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0 Ghanaian-Polish philanthropist Omenaa Mensah, founder of TOP CHARITY—the largest philanthropic initiative in Central and Eastern Europe—has been awarded the prestigious Global Woman of Impact Award by Off The Field during the Super Bowl Charity Fashion Show in San Francisco.
The recognition celebrates her transformative work connecting Africa and Europe through philanthropy, education, and cultural collaboration.
Mensah, whose father is Ghanaian and mother Polish, is the first woman from outside the United States to receive the honor in the 25-year history of the award. Her recognition comes during the centennial year of Black History Month, underscoring the growing global influence of leaders of African heritage in shaping inclusive philanthropy.
“This award is a symbol for every girl who has ever been told she doesn’t deserve something, yet found the determination to keep going. When I was six years old, my father told me I would have to work twice as hard to prove my worth. Honestly, I never imagined that one day I would be standing here before you. Thank you for this recognition — it gives me even more strength to continue, because I believe we are building a community of people who truly care. And people who succeed carry a responsibility to support those in need,” Mensah said at the ceremony.
Over more than 12 years, Mensah’s humanitarian and development work has impacted millions globally. Her initiatives include:
Improving the living conditions of over 2 million people.
Supporting the rescue and education of more than 400 children in Ghana through the Kids Haven School initiative.
Co-creating nearly 200 social projects via the Philanthropic Consortium.
Founding TOP CHARITY, which in five years has mobilized nearly PLN 150 million from entrepreneurs and partners to support social, educational, and humanitarian causes across Europe.
Presenting the award to a Ghanaian-Polish leader during one of the world’s most visible sporting and cultural events signals a shift: philanthropy is increasingly global, culturally inclusive, and shaped by leaders rooted in Africa.
Past recipients of the Global Woman of Impact Award include Robin Roberts, Kathy Ireland, Gayle Benson, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Marlo Thomas, Nina Vaca, and Janice Bryant Howroyd. This year, alongside Mensah, Off The Field honored a diverse group of changemakers in culture, health, sports, and social activism, including Grammy-winning singer Ashanti, children’s advocate Sara Hood, mental health leader April Simpkins, and pharmaceutical innovator Gilead Sciences.
The award was presented on the official stage of Off The Field, an organization operating at the intersection of sport, philanthropy, culture, and education. Founded 25 years ago, Off The Field is the philanthropic arm of NFL players’ wives and partners, operating in over 30 NFL cities. Between 2024 and 2025, it contributed more than $1 million to over 100 nonprofits, with flagship programs like Road to LA 2028, empowering girls for active participation in sports ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Honoring Mensah at the Super Bowl Charity Fashion Show symbolically united sports, fashion, and global business, demonstrating that social impact is becoming a central part of the world’s most prominent cultural stages.
