US Board
Brady Blackburn, Chairman of the Board
Brady Blackburn’s life was changed by a study abroad in Ghana in 2012. The culture got into his blood and he happily returned five more times after that, once for seven months during the initial construction of Kasadwini Atenaeɛ, the language arts center in the rural village of Asisiriwa. He has also worked there as a program leader for a study abroad organization, helping introduce American high school students to Ghanaian culture. He earned his Master of Arts in African Verbal and Visual Arts at the University of Bayreuth in Germany in 2019, and works as a research associate with the project Recalibrating Afrikanistik. He also teaches at the University of Bayreuth and is continuing his study of languages, including Akan Twi, Norwegian, and German.
His focus in on the representation of minority languages and their development through creative writing.
Dustin Wilson, Treasurer
Dustin Wilson brings a multi-industry financial background to Untold International, as well as a support system solidly grounded in reality. His management skills and wisdom keep the founders’ dreams afloat, and he ensures the organization’s resources remain replenished.
Dustin lives and works in Colorado with his wife Shawna and their three daughters.
Jason Medina, Secretary
Jason Medina was introduced to Untold International through his daughter and co-founder Kaitlyn, and immediately became involved. Over the years of its development, he has been a strong voice of support and guidance, volunteering countless hours of his time and managerial expertise to realize the goal of bringing literacy education and resources to people on the other side of the globe. Service is not new to Jason, however, as he has previously served on the board of the Loveland Youth Gardeners and volunteered for years when not working as a mechanical engineer and project champion.
Jason lives in Colorado with his wife Robin and their two dogs Poco and Loki.
Anne Thingelstad Blackburn, Director of Development
Anne Thingelstad Blackburn joined the Untold International board of directors in 2021 as the Director of Development. Her unwavering support of Untold International since its inception has led to donations of books, school supplies, clothing, and more to the community of Asisiriwa. Anne’s background as a writer, educator, and administrator, as well as a staunch advocate for literacy and literature, makes her a perfect addition to our board.
Anne lives in Colorado with her dog Kaya.
Ghana Board
Clement Quist Nsabaah, Director of Operations
When he was first introduced to Untold International, Quist was working at the Asisiriwa Junior High School as a computer technology teacher. He immediately supported the project to build a literacy center in the village and has since worked tirelessly to make that goal a reality. He volunteers as a liaison to the community on behalf of Untold International and manages the finances on the ground in Ghana. He is an indispensable part of the Untold International board and team, and we are extremely grateful for him, his work, and his continued support.
Quist currently teaches at a nearby school in Feyiase.
Kasadwini Atenaeɛ Staff
Mary Akayini
Mary recently earned her diploma in basic education and works as the head teacher at Kasadwini Atenaeɛ, where she teaches extracurricular literacy and public speaking courses in both English and Twi. She also began offering a class on reproductive health and menstruation for both boys and girls in Asisiriwa and nearby towns in 2021, with help from Dialogue Genitalia GH. In addition to her diploma, Mary has also been trained as a librarian through the Osu Children’s Library Fund in Accra. She is a bright, kindhearted person, and we are proud to have her on our team.
Read an interview with Mary here.
Kumi Kwadwo
An award-winning math teacher and Asisiriwa native, Kumi has been an outspoken supporter for Untold International since he first learned of the organization in 2015. Since then, he has received training as a librarian from the Osu Children’s Library Fund in Accra, continued teaching and improving his skills, and has overseen the construction of Kasadwini Atenaeɛ in the village. In his capacity as librarian, he has created reading clubs and helped students find resources to help them succeed in their studies – no matter their age. He is smart, sensitive, and excited about his work as the librarian at the literacy center he has helped to build.
