Student Spotlight: Akenga Sango '23

Akenga Sango is familiar with hard work and perseverance. 

“My parents have always told me not to give up, and to force myself to be an overcomer,” Akenga says.

Akenga has not only overcome challenges he has excelled and is now helping others. 

“The biggest challenges I encountered during my education was learning the English language, paying for school and raising my family,” Akenga says.

As a father of seven, husband, new business owner and student, Akenga prioritized learning a new language and pursing education when he arrived in South Dakota after moving from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

“In my life, I have found that nothing can be done without education,” Akenga says. “Education is so important. It is a big key to life success. Education develops critical thinking by teaching our personality how to use logic when making decisions and interacting with other personalities. Education shapes our mindset and gives discipline by showing our nature the yes, the no, and how to become and overcome. I need education to fulfill my vision and have a better life, serve my community, and contribute to our country's development and success.”

During his time at USF Akenga saw the need to help immigrants and low income citizens with their taxes, fill out government forms, translating and more. That led him to create Akenga Financial Services, LLC, a business where he could use his experiences, education and passion to help others. 

“I have helped almost two hundred people,” Akenga says. “I provide them with income tax return preparation, accounting, financial coaching, youth financial vision, and other services. My goal is to make many people ready to make valuable management decisions on their income and source of revenue.”

In May Akenga will graduate with his accounting degree and plans to pursue his MBA and focus on serving others through his business.