About Effie
Changemaker. Leader. Storyteller.
Ghanaian-born. Hampshire-raised. Nationally recognised. Deeply rooted.
My journey began with a fierce instinct to protect.
Effie's journey as a changemaker began with a fierce instinct to defend her family and community. This protective drive was later shaped by her grandmother, who taught her that true strength lies not in raw defiance, but in strategic empowerment. She watched her grandmother provide small amounts of capital to other women in their neighbourhood, seeding businesses and fostering economic independence.
This core lesson — that empowerment is the most sustainable form of support — is the foundation of her leadership today. As Chair of Kikoi Connection and co-founder of Basingstoke Unites Against Racism, she builds platforms that unite groups, hold institutions accountable, and create spaces where the community can define its own narrative and build collective power from the ground up.
With over two decades of experience spanning HR, strategic leadership, personal development, and community advocacy, Effie brings a uniquely practical lens to everything she does. She is not interested in theory for theory's sake — she wants to know what actually works, and she wants to give you the tools to make it work for you.
"Provoking old thoughts to 'break in' to new experiences."
Fante-Ga-Ewe · Ghanaian-British
Born in Ghana, raised in Hampshire, and shaped by two cultures — Effie's identity is woven into every aspect of her work. Her African heritage, her British experience, and her deep Christian faith all inform how she leads, teaches, and serves.
Rooted in Faith. Practical in Approach.
Effie's Christian faith is not a background detail — it is the foundation from which she leads, coaches, and creates. The concept of "kingdom business" — building enterprises and communities that reflect purpose, integrity, and service — runs through everything she does. Her work is welcoming to all, but deeply rooted in the belief that we are each called to something greater than ourselves.
She also navigates daily life with endometriosis — a chronic illness that has taught her, perhaps more than anything else, that leading well sometimes means leading from a place of pain, and doing it anyway. It has deepened her empathy, sharpened her resilience, and given her an unshakeable conviction that our limitations do not define our impact.
Award-Winning Leadership
2025
Novi Award — Public / Third Sector Leader of the Year
For women leading within public sector or charity organisations
2024
BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Award
Nominated for leadership and community impact
2023
Coronation Champion
One of only 500 recipients nationally
2023
Hampshire High Sheriff Award
Community service and advocacy, especially for young people
2023
Saluting Our Sisters Award
Significant contributions to community wellbeing
2022
Community Leader of the Year
A Place To Be Proud Of Awards — Kikoi Connection
2022
Queen's Baton Bearer
Commonwealth Games Relay — South of England
2020
Community Achiever Award
Black History Month — Education, health and business advocacy
Governance & Leadership
- Chair, Kikoi Connection CIC
- School Governor (10 years)
- Co-founder, Basingstoke Unites Against Racism
- Founder, Foro Dua-Pa Foundation, Ghana
Championing Change
- Cancer Research UK Campaigns Ambassador
- White Ribbon Ambassador
"Community is the space where we navigate a shared struggle together."
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you're looking for a speaker, coach, mentor, or consultant — let's start a conversation.
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