Omenaa Mensah

Entrepreneur, Creator, Philanthropist

A dynamic businesswoman (Ambassador for Forbes Women Poland), producer of popular TV shows such as Extraordinary Homes, and one of Poland's most charismatic TV personalities—but most importantly, a philanthropist and a woman with an extraordinary heart. Born to a Polish mother and a Ghanaian father, Omenaa first visited Ghana, her father's homeland, where she came across the Don Bosco Salesian Centre near Tema. This centre takes in children from the streets, often from backgrounds of extreme poverty or without families. From an early age, these children have faced hardship; among the poorest, it's commonplace for five-year-olds to work in fishing or for slightly older children to labour on plantations. Only by sheer luck do some of these children end up at places like the Don Bosco Centre, where for the first time, they can sleep in a proper bed, use a bathroom, and enjoy a wholesome meal. Upon learning about their tragic circumstances, Omenaa realised that what these children needed most was quality education—something that could break the vicious cycle of poverty. Determined to make a difference, she decided to build them a school, as previously there was no designated learning space at the centre. To that end, in 2014, she established the Omenaa Foundation. With her creativity and business acumen, she raised the considerable funds required to construct and equip a sizeable school building. Thanks to her determination and perseverance, the students at the centre now have the chance to study and broaden their horizons, empowering them to shape their own futures. For her charitable work, Omenaa has been honoured with the “Stars of Charity” Award and now serves on the jury of this prestigious competition.