About me
multi-cultural and holistic roots
Hi everyone! I’m Andromeda, and I have quite the colorful upbringing which I think tracks, as I’m a very excitable person! I'm first generation Ghanaian, Indigenous-American, and more born and raised in the US in New England. I lived in places that are considered small, where you could spend 30 minutes talking to a stranger about how much snow we’re having. My family, throughout my entire childhood emphasized the importance of education but also chasing my joy and seeking fulfilment in whichever path I choose. My inheritance from my childhood is my lifelong of learning, whether I’d cuddle up to a good book, explore nature outside all day, or study classic theatrical films learning all of the songs and lines of each performer. Having one parent as a multi-racial mental health nurse and lifecoach and the other as a Ghanaian highlife musician, my interests reflected my parentage. I studied theatre and psychology in undergraduate university, performing in 2-3 productions a year from age 10 until I obtained my master’s degree in social work becoming a therapist, while also modeling part-time starting at just 16. I’ve always been a creative and an intellect … very left and right-brained.
Growing up in a fusion of cultures, peaked my curiosity in wanting to learn so much about the world, to hear other languages, and experience different foods. I’ve always felt so proud of my roots - my name, our languages - our clothing - our customs. I was often befriending kids from other countries, from as young as 4 years old, visiting their families, and tasting delicious global cuisines. In school from middle school through University, I loved being involved in community from joining the multicultural club, student government, theatre (of course), talent shows every year, being co-captain of the dance team, cheerleading, track, lacrosse, basketball, school chorus, and studying martial arts outside of school at all women’s dojo exposing me to women empowerment at a very young and mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathwork, and reiki. By 15 years old, I was leading guided meditations in class and even led one at our women’s martial arts conference with hundreds of women from all over the world.
One of my greatest gifts from school and my family who is extremely warm-hearted, was my introduction to philanthropy at the age 6, performing Christmas carols with my class at a nursing home and continuing from there into traveling on humanitarian trips during my spring breaks in university, becoming an AmeriCorps member, becoming a PeaceJam youth mentor presenting community projects to Noble Peace Prize Laureates, and neighborhood and environmental rebuilding witu Habitat for Humanity. As I entered in pageants, my service work evolved into partnerships and ambassadorships with charitable organizations and brands all over the world. Becoming Miss United States in 2018 provided me with the tools to create my own mental health organization -Your Mind Matters Global which helps me put a face to therapists and provide free mental health support worldwide. As Miss Universe Ghana, I’ve grown my platform to international spaces providing resources to as many spaces as I can across the globe, letting the world know that asking for help makes you brave.
From social media posts, partnering with wellness and other purposeful brands, facilitating free webinars, and leading my self-care panels and guided meditations, I’ve been blessed to build even more community. I partner with mission-driven individuals and brands to make mental health care accessible and to normalize seeking guidance in therapists and our safe people, and ways to make acts of self-care and self-love core pillars in our lives to heal through self-compassion.
finding purpose