Abena Akuffo-Kelly

Abena Akuffo-Kelly is a highly regarded leadership coach and culture change strategist, widely hired as a female motivational speaker for her ability to empower individuals and organisations to lead with authenticity. Specialising in diversity, equity and inclusion, Abena delivers impactful keynotes, training and consultancy with a strong focus on intersectionality, gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity and political leadership. Her work centres on helping people discover and articulate their unique voice, enabling them to speak with confidence about their identity, values and beliefs. This clarity and purpose underpin her reputation as a compelling and transformative speaker for modern audiences.

Abena’s early career reflects a strong academic and professional foundation, having studied Social Anthropology before completing a master’s in Computer Science. She began her professional journey in education, progressing into senior leadership roles including Associate Assistant Head at The Howard School in Kent. Her passion for development and inclusion led her to become a Professional Development Lead for STEM Learning, where she supported national education initiatives. Alongside this, she expanded her impact by founding Kanea Consulting and Repairs Together, organisations dedicated to leadership, social change and community empowerment, laying the groundwork for her later work as a speaker and consultant.

Her career has since evolved into a portfolio of influential leadership and governance roles. Abena has served as a District Councillor and Chair of Council at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, later progressing to Mayor of Folkestone and holding key committee chair positions. She has also contributed as an Advisor and Independent Chair for Kent Police, and as an educational consultant for organisations such as the Association for Science Education and WI-HER. Her commitment to advancing women in leadership is reflected in her work as a Political Leadership Trainer for Labour Women’s Network and her position on the Fabian Women’s Network Executive Committee. Recognised for her impact, she has been named a finalist in the Kent Women in Business Awards and nominated for a Rising Star Award in the diversity category.

Abena is hired as a female motivational speaker because she bridges lived experience with strategic insight, offering audiences both inspiration and practical frameworks for change. She speaks with authority on navigating complex identities, overcoming systemic barriers and leading with purpose in male dominated or underrepresented spaces. Her sessions resonate with women at all stages of their careers, as well as organisations seeking to build inclusive cultures. Through keynote speeches, workshops and leadership programmes, she equips audiences with the tools to step into their power, communicate with conviction and drive meaningful, lasting impact.