteered with community-focused initiatives such as the Iowa BEST Summit (now EmpowerED Minds). 

I am dedicated to student financial welfare, enhancing the overall student experience, and creating supportive academic environments. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy meeting new people and exploring new places.