Blessing Enyonam Gbadago- Technical Project Officer, Pure Earth Ghana.
Blessing is an Environmental Geoscientist, and she’s making waves in her field. In an industry long dominated by men, she has carved out a space for herself, excelling and leading with purpose. Her work on the impact of heavy metals on our environment has been truly transformative. Through her research, she has become a beacon of hope and a role model for women aspiring to make their mark in STEM.
Blessing (middle) leading field activities on the Mercury Impact Assessment project.
A Champion for Protecting the Vulnerable
Blessing has played a vital role in the global Protecting Every Child’s Potential (PECP) project, pouring her heart into life-changing work like national blood lead level screenings, cleaning up toxic sites, and conducting rapid market surveys to uncover hidden environmental hazards threatening children and communities. Her dedication also shines through her research on mercury impact assessment in Ghana’s food chain, where she’s delved into the devastating health impacts caused by artisanal gold mining, particularly on vulnerable populations like women and children. Driven by her passion to protect future generations, she’s also explored the silent dangers of lead exposure in pregnant women and even investigated lead levels in cookware used for school lunches, ensuring no detail is overlooked in her fight for a healthier, safer world.
A Leader, Mentor, and Role Model
What truly sets Blessing apart is her deep compassion for people and her dedication to empowering others, particularly women, to pursue careers in science and environmental advocacy. As a mentor, collaborator, and the sole female representative on several initiatives, she has broken barriers and proven that women can lead in traditionally underrepresented spaces. Beyond her groundbreaking work, Blessing’s ability to communicate complex environmental issues with clarity and passion has inspired action and raised awareness about the urgent need to address heavy metal contamination to protect both people and the planet. Her enthusiasm for her work is contagious, and her impact extends far beyond the field sites.
A Star Lighting the Way Forward
Blessing is more than an environmental scientist; she is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and integrity. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate her resilience, groundbreaking work, and unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. Blessing reminds us that one person can make an extraordinary difference, and her story is a testament to the power of women to transform not only their fields but the world.
To all the young girls and women who look up to her, Blessing is proof that the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning. Here’s to Blessing—an inspiration, a leader, and a true role model. The world is better because of her.
“Lead and mercury pollution are serious threats to our health and environment. I urge everyone who learns about these issues to spread awareness and advocate for prevention. Educate yourself, your family, and your community by exploring available resources. Knowledge is power, and together, we can take action to reduce exposure, promote safer practices, and protect future generations from toxic pollution. A cleaner, healthier world starts with awareness and collective effort!”- Blessing Enyonam Gbadago, Technical Project Officer- Pure Earth Ghana.
Blessing engaged in site assessment with field team
