Charity Darkwa
Charity Darkwa, also Abena Smiling is a distinguished communicator, the inspirational leader of Smiling Hour, and an ardent advocate for personal and social development. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Culture and Tourism from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she laid the groundwork for her multifaceted career in communications and public relations.
As an adjunct faculty member at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Charity shares her expertise in Media Writing and Interpersonal Communication. With a Master of Arts degree in Communication from ENMU, she served as a Graduate Assistant during her graduate studies, honing her skills in teaching, research, and leadership. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she held the esteemed position of President of the Public Relations Society at ENMU. In this role, Charity passionately led and fostered a vibrant community of Communication and PR enthusiasts and aspiring professionals, driving forward the mission of the society with unparalleled dedication and vision.
Charity's professional experience is as diverse as it is impactful. Prior to her current role, she served as a photo digitization expert and research assistant at the J.H. Kwabena Nketia Archives, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. This position followed her National Service requirement in Ghana, where she developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Charity's academic excellence has been recognized with several prestigious honors. She has been elected and inducted into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of her superior scholarship and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Furthermore, she was awarded the Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication and the Most Outstanding Student in Public Relations for the 2023/2024 academic year, accolades that highlight her exceptional achievements and commitment to her field.
Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Charity is deeply committed to community service and personal empowerment. She has founded numerous initiatives aimed at inspiring and uplifting young minds. One of her notable projects is the Smiling Hour, an inspirational network dedicated to elevating the minds and standards of young individuals through active communication and engagement, founded in 2017.
Charity's dedication to community development and education is further exemplified by her role as the host of the National Schools’ Sanitation and Inspection Tour Program by One on One Foundation from 2019 to 2023. In this capacity, she worked tirelessly to promote hygiene and sanitation awareness among students, fostering a healthier and more informed youth population. Additionally, she has actively moderated events for AZone Network, highlighting her commitment to volunteerism and social engagement.
Throughout her career, Charity has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and leadership. During her time at KNUST, she was honored with the titles of Female Personality of the Year and Most Popular Female with a Purpose by the Tourism Students Association, 2018/2019 academic year, accolades that underscore her influence and dedication.
Charity's extensive background in volunteering across cultures and her unwavering advocacy for positivity and personal growth continue to inspire those around her.
