Christian Appiah-Knudsen, BS

Christian's dedication to youth empowerment shapes our programs, strategically utilizing resources to maximize our impact on young lives.

Bio

Christian Appiah-Knudsen is a beacon of resilience and determination, dedicated to empowering others to discover and fulfill their purpose. Born in Ghana to a hardworking single mother, Christian faced adversity from a young age. Determined to support his family, he hunted with village men to provide food and sustenance.

At age eleven, Christian's life took a drastic turn when his mother smuggled him into Belgium in search of a better future. However, instead of finding immediate solace, he endured two years in a detention center for refugees. Despite the challenges, Christian remained steadfast in his belief in himself and his mission to inspire others.

Adopted by an American family at seventeen, Christian finally had the opportunity to attend school for the first time. Embracing his newfound educational journey, he not only excelled academically but also became a champion for philanthropic causes, spearheading various fundraising efforts.

By the age of twenty-three, Christian's resilience and tenacity caught the attention of Governor Huntsman, who commissioned him to share his story and inspire students across Utah. Since then, Christian has delivered over 30 Speeches to over 50,000 individuals, including a keynote address to 3,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Through his speeches, which are often accompanied by traditional African drumming, Christian imparts key themes, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's purpose, embracing failure as a steppingstone to success, and recognizing the inherent value within oneself.

Christian's mission is clear: to help others uncover their "why" and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. He firmly believes that everything needed for success lies within, and his journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself.