Hello, my name is . . . Kola Akindele

Each Monday, the Daily Voice introduces you to a member of the UMass Medical School community—could be a new face, or maybe one that’s has been around for a while. We’ve asked our subjects, in their own words, to answer a few questions that might give you insight into their personalities. If you have a suggestion as to someone who might be profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.

Kola Akindele is community relations associate in the Office of Government and Community Relations. With UMMS since November 2010, he was previously senior zoning specialist and counsel for a telecommunications company.

What brought you here to UMass Medical School?

An opportunity to do some work in the community in which I grew up.

What do you love most about the work that you do?

Being out in the community meeting new people and organizations. Making connections that benefit both the Medical School and the local community.

How would you explain your work to your spouse/child/a student

My office serves as a liaison between the Medical School and the community at large. We partner with our local neighbors and community organizations both to inform the public of our positive impact and to seek out additional opportunities for collaboration with our host communities.

Best kept secret about your department/lab/division?

Jim Leary, vice chancellor for community and government relations, and I were born, raised and live in the city of Worcester. So we have great knowledge of the city and could be a resource for anyone in the Medical School looking to establish partnerships/relationships with organizations in the city.

Which trait do you most admire in yourself?

My faith.

Describe yourself in six words or fewer.

Ambitious, attentive, friendly and passionate.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.

Klondike bar, the book Johnny Tremain and a map.

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be?

Martin Luther King Jr.

What has surprised you most about UMass Medical School?

The breadth of programs and services available and research being done.

What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Basketball, reading and I just took up golf.

What is your most treasured possession?

I definitely don’t possess my son, but I do treasure him.

What’s book have you read, or what movie have you seen, most recently, or what kind of music do you most enjoy?

Game Change is a great book, recently saw Waiting for Superman, a good documentary on the American public school system, and I like any catchy tune.

Who are your heroes?

My mother