Born and raised in Ghana, Yawa is a graduate of Ashesi University. While there, she became the first female student government president at university level across the entire sub-Saharan Africa region.

Through her project, Leading Ladies Network, Yawa seeks to forge partnerships and sustain mentoring between women who want to learn more, be more and achieve more. She does so by focusing on skill-building, networking and creating support for and among women. Yawa also believes travel can be harnessed as a tool for personal development due to its ability to “transform people without permission”.

TEDxYouthInspire interviewed her about her work with youth in Ghana.

TEDxYouthInspire: What is your motivation for initiating and pursuing the Leading Ladies’ Network?
Yawa Hansen-Quao: There are two things that drive me. The belief that it is possible for a woman to be empowered, yet maintain strong and healthy relationships with men and other women and my own personal need of the support, mentoring and partnerships that LLN provides help me stay focused on building LLN.

TEDxYI: What has been some of your greatest challenges so far with the Leading Ladies’ Network project?
YHQ: There have been many challenges as well as a very steep learning curve. Up until I resigned my full-time job, I was always challenged with having the time to effectively coordinate LLN efforts. I am now free to dedicate the required time and energy towards growing this vision. I am also thrilled about the team that is forming to lead our efforts.

TEDxYI: What future do you envisage for the Leading Ladies’ Network?
YHQ: I envisage a future with numerous Leading Ladies’ groups operating at secondary schools and university campuses and even in people’s homes. I look forward to a future where every LLN member is involved in a tangible project that will bring positive impact to society.

TEDxYI: What has contributed to your successful so far?
YHQ: The same five things that I believe makes anyone truly successful – a personal relationship with God that causes you to recognize your purpose; a dedication to developing the skills and relationships necessary to fulfill your purpose; an audacity to press forward even when everyone, including yourself, thinks you will fail; a humility that reminds you that you are essentially no better than the next person; and compassion demonstrated by your consistent help of others.

TEDxYI: What sets entrepreneurs apart from everybody else?
YHQ: I believe that entrepreneurs are just people with the boldness to follow their dreams and force them into reality.

TEDxYI: Finally, what is your advice for young Africans who are looking to make and see a positive change in their world?
YHQ: Change, if it is going to be meaningful and lasting, must start with you. When you become a better African, then there is hope for a better Africa.

An active changemaker from Agona Kwanyako in the Central Region of Ghana, Esi Yankah is founder and president of The Africa Mentor Network (TAMN), a new kind of organization that allows African leaders to shape the lives of the younger generation through a measurable, long-term networking program.

Cautious to always live a life that is cheerful and purposeful, Esi does not believe that entrepreneurs like herself are an extraordinary breed of people; rather, as she explains, “We just back our faith with action.”

TEDxYouthInspire: What has been some of your greatest challenges so far with your project, The Africa Mentor Network?
Esi Yankah: Just like the Parable of the Sower, no good comes without challenges. The Africa Mentor Network, a project I am deeply passionate about, has taken me though many ups and downs. There have been days when I just want to give up, but I remind myself that people are counting on me and that keeps me moving.

In the initial stages, one major challenge I faced was getting people to support my vision for the organization. When you start something new, there is always a crop of disbelievers. You have those who join, but don’t want to put work into elevating the project; the naysayers, who discourage you and think the vision is too big; and those who just want to be attached to the project if it becomes big.

TEDxYI: You’ve been quoted as saying, “Africa needs us!” in relation to talented young Africans continuing to build a strong, fruitful continent. How is TAMN filling this need?
EY: There is a need in Africa for motivated, inspired young people who have an interest in opportunities on and development of the continent as a whole. Filling that need is the mission of TAMN. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the young and the old, the rich and the poor; to unite and become agents of change within our societies.

TEDxYI: How do you define success?
EY: Success means caring for people and bringing them along with you as you make your way up your ladder of achievement.

TEDxYI: What advice do you have for young Africans looking to make a positive change in the world?
EY: Young people need to rise up and be the change they want to see. They have to realize they are responsible for their own future and should therefore avoid being an audience. They need to become active participators in the process of transformation.

Esi Yankah will be speaking at TEDxYouthInspire in Accra, Ghana on April 10, 2010. To learn more about her visit www.africamentor.org.

Interview kindly conducted by TEDxYouthInspire volunteer Daisy Baffoe.