Abena Akuffo-Kelly is a leadership coach and culture change strategist, promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in STEM with her role as the Founder and Director of Kanea Consulting. She has also held high-profile roles in local government, such as Mayor of Folkestone and Chair of the Council. Drawing from her experience in positions of leadership, Abena is a powerful and experienced speaker who provides practical insights transferring into a range of industries.
With a degree in Social Anthropology and a master’s in Computer Science from the University of Kent, Abena worked as a computer science teacher for over 15 years before progressing to Associate Assistant Head of the school. Starting a new chapter in business, she founded Kanea Consulting, providing coaching, mentoring and consultancy to a range of organisations, including the NHS, UNISON and BCS, and started a local social enterprise, Repairs Together. Establishing herself as a trusted local business figure, she is an advisor for Leaders Plus and Kent Police. She also works internationally as the Professional Development Lead for STEM Learning. Building on her career, Abena serves as a District Councillor and was the Chair of Folkestone and Hythe District Council. In 2024, she was elected Mayor of Folkestone, where she represented her local community for a year. Abena continues to work in local government and chairs the Overview & Scrutiny and Finance & Performance Committees, alongside utilising her technology expertise as Chief AI Learning & Transformation Officer at Anaiya Group Ltd.
As a passionate diversity, equality and inclusion advocate, Abena works with WI-HER, Fabian Women's Network and Labour Women’s Network to help women find their voice and step into positions of leadership. She also works with schools and higher education providers to speak on diversity, with a prominent role as an Anti-Racist Schools Award Coach at Leeds Beckett University. Recognised for her work, she was a finalist in the Kent Women in Business Awards and the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award in the Diversity Category.
Speaking on STEM, diversity and wellbeing, Abena delivers keynotes, workshops and leadership roundtables, as well as speaking at events, with previous engagements including the I Belong in Computing Conference, University of Cambridge on the AI & Policing panel and the Kent Construction Expo. Providing evidence-based strategies on diversity and inclusion and tailored talks, hire Abena for your next event today!
Abena Akuffo-Kelly's official speaking topics are listed below:
- AI Literacy For Educators & Leaders: Understanding AI, risks, ethics & governance
- Digital Inclusion & Community Empowerment: Bridging digital divides with local & sustainable solutions
- Gender Equity & Political Voice: Empowering women & underrepresented groups to lead & stand for office
- Raising Aspirations in STEM: Practical strategies to engage underrepresented learners & families
- Leading with Psychological Safety: Creating environments where people speak up, learn & thrive
- Anti-Racism in Practice: Moving from statements to systems, with measurable change
- 2026 – Chief AI Learning & Transformation Officer at Anaiya Group Ltd
- 2025 – Executive Committee Member at Fabian Women's Network
- 2025 – Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee & Chair of Finance & Performance Committee at Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- 2025 – Finalist in Kent Women in Business Awards
- 2024 – Nominated for Rising Star Award in Diversity Category
- 2024 – Mayor of Folkestone
- 2024 – Consultant for WI-HER
- 2023 – Anti-Racist Schools Award Coach at Leeds Beckett University
- 2023 – District Councillor & Chair of Council at Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- 2023 – Political Leadership Trainer for Labour Women’s Network
- 2023 – Associate Facilitator for Leaders Plus
- 2023 – ASE Inclusion in Science Programme Educational Consultant at The Association for Science Education
- 2022 – Professional Development Lead for STEM Learning
- 2022 – Advisor & Independent Chair for Kent Police
- 2022 – Founder & Director of Kanea Consulting
- 2022 - Founder & Director of Repairs Together
- 2021 – Associate Assistant Head at The Howard School Kent
- 2002 – Graduated with master’s in Computer Science from University of Kent
- 2000 – Graduated with degree in Social Anthropology from University of Kent
How to hire Abena Akuffo-Kelly
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Abena Akuffo-Kelly for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
