Our Founders come from different backgrounds but share a common goal to improve the lives of people who struggle to survive everyday. They also share a tireless work ethic, a nothing is impossible attitude and a desire to make the world a better place.
Founder, Ghana
Dr. Samuel Nkrumah “Powerful” Yeboah is the Founder of Project OKURASE in Ghana. He is a master drummer, drum maker, teacher, and performing artist. Above all, he is a strong humanitarian. In 2008 he was awarded the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters from the Medical University of South Carolina and walked in the medical school graduation. He spends most of his time between Ghana and England. His dream is to bring people together to solve everyday life's most challenging problems and make the world a better place for everyone. From the time he was a small child, he has had a desire to work to eliminate hunger and poverty. He is exceptionally hard working. His heart is full of kindness and his laugh is contagious.
Founder, USA
Dr. Cynthia Cupit Swenson is the Founder of Project OKURASE in the United States. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Florida State University in 1991. Currently Dr. Swenson is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Division of Global and Family Health at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is the developer of a treatment model for families who come before Child Protective Services due to an abuse or neglect report. The purpose of this model, Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) is to safely keep families together and prevent violence or neglect in the family. Dr. Swenson has published many journal articles, book chapters, and three books. She is incredibly hardworking and dedicated to the vision of Project OKURASE and to the people of Okurase.
