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Abigail Nkansah is originally from Kumasi, Ghana, and recently moved from Dallas, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, and taking long nature walks – activities that give her space to reflect and recharge. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Data Analytics at Seattle Pacific University and is passionate about health equity, social justice, and supporting underrepresented communities. 

Abigail has volunteered with Solid Ground, a nonprofit providing housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and has been active in student-led initiatives that expand access to mental health resources for historically underserved groups. In addition to her volunteer work, she contributes to research at the Witness Institute, where she conducts in-depth literature reviews on the intersection of homelessness and neuropsychological disorders, with a focus on behavioral health and public health disparities. She also supports data collection and content analysis for ongoing studies, helping to develop targeted intervention strategies and inform policy changes aimed at improving health equity. These experiences have shaped her dedication to building community-centered approaches to well-being and addressing systemic barriers. 

Currently, Abigail serves as a Harvest VISTA with the Good Business Network of Washington, sponsored by Harvest Against Hunger. In this role, she works to build a more connected and sustainable food system across the state. Her work includes mapping food pantries, farms, and meal programs, connecting local partners to resources, and expanding engagement with platforms like Eat Local First, Nourishing Community, and the Good Food Exchange. She also develops systems for collecting feedback from program participants, ensuring that individuals can share their experiences with dignity and respect, and contributes to building impact reporting systems that combine quantitative data with stories, testimonials, and visuals to demonstrate the effectiveness of local food programs. These efforts strengthen the Good Business Network’s fundraising, document successes, and support long-term program sustainability. 

Through her combined work in volunteering, research, and VISTA service, Abigail helps strengthen access to healthy food, support vulnerable populations, and build lasting community connections. Her contributions reflect a balance of hands-on engagement, research, and system-building, all aimed at fostering equity and resilience in the communities she serves.