In an era where many are seeking deeper connections with their roots and themselves, Adwoa Ulzen Setrakian is a holistic genetic genealogist, who bridges the past with the present for those seeking out a deeper connection to their lineage and ancestors. Adwoa masterfully intertwines genealogy with movement, wellness, and community, cultivating a profound sense of belonging and understanding. Through her visionary work, Adwoa joins the 2024 Legacy Leadership Cohort as an executive and The LOLA community to expand on her business.
Who is Adwoa Ulzen Setrakian?
“I’m a soul moving through this world.”
For Adwoa, this is the essence of her identity. Her journey is not just about what she does but who she is at her core and the most consistent part of her.
Adwoa’s spiritual identity, the essence of who she is, remains the most consistent and defining part of her. This identity shapes her life’s work, which she believes is her true calling: connecting with people. From her early days as a curious child on the playground to her current role as a holistic genetic genealogist, her passion for connecting with others has been a guiding force in how she approaches her work and her life. This unwavering dedication to fostering meaningful relationships infuses every aspect of her journey, illuminating her path with purpose and profound impact.
The Path to Holistic Genealogy:
With a background as a high school French teacher, social worker, and Pilates instructor, Adwoa’s journey to becoming a genealogist is as diverse as it is inspiring. She has been passionately pursuing genealogy since she was 17 years old, beginning as a hobby, yet it has consistently woven itself through various phases of her life.
Adwoa’s journey took a pivotal turn when she realized the profound impact of DNA testing. As a first-generation North American with Ghanaian roots, her discoveries have connected her with people of African descent around the world. Through her own personal experience she decided to create her enterprise, Human Temple Therapeutics LLC. Her work is about uncovering hidden histories, healing generational trauma, and forging connections that bridge continents and cultures.
Milestones and Future Goals:
Adwoa is currently working on integrating her diverse passions into a cohesive work. Her recent milestone is the development of a holistic genealogy summit, set to take place next year. This summit aims to bring together people worldwide, offering a unique blend of genealogy, wellness, and community engagement.
The summit, supported by corporate sponsors like MyHeritageDNA and hosted at The LOLA, will be a groundbreaking event that emphasizes connection and healing. Adwoa envisions it as a platform for people to explore their ancestral roots while building from their strengths. Through her upcoming summit, due to the nature of her work thousands of people can be a part of the community and connect no matter their distance.
Adwoa’s unique ability to be a connector:
Adwoa’s gift is her ability to see connections where others might not. Her approach is collaborative, seeking to build community by connecting individuals with complementary talents and skills. She shares,
“Rather than coming in with an attitude of what can I get from this person, it’s how can we build community together and lift each other up?”
Her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and supporting others in their journeys makes her an invaluable asset to any community she encounters. Adwoa’s openness and readiness to support others and connect those one may not know is her talent in our women’s space.
Joining the Legacy Leadership Program:
Adwoa’s introduction to The Lola was through the Legacy Leadership Program. She was invited to lead a genealogy workshop by Sagdrina Brown Jalal, which became a turning point in her professional life. Adwoa was captivated by the program’s commitment to honoring the wholeness of women and fostering a supportive community. She explains,
“Legacy Leadership and The Lola are communities, and I thrive on community.”
The Legacy Leadership Program offered Adwoa the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur and a leader. It provided her with the skills she needed to expand her capacity to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change and simultaneously connect with all the skilled and talented women at The LOLA as well. Adwoa describes the experience as enriching, stating,
“Being in a space with those who are more skilled at things I don’t know yet helps me to be better.”
Advice for Aspiring Legacy Leaders:
For women considering joining the Legacy Leadership Program, Adwoa shares saying:
“Think about what you have to offer before thinking about what you’re going to get from it.”
Adwoa emphasizes the importance of contribution and openness to the journey, recognizing that the program’s richness comes from the diverse talents and experiences of its members and anyone encountering the community.
“Every time I walk into The LOLA, I want to have a t-shirt that says, ‘Good things happen here.’ Because every time I see somebody, I walk out with a new connection, a new opportunity, new possibilities. And you are seen here.”
As Adwoa continues her journey, she remains committed to making a difference in the lives of those around her. Her vision is clear: to create a world where everyone can connect with their human family and embrace the fullness of their identity.
Connect with Adwoa
Human Temple Therapeutics
Human Temple Therapeutics LinkedIn
