The Cletus K. Oppong, MD Foundation

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EVERY STORY

Matters

Empowering Voices,

Illuminating Stories

At our foundation, we are committed to giving a voice and platform to those whose stories are often quieted, dismissed, or left untold. We understand that many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, face systemic barriers  that silence their experiences and struggles. Our mission is to break this silence and  bring their narratives to the forefront.

Join us in our mission to empower those who have been silenced. Together, we can create a more just and equitable world, where every story is told, and every voice is heard.

Karen M.

The gaslighting and casual racism had become so distressing that I thought about killing myself in the building lobby. I knew that what was happening was wrong. I also at the same time thought, well maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m the problem. I’m obviously the problem. No one else here is experiencing this and it’s just me.

Martha C.

When I complained about racist incidents in the workplace (including a colleague painting her face black at a work function and posting the image of it on the department's public Facebook page), I was told by a senior manager that I must be "sensitive" because of my heritage.

Thomas J.

I faced blatant racism in the workplace that severely impacted my career. Despite my dedication and expertise, I was consistently overlooked for promotions, and my contributions were minimized. The constant microaggressions and discriminatory practices created an environment of hostility and fear. This experience not only hindered my professional growth but also took a toll on my mental health. I was forced to leave a job I loved, questioning my place in the industry and whether I would ever find an environment where I was truly valued and respected.

Jaclyn K.

I got assaulted by a coworker at a work party, reported it, was ignored until the day before his visa ended, then my report was responded to as if months hadn’t passed. The next year, they used my experience in the sexual harassment training as an example of what not to do, while I was in the room, even though I did everything right.

Riya S.

During clinical rotations, some departments like Orthopedics used to have a huge gender bias. We were supposed to be divided into different groups that would work under different residents. They would complain about how none of them wanted the girls because we didn’t have the strength required. Even the HOD had similar thought processes, so who would we even complain to? It was just a month but while the guys in our group got to set bones and stuff, we got to write reports, suture and watch them.

the power of telling
one's story

Stories have the power to illuminate injustice, restore dignity, and inspire resilience. This page is dedicated to sharing the lived experiences of individuals who have faced discrimination in the workplace and chosen courage over silence. Their voices reflect both the challenges that persist and the strength required to overcome them.

In the spirit of that shared resilience, Dr. Oppong is currently authoring two complementary works that explore perseverance, purpose, and the pursuit of equity. Fearless is an autobiographical account tracing his journey toward becoming a physician, detailing the obstacles encountered, the adversity endured, and the determination required to achieve his vision despite formidable barriers. It is both a personal narrative and a reflection on the broader realities faced by many who navigate systems not built for them.

 

Accompanying this work is a children’s book, Kwame’s Fearless Dream, a story designed to instill confidence, ambition, and resilience in young readers. Through accessible storytelling, it encourages children to dream boldly, persist through hardship, and believe in their capacity to shape their own futures.

Together, these works extend the Foundation’s mission beyond advocacy and clinical service by fostering awareness, empowerment, and intergenerational inspiration.