Influential Woman · Social Impact, Government

Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah

Founder & CEO, ABA Consulting LLC

Washington, DC

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Temple University Degree Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies (also known as Africana Studies) Degree Study Abroad Program Degree University of Ghana at Legon (as international student while at Temple) Degree Master's in Educational Psychology Degree Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree St. Joseph's University Degree Specialization in Cognitive Behavior Therapy Degree Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Degree Doctoral Degree in Education Admin and Policy Degree George Washington University Degree UPenn Equity Institute for Doctoral Students Degree Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education Degree University of Pennsylvania Member Association of Black Psychologists Member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (serves nationally) Member National Council of Negro Women (life member) Member NAACP Member National Coalition of 100 Black Women Member DC Chapter (charter member) Member DC Title I Committee of Practitioners (Chair) Member DC Commission for Women (appointee) Member Board of Visitors Member Temple University College of Education

Her Story

About Dr. Adjoa

I founded and currently operate ABA Consulting, a social impact firm where I serve as CEO. I am also the Crown Act champion and scholar, leading a movement I conceptualized to outlaw race-based hair discrimination. This work has been volunteer work that I've been funding out of my pocket for years, and I will not stop until it is the law of the land. My work has resulted in laws being changed in 30 states. I served as National Advisor for Black Engagement to President Biden for his campaign, was his Black Engagement Director for the inauguration, and wrote the racial equity framework for the country. I served as the first and currently only woman to be a senior advisor for Racial Equity to a U.S. Secretary in the history of the United States, serving to a Black secretary. I spearheaded the legislative victory to codify the nation's first Office of African American Affairs. My what never changes, but my how does, and it is to create a more equitable society, both on the race front as well as the gender front. Despite the current climate, I am still very much a racial and gender equity champion. I am truly a global citizen, as I am the product of one parent born on the continent of Africa and another parent born on the continent of North America. I learned very early on in my life that anti-Blackness can be global, and it is my assignment to improve the quality of life for my people, the African diaspora.

Quick Facts

IndustrySocial Impact, Government
Based inWashington, DC
Specialty Comprehensive Racial Equity
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Organizational Climate and Culture
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Creating Winning Campaigns
- Purpose-Driven Marketing
Volunteers with Crown Act Movement (outlawing race-based hair discrimination)
- Unifying the African Diaspora
- Mentorship and Preparing the Next Generation
- Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
- Advancing Economic Standing of Ghana
- Increasing Political Literacy in the Black Community

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Dr. Adjoa

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my parents and my upbringing. They cultivated in me an early belief that it is my responsibility to help move us further along as a society. My parents taught me that nobody is better than I am, and that, as cliche as it sounds, I can do what it is I want to do. They taught me that I don't have limitations, not even self-imposed ones. That foundation and belief system they instilled in me has been the driving force behind everything I've accomplished.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Learn everything you can and be kind to people as a general practice. My mentor, Secretary Marcia Ellis, who's also my past sorority national sorority president, taught me very early on that there are a lot of people who are qualified to do something, but qualification alone won't get you there. Several people are qualified, some people make it, some people don't, but it's not merely your combination of education and professional experience. She taught me that people will often try to help the people who they like. Whether we think it's good or bad, it's the truth, and so when you're kind to people, people will remember you for your kindness, because there may be 10 people who are qualified, but they'll remember that you said good morning or asked how they were doing. She taught me the importance of just the human touch and being mindful of people. So I would say to be confident, to be kind, don't let people convince you that you can't be ambitious, but be mindful about how you demonstrate your ambition, and move through the world like you belong.

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