ABOUT KWAME
2x TEDx Speaker, Youth Mentor, and DEI Expert
Kwame Osei is a dynamic professional host & keynote speaker for seminars, corporate & school events, youth & charitable events & non-profit organizations. Kwame was born in Ghana but raised in a community within Toronto called Rexdale, which is known for low income housing, high drugs, violence and gang rates. Kwame’s environment created a low expectations narrative for him. Kwame’s mindset as a teen was “expect the worst and hope for the best” This perspective on life led to Kwame getting in trouble with the law. Through sports Kwame was able to change his mindset and escape the negative narrative.
Overcoming Adversity: From Rexdale to Redemption
Kwame Osei's journey began in Ghana, West Africa, and took him to Toronto's Rexdale neighborhood. Growing up in a tough environment, Kwame faced academic failures, legal troubles, and the devastating loss of
friends to gun violence. These experiences drove him to seek a better path.
Academic and Athletic Triumphs:
Building a New Future
Determined to change his life, Kwame attended St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. There, he excelled both academically and
athletically, earning Academic All-Canadian honors and becoming the first in his family to earn a university degree. His leadership on the
football field as a team captain for three seasons was a testament to his commitment and resilience. Following his university success, Kwame played professionally in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.
Kwame’s Journey on The Amazing Race Canada
Competing in The Amazing Race Canada took Kwame Osei on an extraordinary journey, pushing him beyond comfort zones and teaching life-long lessons in resilience and adaptability. From intense challenges to inspiring destinations, Kwame’s experiences reveal the power of grit and teamwork—qualities that continue to drive his personal growth and perspective.
Professional Success: Teaching,
Coaching, and Mentoring
After his professional football career, Kwame dedicated himself to teaching and coaching. In Fort McMurray, Alberta, he helped establish a successful football program and later joined Queen’s University as a coach. His passion for education led him to teach and support inmates at a maximum-security penitentiary in Kingston, earning him the prestigious Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022.
Professional Success: DEI,
Hosting, and Keynotes
Kwame Osei is a dynamic professional host and keynote speaker who brings energy, insight, and inspiration to seminars, corporate events, non-profits, and schools. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments, Kwame delivers powerful messages that drive change and growth. Drawing from his rich life experiences, Kwame connects with audiences through engaging storytelling and vivid metaphors, creating perspective shifts that resonate long after the event. He has inspired teams, students, and professionals across corporate, educational, and charitable sectors, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and take meaningful action.