Gloria Hembadoon Mensah is the founder and executive director of GK Folks Foundation, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering African immigrants and refugees through education, mental health advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Born in Benue State, Nigeria, Gloria earned a BA in History from Ahmadu Bello University and later pursued a BS in Communication with a focus on journalism at Utah Valley University. Her journey into activism began after facing discrimination due to her accent while seeking a journalism internship—a pivotal moment that inspired her to create pathways for others facing cultural and systemic barriers.
Since its founding in 2015, GK Folks Foundation has awarded over $120,000 in scholarships to more than 150 recipients, with a strong focus on uplifting African women leaders . The foundation’s initiatives include the Miss Africa cultural pageants across Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada, as well as the Afro Utah Festival, which celebrates African heritage and fosters community pride . Gloria also spearheads mental health programs like the “Let’s End the Stigma” workshops, aimed at dismantling therapy-related taboos in immigrant communities . Recognized among the “100 Women to Know in America” by KNOW Women and JPMorgan Chase, Gloria continues to inspire through her commitment to equity, cultural celebration, and community empowerment .