Danielle Agyemang, Warrior Woman, Advocate for Democracy and Human Rights

Danielle Agyemang has a confident presence and a regal grace.  I’ve known Dani since she was in elementary school, and as a family friend, it’s natural for me to be a fierce advocate and one of her cheerleaders. However, being a Keep It Tight Sisters Warrior Woman is is an honor that she has earned.  

As a teenager and college student, she told me about her academic success and family trips to various countries.  But, she also took the time to ask, “How are you doing?” and “What have you been up to?” And, she listened.

The tight circle of young girls that I knew as children have evolved into a tribe of young warrior women who support each other in their respective righteous movement.  While Dani respects the work that we older women are doing for women’s rights and social justice, she is not content to build on our legacy. She is creating her own.  

Her quick, easy smile and intense eyes say to those struggling for validation and recognition, “I see you, and you belong here.”  Today, I introduce you to Danielle Agyemang, Warrior Woman, and Advocate for Democracy and Human Rights.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in the US and in several parts of West Africa. One of the most important things to know about me is that I am passionate about human rights and the social and political advancement of youth and women around the world. In my role as Project Manager for an international democracy and human rights organization, I oversee several strategic initiatives, build global, regional, and thematic networks, facilitate international solidarity, and coordinate a global youth fellowship program.

I have participated in various advocacy platforms, serving as a panelist at the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s Global Youth Forum on gender and youth empowerment in Africa, and as a delegate for the UN Novus Summit on leveraging technology and innovation to bolster support for gender justice and equality around the world. Most notably, I delivered the first-ever youth declaration at the inaugural UN Commission on the Status of Women’s Youth Forum, which advocated for young women’s political participation and gender equity. Additionally, I periodically serve as a guest lecturer for the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, providing intelligence for U.S. Diplomats on political developments in Africa. I also served as a volunteer for Howard University’s (former) Washington Mandela Fellowship program.

You have had an amazing career journey.  Tell us about your career path, and how you got to where you are now.

I was raised in different countries across West Africa. My upbringing instilled in me an awareness of social inequities, economic insecurity, and political instability at quite a young age. For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about service, justice, and equality, particularly with respect to the rights of women and girls. At the University of Florida, I majored in sociology with an interdisciplinary study in international development and humanitarian assistance. During that time, I participated in research projects that focused on the impact of Chinese businesses in Zambia and sustainable development and the challenges of aid in poverty reduction in Nicaragua.  

I moved to the UK for graduate school at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex where I majored in gender and international development. While in the UK, I worked for an organization in East London that provided social services for female political asylum seekers and survivors of human trafficking. I conducted my master’s research in Ghana on Trokosi and its impact on girl’s rights.  Trokosi is a customary practice that condemns girls between the ages of four and 16 to a life of servitude in a fetish shrine to atone for the sins of their family members.  In Ghana, I also worked with Abantu for Development where I conducted capacity building training for Liberian refugees.   

After graduate school, I moved to The Gambia to work with the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies on a UN development project to increase women’s political participation. I then moved to Washington, DC to work with the Young Women’s Project. A few months later, I started working in my current position where I’ve been for the past six years. 

What are some of the professional accomplishments of which you are most proud? 

I feel proud to support youth activists around the world to realize their visions for more democratic, equitable, and fair societies. From solidarity campaigns to political reforms, their commitment to democratic values is inspiring. Knowing and working alongside them is one of my greatest professional accomplishments. Some of the highlights from my professional experience include:

• Delivering the first-ever youth declaration at the inaugural UN Commission on the Status of Women’s Youth Forum.
• Leading initiatives in the Western Balkans on youth roles in democratic transitions.
• Coordinating advocacy campaigns for political prisoners in restrictive environments like Azerbaijan, Venezuela, and Burma.
• Working with youth in countries like Cameroon and Jordan on civic education programs.

As a female leader, what is one significant barrier that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it or are trying to overcome it?

My biggest barrier has been the imposter syndrome. I have to constantly remind myself that even though I may be the only or one of few black women in the room, I belong in these spaces. Even though I may be the youngest in the room, my experience counts.

Tell us about a time you failed.

I have never failed. I have only ever made mistakes that I have learned from and that have prepared me for what lies ahead.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your lifetime?

Hmm. I have several. First, I have learned that leadership is not about me, and leadership should have very little to do with your ego. Second, I have learned to say “yes” to opportunities even when they freaked me out. Lastly, I don’t burn bridges. I am where I am today because I maintained contact with key people in my networks.

Which woman has had the most significant impact on you as a Warrior Woman?  Why did you choose her?

This may sound like a cliché but it is my mommy! My mom has a heart of gold. She is selfless, compassionate, and epitomizes servant leadership. She constantly reminds me of who I am and whose I am. This helps realign me with my purpose when I lose sight of it and encourages me to be fearless in my pursuits. 

