Omenaa Mensah Crowned Global Woman of Impact at Super Bowl Event
Ghanaian-Polish philanthropist Omenaa Mensah, founder of TOP CHARITY, the largest philanthropic initiative in Central and Eastern Europe, has been honoured with the prestigious Global Woman of Impact Award by Off The Field at the Super Bowl Charity Fashion Show in San Francisco.
The award recognises her transformative work in connecting Africa and Europe through philanthropy, education, and cultural collaboration, as well as her sustained commitment to social development across continents.
Mensah, whose father is Ghanaian and mother Polish, made history as the first woman from outside the United States to receive the Global Woman of Impact Award in its 25-year history. Her recognition during the centennial year of Black History Month further underscores the growing global influence of leaders of African heritage in advancing inclusive and cross-cultural philanthropy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mensah described the honour as deeply personal and symbolic.
“This award is a symbol for every girl who has ever been told she doesn’t deserve something, yet found the determination to keep going,” she said.
“When I was six years old, my father told me I would have to work twice as hard to prove my worth. Honestly, I never imagined that one day I would be standing here before you. Thank you for this recognition, it gives me even more strength to continue, because I believe we are building a community of people who truly care. And people who succeed carry a responsibility to support those in need.”
Over more than 12 years, Mensah’s humanitarian and development initiatives have impacted millions of lives worldwide, with a strong focus on vulnerable communities in Africa and Europe.
Her work has contributed to improving the living conditions of over two million people, while supporting the rescue, care, and education of more than 400 children in Ghana through the Kids Haven School initiative. She has also co-created nearly 200 social impact projects through the Philanthropic Consortium, fostering collaboration between private sector leaders and development partners.
Mensah is also the founder of TOP CHARITY, which within five years has mobilised nearly 150 million Polish zloty (PLN) from entrepreneurs and partners to fund social, educational, and humanitarian programmes across Europe. The initiative has become a major platform for structured, transparent, and high-impact philanthropy in the region.
Presenting the Global Woman of Impact Award to a Ghanaian-Polish leader at one of the world’s most visible sporting and cultural events highlights a broader shift in global philanthropy, one that is increasingly international, culturally inclusive, and shaped by leaders with deep African roots.
Past recipients of the Global Woman of Impact Award include Robin Roberts, Kathy Ireland, Gayle Benson, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Marlo Thomas, Nina Vaca, and Janice Bryant Howroyd. This year, alongside Mensah, Off The Field also honoured changemakers across culture, health, sports, and social advocacy, including Grammy-winning singer Ashanti, children’s advocate Sara Hood, mental health leader April Simpkins, and pharmaceutical innovator Gilead Sciences. Mensah’s recognition places Ghana prominently on the global philanthropy map, reinforcing the role of African-linked leadership in shaping compassionate, impact-driven development worldwide.
