Dr. Ophelia Delali Amenuxe Akoto is a Postdoctoral Lecturer at the Clinton School of Public Service. Her research focuses on women’s economic and labor force development, STEM education policy, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity policy, and livelihood security. As a trained social policy researcher, Dr. Akoto has expertise in mixed-methods research, program development, data analysis, and policy evaluation. Through her scholarship, Dr. Akoto seeks to develop evidence-based policies that expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce participation, and promote inclusive economic development globally.
Dr. Akoto has contributed to education and workforce development initiatives through international projects with the United States Agency for International Development and Catholic Relief Services across Ethiopia, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She also served as a Research and Evaluation Fellow at Vital Voices Global Partnership in Washington, D.C., where she evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women across the organization’s global network. As a researcher for the Newport Economic Development Committee, she investigated barriers to women’s labor force participation in Newport, Arkansas, and developed policy recommendations to promote local economic growth.
Outside of academia, Dr. Akoto is the Founder of LiberateHer Cycle, a nonprofit organization operating in the United States and Ghana that advances girls’ education by addressing period poverty and other barriers to educational attainment. Through LiberateHer Cycle, she leads initiatives that provide menstrual health resources, educational support, and leadership opportunities, empowering girls and young women to remain in school, realize their full potential, and become agents of change in their communities.
Dr. Akoto holds a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Social Policy from Brandeis University, a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Henderson State University.