Akua Opong: An Interview with a Neurodiversity Champion
- GLAM Team
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Akua Opong works as a Senior Engineer for Infrastructure & Cloud Engineering at London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). She is also a STEAM ambassador, mentor, speaker, DEI advocate, board member, and volunteer for many different charitable and nonprofit organizations. In addition, Akua has a very special brain. She has two types of neurodiversity - dyslexia and ADHD. But that doesn’t prevent Akua from excelling at her job or doing all that she can for others. Akua sees her neurodiversity as her superpowers, helping her think in creative ways. She believes that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s our strengths that help us change the world! 💪🏾 🌍 🫶🏽
Neurodiversity Explained
What does the word ‘neurodiversity’ mean?
'Neurodiversity' is a special word used to explain the unique ways people's brains may work. While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function exactly alike. Each brain has special wiring that allows for different ways of learning, thinking, feeling, and responding to input. What is easy for one person may be really difficult for someone else (like riding a bike or whistling). What one person likes may be a strong dislike of someone else (like pizza toppings or ice cream flavors). These variations from person to person make us much more interesting!
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a type of neurodiversity. It is a learning difference that makes reading and writing more difficult. It is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language. Most people with dyslexia have trouble identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. For many people with dyslexia, this also impacts their ability to write.
Akua, what is dyslexia like for you?
“Imagine, letters, words, and sentences are like a puzzle. For most people, they learn to fit them together naturally. For someone with dyslexia, the pieces become mixed up. Sometimes, letters look like they are dancing or hiding, which makes it harder to fit letters together to spell words, to put words in the right order to make a sentence, or to understand what they’re supposed to mean."
"But guess what? People with dyslexia are super smart! Their brains are really good at thinking in creative ways, solving problems, and coming up with new ideas. Many famous inventors, artists, and superheroes in books and movies have dyslexia, too!"
"If someone shares with you that they have dyslexia, then remember—they might read or write differently, but they have amazing talents that make them special!”
What is ADHD?
The letters ‘ADHD’ stand for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Differences in brain management system can cause difficulty focusing, trouble sitting still, and lead to impulsive behaviors. For some people with ADHD, it's harder to pay attention or complete certain tasks that are seen as boring or routine - like brushing your teeth before bed or putting the dishes away. But ADHD can also allow for hyperfocus on things you really enjoy for hours - like Legos, video games, or art.
How do you experience ADHD, Akua?
“Have you ever had so many fun ideas in your head that you wanted to do them all at once? That’s kind of what having ADHD is like! Some people with ADHD have brains that are always thinking of new things and bodies in constant motion. Sometimes, they might have lots of energy and find it hard to sit still. Other times, they might get distracted easily, like when they are playing with toys. Then suddenly, they see something else fun and forget what they were doing. (How many of you experience this when you’re asked to clean up your room? You suddenly discover a hidden toy under your socks and end up leaving your clothes on the floor.)"
"ADHD wiring is like having a race car brain that goes really fast! 🏎💨 But just like driving a race car, people with ADHD can learn how to use their super-speedy brains in amazing ways! They can be really creative, full of great ideas, and super fun to be around."
"If you see a friend who has trouble sitting still or remembering things, remember to be kind, patient, and give gentle reminders to bring their focus back to the room. Everyone’s brain is different, and that’s what makes us all special!"
A Super Helper and Advocate for Others
Akua is a kind, determined person who always helps others, even when things are tough for her. She may be quiet, but she is a great leader who brings people together and makes positive changes in her workplace and community. She believes that everyone should be included and treated fairly, no matter who they are.
Akua works hard to make sure people with different abilities feel supported. She helps her company improve accessibility so that everyone, including those who are neurodivergent (people who think and learn differently), can succeed. She also invites experts to speak about important topics like Neurodiversity, showing that everyone’s unique way of thinking is valuable.
Even though Akua has faced personal challenges, including losing loved ones and dealing with personal health problems, she never stops helping others. She continues to raise money for charity, support her family, and create new projects to make her community and the world a better place. 💞
Akua supporting various STEAM initiatives for girls and young women
Changing the Way People View Neurodiversity
Since joining LSEG in 2019, Akua has worked hard to support people who are neurodivergent. She has helped create new policies, introduced assistive technology (like special tools for reading and writing to help people with different needs ), and started a special Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) group focused on making their workplace more inclusive.
Akua and her CSR group have worked on many special projects. One initiative allows employees to choose to wear sunflower lanyards to show they have a hidden difference. This helps many colleagues feel more comfortable and supported at work. Akua and her group continue to organize coaching sessions, training events, and celebrations like Neurodiversity Week to expose colleagues to different ways of thinking and learning. They share information about how everyone’s brain works in a special way.
Because of Akua and her group’s efforts, LSEG is doing more than ever to support neurodivergent employees. It is becoming a more welcoming, inclusive workplace where everyone is supported to succeed! 🏆
2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) - launch of the sunflower lanyard
Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation
Akua isn’t just making a difference at work—she also helps young people. She mentors and encourages girls to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). She is part of another charitable group that aims to inspire 10,000 girls to explore STEM careers and follow their dreams! 💫
Akua also:
Helps neurodivergent people by working with organizations to make workplaces more inclusive
Has been a judge for Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in the UK by Women beyond the Box
Serves as a Non-Executive Director for Genius Within CIC
Was recognized as one of the top 50 Neurodivergent Women in the UK for her work in supporting others
Supported LSEG colleagues during the pandemic by ensuring they had the technology they needed to work from home
Encourages more Black women to enter STEM fields and shares her own experiences to inspire others
Mentors students and supports schools by providing equipment, career advice, and fundraising for charities
Raises money and helps donate IT equipment like monitors, webcams, and stationery to over 50 schools and charities to support learning
Akua and LSEG WINTech supporting community initiatives
Every person is unique, special, and cannot be defined or labeled by just one thing. Akua is a neurodiversity champion AND she’s so much more! She loves volunteering, helping others, playing sports, actively supporting many communities, AND being a woman in STEAM. Don’t let anyone limit your potential with a label or a diagnosis. Use that information to help you transform it into one of your superpowers. There is no limit for you and your dreams! ✈️
Akua enjoys sports, flying, and advocating for others
GLAM supports and celebrates neurodiversity! We welcome unique female thinkers, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs into our community. To learn more about our STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and leadership development programs, explore more content throughout our website, follow @GLAMReadyToLead on socials, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and read other blogs and press releases. We can’t wait to connect with you!
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