Emmanuel Oppong, PhD
Civic Engagement Leader, Global Communications Expert, and Policy Strategist
Dr. Emmanuel Oppong, originally from Ghana, West Africa, is a passionate advocate for underserved communities and a prominent leader in mental health and counseling. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ghana and a Master’s in Community Counseling Psychology from St. Cloud State University, he has dedicated his career to helping marginalized populations, immigrants, refugees, and underrepresented groups..
Emmanuel completed a graduate certificate in Chemical Dependency and interned at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud, providing integrated therapy for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), recognized for his trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to counseling.
His leadership extends beyond clinical practice; he has held significant roles at local, state, and national levels, advocating for systemic change. As the Community Engagement Director for the City of St. Cloud, he fosters partnerships that empower diverse voices within the community. Emmanuel's contributions earned him the Minnesota Campus Compact Presidents Award and recognition as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 2016.
A 2017 Bush Fellow, Emmanuel has received numerous accolades, including the Voices Magazine Award for Community Advocacy and the St. Cloud Times 5 Under 40 Award. He co-founded the Jugaad Leadership Program, which equips the next generation of leaders of color in Central Minnesota.
Emmanuel's commitment to service is further exemplified by his involvement with the Minnesota African Task Force Against Ebola and his dedication to educational initiatives. He believes in Nelson Mandela's words: "It always seems impossible until it's done." Through his work, Dr. Oppong continues to inspire and effect meaningful change in the communities he serves.