Chapter 01
Growing up with hope
Kwabena Abankwa grew up in an immigrant household where education was the primary doorway to the future. Like many parents who moved half a world away for their children, his parents held clear visions of stability—medicine, law, or established professional paths.
Technology wasn’t yet a known path in his community. There were no blueprint models to follow, and the expectations were high. But even as he felt the weight of those expectations, he knew it came from a place of deep love and survival.
Following a path in computer science was a leap into the unknown, not just for him, but for everyone who wanted the best for him.
Chapter 02
Learning the landscape
Following passion is one thing; navigating a complex industry is another. The biggest hurdle wasn't the work itself, but the stark lack of access and opportunity. Without mentors, insider knowledge, or a network that looked like him, Kwabena spent years trying to break through locked doors.
The grind was real—technical interviews, figuring out the "hidden curriculum" of corporate tech, and persistence in the face of closed networks. He was grateful for every lesson, as they shaped his understanding of what it takes to secure a seat at the table.
Chapter 03
Opportunities found
With persistence and God's grace, those doors finally opened. Kwabena secured a role in consulting, which provided a massive learning ground for the intersection of business and technology. This foundation eventually led to his current role as a Data Scientist at Google.
Landing these roles was a blessing, but it highlighted a massive gap. He realized he had found his way through, but there were thousands of others with the same drive who were still being denied access simply because they lacked the opportunity.
Chapter 04
Giving back
Motivated to give back and create the pathways he wished he had, Kwabena sought to build a bridge for others. Fortunately, he wasn't alone. He found other passionate professionals who had faced the exact same challenges on their journeys.
Together, they banded to form Sankofatech—a shared mission to ensure the next generation of technologists of African descent wouldn't have to walk the path alone. It is our humble contribution to a more inclusive future, driven by the belief that once you cross the bridge, your first job is to reach back and help the next person across.
