Lucy Appiah
Lucy Appiah is a transformational speaker, coach, and advocate for youth development. She is the founder of Young With Purpose, a mission-driven initiative equipping teenagers and young adults with the academic guidance, mindset, and spiritual grounding they need to pursue their God-given purpose, careers, and dreams.
With nearly a decade of experience leading high-impact programs across global higher education and nonprofit sectors, Lucy has managed multi-million-dollar initiatives and expanded opportunities for underserved communities across Africa. She has held leadership roles at Yale University, supporting over 300 emerging leaders from 35 African countries, and at CAMFED, where she managed the multi-million-dollar Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, advancing education and economic mobility for more than 3,000 young women.
Drawing on these experiences, Lucy now channels her expertise into mentorship, workshops, and coaching through Young With Purpose — helping young people unlock their identity, build a vision, set realistic goals, and walk confidently in purpose. She also equips educators, parents, and mentors with strategies to guide the next generation with clarity, compassion, and intention.
Lucy holds an MPhil in Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Psychology from the University of Ghana. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, expanding her ability to support the emotional, academic, and spiritual well-being of youth.
Passionate about faith-driven service, she has founded a nonprofit in Ghana to expand educational access for children in need. Committed to empowering young people globally, Lucy continues to inspire purposeful living — cultivating leadership, confidence, and long-term impact in every young person she serves.
• Great Manager
• Project Canvas: A Simple Framework to Learn Project Management Fundamentals
• Managing Essentials
• Motivating and Engaging Employees
• New Manager Foundations
• Collaborative Leadership
• University of Cambridge - MPhil
• Commonwealth Shared Cambridge Scholarship
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, discipline, and a commitment to purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to be intentional — intentional about your growth, the opportunities you say yes to, and the environments you place yourself in. Intentionality creates momentum, and momentum creates the desired impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to be intentional about your growth — develop your skills, seek mentorship, and make the most of every opportunity now before greater responsibilities and cultural expectations pull on you. Don’t wait to feel ready or for something to be handed to you. Start where you are, create your own opportunities, and let confidence grow through action.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in youth development today is the rise in identity confusion, mental health struggles, and the pressure young people face to ‘figure out life’ quickly. But this challenge is also the greatest opportunity — because it creates space for intentional mentorship, purpose-driven coaching, and equipping youth with clarity, confidence, and resilience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, excellence, intentional growth, and stewardship. My faith anchors and guides every step I take. Excellence reflects my desire to honor God in how I show up. Intentional growth keeps me stretching, learning, and becoming who I’m called to be. And stewardship reminds me to handle every opportunity, every gift, and every young life I’m entrusted with, with purpose, integrity, and care.
Locations
Young With Purpose
Douglasville, GA 30135