The current ARA-W leadership team, arranged by role and collaboration across the organization.
President
Dr. Paule Valery Joseph leads ARA-W’s strategic initiatives and partnerships, drawing on deep experience in research management and organizational leadership. She works with the board and executive team to align programs with long-term impact goals. She also strengthens relationships with institutions and supporters who share ARA-W’s mission.
CEO & Co-Founder
As CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Kwadwo A. Sarpong leads ARA-W’s growth, partnerships, and day-to-day operations alongside the leadership team. He connects the organization with research institutions, donors, and communities committed to expanding women’s participation in STEM research. His focus is on sustainable program design and measurable outcomes for scholars and alumni.
Co-Founder & Former President
Dr. Shadrack Frimpong co-founded ARA-W and served as its founding president, establishing the organization’s foundation and early vision. He helped launch the programs and partnerships that defined ARA-W’s first cohorts. He continues to champion research access and mentorship for women in STEM.
Vice President
Dr. Adaobi Okocha is a pediatrician and long-time ARA-W leader who helped shape the summer research program and broader organizational growth. She brings clinical and public health perspective to program design and scholar support. She collaborates across teams to keep cohort experiences rigorous, safe, and student-centered.
Vice President Elect
Olivia Vashti Ayim is an atmospheric physicist pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Oxford. Her research examines how human activities contribute to extreme weather events and related climate dynamics. She supports ARA-W’s leadership in strategic planning and scholar-facing initiatives.
Director of Programs
Akua Serwaa-Sarfo is a public health researcher and mental health advocate with more than a decade of experience in holistic health and disease prevention. She directs ARA-W’s program portfolio, ensuring curricula, logistics, and partner engagement stay aligned with scholar needs. She emphasizes evidence-informed practice and inclusive support for participants.
Director of Mentorship Program
Dr. Isaac Antwi is a medicinal chemistry research scientist whose work spans drug discovery, asymmetric catalysis, and natural product diversification. He directs ARA-W’s mentorship program, pairing scholars with mentors and structuring touchpoints across the research cycle. He focuses on building skills, confidence, and professional networks that outlast a single summer.
Director of Web Development and Data Analysis
Olatide Michael Omojaro is a Georgia Tech doctoral researcher working in semi-supervised learning for artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He leads ARA-W’s web and data efforts, ensuring digital tools support applications, storytelling, and responsible use of analytics. He partners with program staff to turn data into insight while protecting participant privacy.
Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach
Emily Otoo-Quayson is a creative marketer with a strong commitment to sustainability and social impact. She leads alumni relations and outreach, keeping graduates connected to mentorship, events, and opportunities across the ARA-W network. She develops campaigns and partnerships that highlight scholar voices and long-term program outcomes.
Director of Finance
Victoria Tanoh is a finance, technology, and science professional pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Science and Technology. She directs ARA-W’s financial operations, internal controls, and reporting in support of the board and executive leadership. She ensures resources are stewarded transparently across programs, grants, and partnerships.
Secretary, Board of Directors
Lyne Libale serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for ARA-W, supporting governance, documentation, and board operations alongside the executive team. She brings a healthcare engineering and quality assurance background, with experience across regulatory compliance and organizational systems. She helps strengthen accountability and alignment between the board and program leadership.
Social Media Manager
Jessica Lamptey manages ARA-W’s digital presence and community engagement across social platforms. She coordinates content calendars, live coverage, and audience responses during programs and campaigns. She works closely with leadership to keep messaging accurate, welcoming, and aligned with the organization’s values.
Copyright © 2026 — All rights reserved by African Research Academies for Women
