Afia Gyamea Duku Yeboah

Washington University, Olin Business School in St. Louis

“Friday-named, Ghana-rooted, lover of décor and unique fashion sense with a shy charm, unleashing humor as an extroverted introvert.”

Hometown: Columbus Ohio

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am like a silent chef-photographer, Shyness level: 100 around strangers; unleashing stand-up comedian mode with friends.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Apakan Securities, Compliance Manager

What has been your favorite part of St. Louis so far? What makes St. Louis such a great place to earn an MBA? Beyond the thriving art scene and diverse cuisine, it’s the fusion of European charm and Olin’s world-class MBA program that truly makes it exceptional.

You completed your Global Immersion earlier this year? What was the best part of the immersion experience for you? What was the biggest takeaway you gained?

Embarking on the global immersion journey earlier this year was a profound chapter of eye-opening experiences and personal growth. Navigating diverse corners of the world, I had the privilege of engaging with business leaders who shared the blueprint of building enterprises from the ground up. The awe-inspiring tales of their journeys, forming formidable alliances and tackling uniquely relatable business challenges left an indelible mark on my perspective.

However, beyond the boardrooms and business strategies, my personal joy unfolded in the lens of my camera. Traveling the globe allowed me to capture the authentic beauty and curiosity of people from various cultures. Photography became my passport to the hearts of communities, a visual narrative that transcended language barriers. Each click framed not just faces but stories, connecting me to the essence of their cultures.

The biggest takeaway was not just confined to business lessons; it was a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity. The shared threads of joy, struggle and innovation weave through the global business landscape. Learning the culture of each community, revealing histories and the unique tapestry that shaped their identity.

Aside from your immersion and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Olin’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Selecting Olin was a seamless decision, having graduated from Washington University Law School. Transitioning to Olin felt like crossing into another part of my favorite academic neighborhood. The commitment and excellence of Olin’s professors resonated with my positive experiences in the law program. What truly made WashU Olin stand out was its ethos—values-based, data-driven and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a law student, this alignment was the proverbial icing on the cake, offering a continuous bridge between disciplines while enhancing my educational journey with a dynamic and principled MBA program.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Olin? At WashU Olin, the Healthcare Management and Marketing Innovation course has been an unparalleled highlight of my academic journey. Delving into the intricacies of healthcare management and the dynamic landscape of marketing innovation has not only expanded my knowledge, but has also provided a practical understanding of these critical sectors. The course’s blend of theoretical insights and hands-on applications has been intellectually stimulating and directly applicable to the real-world challenges I anticipate facing in my career.

Simultaneously, my engagement with the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Club has been immensely rewarding. This platform fosters a vibrant community of aspiring business leaders and facilitates invaluable networking opportunities. Interacting with peers, alumni and partner companies who share a commitment to mentoring emerging leaders has broadened my perspectives. The club’s emphasis on practical insights and guidance from experienced mentors align seamlessly with my aspirations to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant career achievement lies in my journey through banking and securities compliance, where I cultivated expertise and contributed to regulatory adherence in the financial sector. The pinnacle of this journey, however, is my upcoming internship with Humana Healthcare Insurance. Transitioning into the healthcare industry, particularly in the compliance department, represents a pivotal accomplishment. It signifies my adaptability across sectors and a commitment to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, showcasing a versatile skill set and a dedication to ensuring ethical and compliant practices in diverse industries.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: The crescendo of this MBA journey is my forthcoming internship at Humana Healthcare Insurance. Shifting from a career in banking and securities compliance to healthcare compliance marks not just a career pivot, but also underscores the sense of adaptability through the training I receive from my classes and team engagement at Olin. My MBA at WashU Olin isn’t merely an academic pursuit; it’s a comprehensive and transformative experience that harmonizes diverse elements of my identity, professional journey and aspirations.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Navigating the MBA journey has been a wall-hanging experience, but one memory shines as the brightest star in this constellation. During the global immersion program, my academic pursuits merged seamlessly with my passion for photography. Capturing the essence of diverse cultures and business landscapes, this memory encapsulates the fusion of learning, cultural appreciation and personal growth, making it the most cherished moment of my MBA journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON OLIN’S MBA CLASS OF 2025