Today we’d like to introduce you to Leisa Boakye-Dankwah.
Hi Leisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Leisa, pronounced “Lisa” . My last name Boakye-Dankwah is Ghanaian. I was born in The Democratic Republic of Congo, formally known as Zaire.
My parents were missionaries with the USA Presbyterian Church. When I was a toddler, my parents returned back to the United States and I grew up in Columbus, Ohio.
This was around the late 1980’s, when most of the Ghanaian community in Columbus Ohio were students with families.
I have 3 older brothers and 2 younger sisters. Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of education and success. I watched my father achieve his Doctorate degree in education, while my mother worked multiple jobs to support our family.
When I was about 8 years old, my mother decided to go back to school and get her GED. She was 40 years old with 5 kids when she enrolled in nursing school. Because she was forced to drop out of school at an early age, she had limited literacy, language, and writing skills. So, I used to help my mom type her papers for nursing school. She is such an influential person in my life. Watching her graduate with her associate degree in nursing inspired me to become a nurse.
But what kind of nurse would I be?
Why did I choose women’s health nursing?
That decision was based off my Ghanaian culture. As a Ghanaian Christian, speaking on the topic of sex and pregnancy outside of marriage was strongly discouraged. I didn’t understand what sex actually meant. Like most people my age, we were introduced to sex through the influence from school and peers. But still, basic knowledge about a female or male body and hygiene were beyond me.
My parents are amazing and did everything to make sure we succeeded. But generational and cultural influence hindered the opportunity for them to teach me about my body and sex. As a teenager, I struggled with body dysmorphia through puberty and shame when I started my period.
After graduating with my bachelor in science of nursing Degree in 2008, I started my career in labor and delivery. I received experience through travel nursing and later advanced my career as a nurse educator. I remember my father being so proud of me when I graduated with my masters In nursing education. I felt accomplished knowing I became both a nurse and an educator like my parents.
But still, there was a void in my career. So I changed my career path and focused on educating childbearing families in the community. I quickly realized that I am so fond of teaching and decided to create content on social media to teach both women and men about sexual health, pregnancy, and lactation.
What may seem uncomfortable or inappropriate to speak about, I choose to make mention of. I love everything about sexual health, pregnancy, postpartum and Lactation. These are my passions and truly my purpose in life. I love encouraging others to explore and understand their sexual health. To be able to participate in their pregnancy and postpartum care. To achieve their breastfeeding goals with support. That’s when I feel fulfilled.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I’m a first-generation immigrant from Ghana living in America. There were and will always be cultural challenges that I endure. But, I’ve learned to develop amazing strategies to deal with such challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and a Certified Lactation Counselor. I’m known on Social Media for my digital Creation page OB_and_Beyond. I focus on addressing health concerns that are specific to women’s and men’s sexual health, as well as pregnancy and lactation.
My comfort and confidence in the ability to speak facts about topics that are usually considered taboo in my Ghanaian culture are what make me unique. I grew up in a community that does not openly discuss sexual health or sex for that matter. But, through my educational training and career, I’ve become fond of teaching many about their sexual and reproductive health.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite childhood memory is my family of 7 traveling around the country on summer vacation. My parents taught us how to work hard and enjoy life at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @OB_and_Beyond
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@OB_and_
Beyond
