Akua Boakye Okunseinde

Entrepreneur & Sales Executive

Akua Boakye Okunseinde has been inspired to help children and families navigate special health conditions ever since her own son was diagnosed with sickle cell disease while she was eighteen weeks pregnant. She hopes that Skyler’s Special Something serves as a springboard for education, awareness, and empowerment.

Akua earned her bachelor of arts in economics and political science at Tufts University and her master of business administration in marketing and entrepreneurship at Columbia Business School. She was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She currently works in advertising sales at Google in New York City and she is also the cofounder and chief creative officer of Karité, a skincare line she started with her two sisters.

Akua currently resides in New Jersey with her husband, Folu, and her two young sons, Tobi and Kwasi. In her spare time, she enjoys exercise, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Skyler’s Special Something

Skyler has heard the words “sickle cell disease” in his visits to the hospital, but he isn’t sure what they mean—until one day when his parents decide to explain his condition during one of their Saturday morning walks. At first, Skyler is confused. What is sickle cell disease? Why does he have it? How many other people have it? What can be done to make sure he stays safe and strong? As Skyler’s parents patiently field his questions and educate Skyler on his special condition, Skyler grows more confident and empowered.

Skyler’s Special Something is a conversation starter that can aid parents and caregivers in explaining the unexplainable to their children. Inspired by her son’s journey with sickle cell disease, Akua Boakye Okunseinde wrote this book to empower children and parents to openly discuss special health conditions and give them hope for a bright, healthy, and happy future.