From South London to Global Changemaker: Akosua Dardaine’s LSBU Journey
Starting as an international student navigating the streets of South London, Akosua Dardaine’s journey at LSBU became the launchpad for a global mission of empowerment, social change, and leadership. From the vibrant classrooms of LSBU to founding a world-renowned NGO, Akosua's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of possibility.
Tell us about your background, what did you study, and why did you choose LSBU?
I came to LSBU as an international student from Trinidad and Tobago, initially drawn by the University’s central location in the heart of London. But beyond that, what truly drew me in was LSBU’s reputation for treating Black and Caribbean students with dignity and respect. From the very first interaction, even before I enrolled, I was welcomed with warmth, authenticity, and a genuine willingness to help. That made me feel like LSBU was a place where I could truly belong and grow.
Initially, my focus was on Finance, as I had a strong interest in understanding the world of business and numbers. However, my path shifted after taking a course with Professor Bruce Lloyd. His teaching opened my mind to the vast possibilities of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. That experience inspired me to transfer into the MBA programme, where I could explore not just the mechanics of business, but also the creative, strategic, and human aspects of leadership.
Choosing LSBU turned out to be one of the most transformative decisions of my life. It gave me both the academic grounding and the courage to reimagine what was possible for my career and future.
How would you describe your experience at LSBU?
My time at LSBU was nothing short of life-changing. I built lifelong friendships with people from across the globe; those relationships helped me gain a broader worldview and offered a support network I still lean on today.
London became home for over ten years. I didn’t just study here, I lived and breathed the city. The diversity, the culture, and the energy all played a vital role in shaping who I am.
But most importantly, LSBU helped me grow into myself. I became more confident, more open-minded, and more prepared to lead. It was a space where I was encouraged to stretch beyond what I thought was possible. That shift in mindset has shaped every aspect of my journey since.
What support services or opportunities did you make use of at LSBU?
I accessed career advice services, which were incredibly valuable, especially as an international student exploring different options in a new country. The advice I received was timely, authentic, and relevant to my journey.
I also made the most of the library, student talks, and one-on-one conversations with Professor Lloyd. He offered essential guidance when I was exploring the idea of setting up a business back in Trinidad and Tobago. That support planted the seeds of what would later become my life’s work.
What path did you follow after graduation?
After completing my MBA, I began my career in Finance, working as an accountant for a major global media company in London. But while I was still finishing my group project at LSBU, I also started volunteering with an organisation in Bethnal Green that supported women through entrepreneurship. That experience became the turning point in my career.
I realised then that I didn’t want to just work with numbers, I wanted to use business as a tool for social transformation. That passion led me to work in Africa, India, and across the Caribbean, all with one mission: empowering women and young people. Today, I’m the founder of the Nina Program, an internationally recognised NGO based in Trinidad and Tobago. We work with young women transitioning from state and foster care, using creative, non-traditional methods, art, dance, storytelling to foster healing, self-love, and leadership.
It’s work that has been recognised with multiple awards, including:
- Caribbean Female Social Entrepreneur of the Year
- The Merikin National Award for Service to Women
- The International Women’s Federation of Trinidad and Tobago Inspirational Leader Award
But while the recognition is humbling, the real reward is seeing lives transformed, one young woman at a time.
How did your time at LSBU prepare you for all of this?
LSBU didn’t just give me academic knowledge; it gave me the confidence and courage to lead. The MBA programme taught me how to think critically, manage complex projects, and lead with both vision and compassion. Being surrounded by such a diverse community helped expand my perspective. I learned how to navigate different cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking, skills that have proven invaluable as I’ve worked internationally. And most importantly, LSBU made me believe in what was possible. That mindset has been the foundation of everything I’ve built since.
What advice would you give to international students joining LSBU?
Immerse yourself. Dive into the culture of the school, connect with the beautifully diverse student body, explore London’s vibrancy, and make every day count. The experience is what you make it.
What would you say to students looking to follow a similar path to yours?
Keep an open mind and bet on yourself. You never know where the journey will take you. A degree is more than just a qualification; it’s a sign of your discipline, consistency, and commitment. The rest is up to you. Truly, anything is possible.
What does being an LSBU alum mean to you?
Being an LSBU alum means being part of a community that helped shape my career, my confidence, and my worldview. It’s about resilience, transformation, and the belief that education can change lives. LSBU gave me the foundation to dream bigger, take risks, and create a meaningful impact not just for myself, but for others.