Grads of CPS: Kwadwo Kyei Boahene, MS Project Management
Please provide 3 words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Transformative, Innovative and Corroborative
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Amanokrom, Ghana
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern University has revealed that I am far more resilient, adaptable, and ambitious than I ever realized. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on co-op experiences, and collaboration with a diverse community, I’ve discovered my ability to multitask, thrive in fast-paced environments as CPS was on the trimester schedule, embrace challenges, and continuously seek to improve myself.
It has also reinforced my passion for innovation, leadership, and problem-solving, particularly in project management and technical fields. More importantly, my time at Northeastern has shown me the power of networking, perseverance, and stepping outside my comfort zone pushing me toward a future filled with endless possibilities.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
What motivated me to push through the challenging moments of obtaining my degree was my family’s unwavering support and the deep sense of purpose I carry for my future philanthropic work. Coming from Amanokrom, Ghana, where opportunities can be limited, I’ve always felt a responsibility to not only prove myself but to create pathways for others who may not have the same privileges hence establishing the Adoye Foundation.
My family’s sacrifices and belief in me fueled my determination, especially in moments of doubt. Some of my relatives didn’t initially understand the value of my decision to study project management with a focus on agile and technical projects, but rather than discouraging me, it strengthened my resolve to excel. I wanted to show them and myself that I could carve a meaningful path that blends innovation, leadership, and impact.
Beyond personal success, my ultimate goal is to use my knowledge and experience to drive philanthropic initiatives, particularly in Ghana and Africa as a whole. I envision creating sustainable development projects, mentoring young professionals, and investing in programs that empower underserved communities. This vision kept me going during late nights of studying, demanding co-op experiences, and moments of uncertainty.
At Northeastern, I learned that challenges are not roadblocks but steppingstones toward something greater. Every obstacle I faced became a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of giving back values that will guide me as I step into the next chapter of my journey.
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
Experiential learning at Northeastern University has been one of the most transformative aspects of my education, allowing me to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
My six-month co-op as a Project Engineer was a defining experience. I had the opportunity to oversee a residential construction project in East Boston, manage contracts, and collaborate with subcontractors, real-world responsibilities that tested my problem-solving and leadership skills. I took the initiative in streamlining the subcontractor bidding process and introduced a site safety checklist that improved compliance and reduced incidents. This hands-on experience reinforced my passion for project management and technical leadership.
Coming from a construction and nonprofit background, one of my highlights was utilizing experiential learning to expand into the tech industry, aligning with my concentration in agile methodologies and leading technical projects. Through Northeastern’s project-based coursework, hackathons, and networking events, I gained firsthand exposure to how agile principles drive innovation in tech-driven environments by attending spring husky-trek, helping me pivot toward my long-term career goals.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself as a certified project management powerhouse leading high-impact infrastructure and technology projects while balancing my ambitions with a fulfilling personal life (and maybe, just maybe, answering endless questions from my family about when I’m getting married).
By 2030, I aim to be in a senior project management role at a global company, preferably in construction tech, health, or a sustainability-driven organization. By this time, I should have at least two major large-scale projects under my belt, contributing to lean infrastructure and economic development initiatives, ideally with a direct impact in Africa. I also want to lead multi-faceted fashion brands while obtaining my PMP, Agile, or Lean Six Sigma certification to solidify my expertise.
With the foundation I’ve built at Northeastern, my co-op experience, and my drive for continuous learning, I know this goal is within reach. Plus, I’ll be actively networking, building strategic connections. Lastly and most importantly socially impacting lives with my nonprofit Adoye Foundation which focuses on young underprivileged Africans and creating pathways for their success. And let’s not forget, a solid answer for my relatives when they ask, “So when is the wedding?”
Five years from now, I don’t just want success; I want fulfillment, a career that challenges me, excites me, and allows me to give back. And if all else fails, at least I’ll have great stories to tell at family gatherings (along with a rehearsed response to the marriage questions).
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
If there’s one piece of advice, I’d like to leave you with, it’s to run your own race, at your own pace. Life isn’t a competition, and comparing yourself to others will only invite unnecessary stress. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s what makes each story unique and valuable.
There’s an African proverb that says, “The sun and the moon do not race against each other; they shine when it’s their time.” In the same way, your path in life, your career, and even your personal growth will unfold at the right time not according to someone else’s timeline.
It’s easy to feel pressured when you see others hitting milestones, landing dream jobs, buying houses, getting married, or achieving success early. But remember fast does not always mean fulfilling. Some people sprint, others take steady steps, but what matters most is that you keep moving forward, learning, and growing in your own way. So, whether you’re still figuring things out or on a clear path, embrace your process, trust your timing, and celebrate your progress—no matter how small. Because at the end of the day, it’s your story that matters, not the speed at which you write it.
