Happy, Happy Birthday Dr. Iris Ekua Mensimah Fynn-Agyapong!!!

It’s my other sister from another mister and bestie’s (I have two) birthday today! Irizzle Babe as I call her, today is your day! As the sister who can roast me like no other, I just had to put your full government name in the title hehehehe.

I have told you all ad nauseam just how blessed I am and have been in the sister department. I have only known the best and Iris is no different. Again, I am not sure where to begin in appreciating her and why she is so dear to me. She is another sister I made through feminist advocacy nearly a decade ago and I am forever grateful our paths crossed.

Iris and I just clicked right away and it has always felt like we have known each other much longer than we actually do. We became family quite organically and there are very few people I have had such a natural connection with so far in my life. It usually happens with people with good hearts who love deeply. It’s one of the greatest points of alignment I have with sisters like Iris. When she loves and cares for you, you know it without question. She is also one of the kindest and giving people I know. I have been extremely blessed by her in this regard. I mean, how many people do you know who can gift you a big dining table as you renovate your home?! That is classic Iris for you and it makes perfect sense that she’s always blessed. I can’t think of a more deserving person.

When we talk about brilliance, my sister has that in abundance. I mean, she has worked for NASA in the past and lectures at Ghana’s premier university, the University of Ghana, as well as consulting on various projects. She is one of the go-to people for advancing in excellence in academia. I haven’t seen anyone work as hard as she does. She takes her research work so seriously and publishes quite a lot of papers. I still have a stack I’m yet to finish reading. As an avid reader, I can’t keep up with her pace. I told you, no one works harder in this lane that I have seen. Just by her example, I am always reminded and challenged to push myself academically and expand my knowledge base. She just has that ability to inspire you to love learning. It’s always fun to see how dearly her students love and appreciate her. She is making a big difference in their lives and shaping them to become the scholars we need and deserve in Ghana and the world at large.

Her work ethic isn’t just limited to her academic pursuits. My sister is a true hustler and baller in every sense of the word. You know how Beyoncé said, “diva is the female version of a hustler”? That is Iris personified. She really inspires me to get my money up by finding practical ways to diversify my income.

Upon all her accomplishments, I know one of her proudest is being a mother to two wonderful girls whom she is raising to really move and shake this world. They are so brilliant and advanced for their ages because they have the advantage of being mothered by her. Together with her husband, they model for me what a wonderful family dynamic looks like. It’s always a delight when I get to spend New Year’s Eve with them. We always have such a blast. Anytime I’m with them, I am laughing and having the best time. I even have a room in their home. That’s how deep the love runs.

Lastly, one of the really personal things I would like to touch on in appreciating Iris, is how she is my voice of reason and reality check when it comes to dating and relationships. I have navigated relationships and break ups better than I other wise would thanks to her wise counsel. She knows how to help me see when I am being mistreated by a partner and handles that awareness creation with a lot of care. She always reminds me to not settle for less than I deserve and helps me overcome those moments of heartbreak. I can’t state enough how crucial it is to have a sister like this in your corner. I know I have been spared a lot of trauma thanks to her interventions and guidance and her listening to my challenges in love without judgment.

Irizzle, what more can I say? You are all that and a slice of cheesecake! Thank you for being a soul sister all these years. As you have been blessed with another year, may you flourish in every way and receive blessings in abundance. May soft life forever be your portion! I love you Onipa Nua!

AG