MEET THE FOUNDER

“The future success of the African American community will be determined by how purposeful we are in instilling a sense of culture and shaping the knowledge, skills, and values of our children.”

Over the last decade, I've worked to improve the educational and life outcomes for African American and Hispanic students across the country. In 2018, I founded Danquah Consulting Group which provides consulting support for education and non profit organizations, primarily serving low-income African American and Hispanic communities.  Previously, I held executive leadership positions with several high-performing charter school organizations, where I led efforts to expand access to high-quality education to low-income African American and Hispanic communities in South Central Los Angeles and Memphis.

My passion for helping to improve the educational and life outcomes for children is driven by personal experience. I grew up on Milwaukee's North side, in conditions similar to those that children face in urban school districts across the country. The crime rate and unemployment were high, and gangs and violence were a constant threat. I attended school in the Milwaukee Public School system, which served predominately low-income students of color. African American student achievement was sub par. The average GPA for African American high school students was a 1.3 (D), and the dropout rate was two times the state average. 

I was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet on an income of just $10k a year, and during particularly tough times, we had to rely on public assistance. What my mother lacked in financial means, she more than made up for in courage, determination and vision. She knew that education would open doors for me. From as early as I could remember, she instilled in me a sense of confidence and cultural pride.

I also had the benefit of several aunts who were positive influences, and my grandfather who was a terrific African American male role model and from whom I learned the importance of character, perseverance, and empathy. Even as early as elementary school, I was determined to follow in his footsteps and become an engineer. Other children in my community were not so fortunate.  Many did not have the positive role models and support that I had and were not able to escape the viscous cycle of crime and poverty. 

I studied engineering in high school while also competing in track and field, which culminated in a state championship in the 110m High Hurdles and an athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After college I had successful careers with two leading fortune 500 companies. Throughout my time in college and the corporate world, I often led or volunteered my time with programs that supported at-risk youth, but I still felt there was more that I could do to support my community. In 2010, I was accepted to the Broad Residency program, which is a highly selective two year training and development program. There, I earned a masters degree in education leadership and began my journey working with charter schools.

Through my work in education reform and from personal experience growing up in poverty, I have witnessed many African American children who lack an understanding of their African heritage, their history, and the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful lives. As a parent, I understand how hard it is to find products and learning resources that are culturally relevant for our children.  

In 2020, I founded The Nile Movement with the goal of providing parents of children of African descent with the products, tools, and resources that will build their child's knowledge, cultural awareness, and self-confidence.

I hope that our products and resources help empower your children with the knowledge and confidence necessary to live their best lives! 

Please click here to learn more about our products. 

Sincerely,