Rising Stars: Meet Demetrius Akpan of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius Akpan.

Hi Demetrius, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised by my mother and grandmother after my parents divorced when I was two years old. Shortly afterward, we moved to Newark, New Jersey, where my mother started her own law practice. As an only child, I watched her work tirelessly to build a better life for us. I grew up in the Catholic Church and attended private Catholic schools, but I struggled to fit in. Bullying and frequent fights became a regular part of my childhood, and as we moved throughout New Jersey, those challenges only intensified. Eventually, we relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where my mother had grown up, hoping for a fresh start.

Even after moving, I carried the pain and trauma of my experiences with me. My grades suffered, and although I knew who God was, I did not have a personal relationship with Him. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I found myself battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Everything changed in 2022 when I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. That experience transformed my perspective, gave me hope, and set me on a new path. I became committed to my faith, improved my grades, and began building a future rooted in purpose rather than pain.

During my freshman year of college, I discovered Christian content creators who were boldly sharing the Gospel online. Watching them inspired me to do the same. I prayed for boldness, courage, and confidence, and God answered those prayers. However, I am not Catholic anymore, but I am just a follower of Christ. Nevertheless, since then I have used social media to share my faith, encourage others, and be unapologetically myself. Through humor, authenticity, and the message of Christ, I hope to show others that giving your life to Jesus can completely transform your future. My story is ultimately one of restoration—a testimony that no matter where you begin, God can redeem your pain and turn it into purpose.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Throughout my life, I struggled with bullying, rejection, anger, anxiety, depression, and the pressure of trying to fit in. There were times when I felt lost, hopeless, and unsure of who I was or where my life was headed. The trauma from my past affected my confidence, my grades, and my mental health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after giving my life to Christ, I still faced challenges and had to learn how to trust God through difficult seasons. However, those struggles taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and ultimately helped shape me into the person I am today.

Another challenge I still face is the fear of posting online, because I never know whether people will understand my sense of humor, connect with my message, or agree with what I’m sharing, but I’ve learned that staying authentic is more important than trying to please everyone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a senior at the University of Georgia, where I am pursuing a degree in Communications. Academically, I am proud to have earned a place on the Dean’s List three times while maintaining a strong GPA. Outside of the classroom, I stay actively involved on campus through organizations and leadership opportunities, including serving as a Business Brand Ambassador, participating in student organizations, and creating digital content that reflects my faith and values.

What I specialize in is using social media and content creation to connect with people in an authentic way. Through my online platforms, I combine humor, storytelling, and faith-based messages to encourage others and share the Gospel with a younger generation. What sets me apart is that I do not try to be someone I am not. Whether I am creating content, speaking about my faith, or representing organizations on campus, I focus on being genuine and relatable. I am most proud of the fact that God has allowed me to use my personal journey and experiences to inspire others, showing that transformation is possible and that faith can completely change the direction of a person’s life.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a strong network is to step outside of your comfort zone and be willing to connect with like-minded people. I’ve found that when you’re authentically yourself and stay true to the things you genuinely enjoy, you naturally attract people who appreciate and understand your interests and values. I also make it a point to seek out people who inspire me and are doing things I admire, because those relationships often provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. Being genuine, approachable, and open to learning has been one of the most effective ways for me to build meaningful connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meechie.uno/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrius-akpan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Meechie-Uno
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@meechie.uno1