Eunice Adjei

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself: where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Eunice Adjei, originally from Ghana, West Africa, currently based in St. Cloud, MN, United States. My journey has been shaped by my experiences of moving between communities and cultures, which has given me a deep appreciation for connection, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others. Today, I’m grateful to be doing work that allows me to bring people together, support emerging leaders, and contribute to the growth and well-being of the community I now call home.

I’m excited to share more about my journey, the work I’m passionate about, and the people and experiences that have shaped me along the way.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I really love about living in St. Cloud is the strong sense of community. It’s a place where people genuinely care about one another and where there are so many opportunities to connect, get involved, and make a difference. I’ve really come to appreciate the relationships I’ve built here and the feeling of being part of a growing and welcoming community.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Jugaad started from a desire to create more opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, lead, and contribute to the community. When I first came to Central Minnesota, I saw many talented and passionate individuals who wanted to get involved and make a difference, but didn’t always have the networks, resources, or pathways to leadership that could help them do so.

That experience inspired the creation of Jugaad. What started as an idea to bring people together has grown into an organization focused on building connections, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for people to share their talents and perspectives.

Through programs such as the Jugaad Leadership Program, we connect emerging leaders with mentors, provide opportunities for professional and personal growth, and help participants build the confidence and relationships they need to become more engaged leaders in their communities.

At its heart, Jugaad is about creating a stronger, more connected community by making sure that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to lead, contribute, and thrive.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice would be to start with a problem you genuinely care about solving. Don’t wait until everything is perfect—start small, listen to your customers, and be willing to learn and adapt along the way.

Building a business takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to ask for help. Surround yourself with people who can provide honest feedback, find mentors who have walked the path before you, and build relationships within your community.

Most importantly, believe in your idea, but don’t be afraid to change it when you learn something new. Some of the best opportunities come from being open to where the journey takes you.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One piece of feedback that has stayed with me came from a Jugaad Leadership Program participant who shared how meaningful it was to be connected with a mentor who believed in their potential and took the time to invest in their growth.

They told us that the mentorship gave them more than just professional guidance; it helped them build confidence, expand their network, and see opportunities for themselves that they hadn’t considered before. What was especially meaningful was hearing that the relationship continued beyond the program and became a lasting connection.

That experience reminded me why we created Jugaad in the first place. Sometimes, one meaningful connection can open a door, change someone’s perspective, and have an impact that lasts far beyond a single program.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Jugaad continuing to grow as a trusted community organization that creates pathways for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, lead, and thrive.

In the future, I hope to expand our leadership programs, strengthen our mentorship network, and create even more opportunities for emerging leaders to build meaningful relationships and take on leadership roles throughout Central Minnesota and beyond.

Ultimately, I want Jugaad’s impact to be measured not just by the number of people we serve, but by the leaders we help develop and the ripple effect they create in their workplaces, organizations, and communities. My vision is for Jugaad to become a lasting leadership pipeline, one that opens doors, builds bridges, and helps create a more connected and inclusive community.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about our work is that creating an inclusive and connected community is simply about bringing people together. In reality, it takes much more than that. It requires building trust, creating meaningful relationships, opening doors to opportunities, and making sure people have the support and resources they need to succeed.

With Jugaad, we believe diversity is not just about having different people in the room; it’s about making sure those voices are heard, valued, and given opportunities to lead. Real impact happens when connections turn into mentorship, mentorship turns into confidence, and confidence creates new leaders who go on to make a difference in their communities.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest challenges in building Jugaad has been turning a vision into something sustainable while balancing the many needs and expectations that come with growing an organization. When you’re building something from the ground up, there isn’t always a clear roadmap, and you often have to learn as you go.

I’ve dealt with that by staying focused on our mission, listening closely to the people we serve, and surrounding myself with mentors, community partners, and people who believe in the work. I’ve also learned to be patient with the process and to celebrate small wins along the way.

The biggest lesson for me has been that you don’t have to have everything figured out at the beginning. You just need to be willing to take the next step, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, I was inspired by both gospel music and soccer. Gospel music was a big part of my life, and I especially loved Don Moen because of the uplifting and inspirational messages in his music.

For soccer, it was Lionel Messi. I admired his talent, dedication, and discipline on the field. Both music and soccer taught me a lot about passion, perseverance, and staying connected to what inspires you.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Absolutely! I want to give a huge shoutout to my family for their love, encouragement, and support throughout this journey. I’m also incredibly grateful to our board of directors, community partners, mentors, and sponsors who believe in our mission and continue to invest in the work we do.

Jugaad would not be where it is today without the people who have supported us, opened doors, shared their wisdom, and believed in the potential of our leaders. I’m truly thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey and continues to help us build a stronger, more connected community.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about Jugaad, our programs, and the work we’re doing in the community by visiting our website at https://www.jugaadlp.org.

They can also follow us on social media to stay connected with our programs, upcoming events, leadership opportunities, and stories from our community. We’d love for people to connect with us, learn more about our mission, and find ways to get involved.