Abena Imhotep
Community builder + writer
Talk topic: Iowa Nice
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers

Abena Imhotep is the founder and Executive Director of Sankofa Strategies Consulting, a firm that guides leaders and business owners in strategies for success through conversations around equity and awareness. A former candidate for Iowa lieutenant governor and an active advocate, Abena sits on the boards of the American Red Cross of Central Iowa, the African American Museum of Iowa, Union of Black America, and Des Moines’ Selma. A published writer, Abena created and runs the Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group (SLG) and the SLG Book Club which promote literacy and lifelong learning by celebrating works by black authors. An award-winning local stage actor and singer, Abena has performed with the Pyramid Theatre Company and Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Most recently, Abena began co-hosting a podcast, Black and Privileged in America, on amplifieddsm.com network, with unavoidable topics that black people navigate in today’s landscape. Abena lives in Des Moines with her husband, Negus, and family.

“I want to inspire people to think deeply about our collective human endeavors and move boldly toward understanding differences. TEDx is a safe space to entertain these notions at critical mass.” – Abena Imhotep