Who are some of your female mentors?  How have they contributed to your success?

I have so many and do not want to leave anyone out. So, I will say that I have received intentional mentoring from family members, friends, sorority sisters, church leaders, community leaders, teachers, and colleagues. They have helped me accomplish my goals by strategizing, coaching, editing papers, connecting me to individuals, organizations, networks, movements, and resources. These unselfish efforts have shaped my world view and success.

Define a “Warrior Women.” What are some traits that you think a Warrior Woman should possess?

A warrior woman has humility, exercises discernment, and answers the call to servant leadership.  

How do you encourage and lead other women to be Warrior Women?

That’s an excellent question, and as a young woman, I have had the privilege of embracing the leadership mantle. I have a universal philosophy and message that help to empower girls and women (even older women).

• Do not dim your magic to fit into people’s boxes. Be creative, be weird, speak up…you will one day use these characteristics to dismantle oppressive systems and build communities of excellence. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
• Although, you may not win every race, continue to walk in your truth. Always speak truth to power.
• Have integrity and do the work. No short cuts.
• The best kind of leadership is servant leadership. Self-glorification is the demise of that.
• Advocate for yourself and for others-especially other girls and women. In a world where women are taught to see each other as competitors, remember that we are allies. Support women, trust women, build bridges of understanding and solidarity with women. Sisterhood is the cornerstone of our collective success.

What career advice would you give to the next generation of Warrior Women?

My career advice for the next generation of Warrior Women is that regardless of where you are–high school, college, early career–is that you belong and you should go after your dreams.

• Apply for the job or internship.
• Research the salary before you go for the interview, and negotiate your salary. I like to say, “Know your value, and add tax!”
• Do the work, no shortcuts.
• Speak up for yourself and for others.
• Set professional boundaries.
• Advocate for your promotions.
• Identify a mentor or two within the organization or within your field
• Take your vacation/ time off and come back rested and rejuvenated.
• Always, always have professional pursuits going on for yourself outside of your 9-5 job.
• Build your network from the first day and continue to do so.
• Volunteer in your community. Volunteering keeps you humble and motivated. It also builds a different type of skillset.
• Publish your work. This is something that I still struggle with but it can be something as simple as a social media post or a guest blog to something more sophisticated as a report, article, or book.
• Get involved with an organization or movement.
• Identify or nurture existing mentor-mentee relationships because it will keep your perspective fresh and open other opportunities.

Know your value and add tax.

Danielle Agyemang

What are some of your hobbies?  What do you do in your downtime?

I enjoy dancing the night away to Afrobeats and Soca music, catching a play at the theater, going to a comedy show, pampering myself to a spa day with friends. My hobbies include planning travel adventures, photography, and creative writing.

If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I have so many questions about the world, my life, humanity… 

Tell us about your self-care routine.

Well, I am lucky to have recognized the value of self-care early in life. My self-care routine consists of lots of reflection, prayer, reading, conversations with my mom, Netflix, and naps these days. I go for long walks, try to maintain a balanced diet, and connect with friends.

In what areas do you struggle the most in your self-care?

Ooh, you went there. My biggest struggles are with drinking enough water and exercising consistently. With a busy work and travel (both professional and personal) schedule, it’s often challenging to keep a routine. Different time zones, jet lag, lack of sleep, hectic agendas…sometimes throw me off my game. The global pandemic has slowed things down drastically for me, so home-based workouts have been my go-to thing to stay physically active. However, I prefer group fitness classes like kickboxing, Zumba, and spin cycle. I am looking forward to returning to a gym post COVID, whenever that may be.  

Name one song on your playlist that keeps you motivated.

Made for Now by Janet Jackson featuring Daddy Yankee.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Sene-Gambian or Ghanaian jollof rice/benechin, jerk and brown stew chicken, and macaroni and cheese all remind me of home and family. I also like all of the typical junk food like pizza, tacos, burgers, fries, brownies, cheesecake, ice cream, cookies. They all make me happy, but everything in moderation. Haha.

What’s your biggest shopping vice?

I am an adventurer, and all my money goes to seeing the world. I’ve been to 50+ countries and counting.

What’s your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is anywhere there are blue waters, white sand, and fun in the sun.

What would you like to share about your family life?

My family are my biggest motivators. They push me towards excellence, and they love me, flaws and all. I feel so incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview with Danielle Agyemang.  I think that you will also enjoy learning about our other warrior women such as Bettina Giles-Byrd, Denise Octavia Smith, and Leisha Mckinley-Beach. 

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Warrior Woman Playlist

Our Warrior Woman playlist is part of our music is healing project. The playlist features songs of liberation, freedom, empowerment, and resilience by female artists.  It was compiled by Brittney Drakeford, a fellow cohort 2 member of the RWJF COHL program.

It is available on Spotify and Apple Music.  Please follow and be inspired by our other playlists.  Just search under “Keep It Tight Sisters.”