Akpene became involved with CRM during college, as she was burdened to pray for the unity of Christians at the University of Texas. After she graduated, she heard God calling her to the mission field, and began her first journey in 2003 with Youth With a Mission in St. Marc, Haiti. For the next two years, she volunteered with both YWAM and Mercy Ships. Her travels took her from Jamaica to Scotland, Mexico to Hungary, and many places in between. She was particularly drawn to France, and was planning to stay for an extended time before God called her back to the States.
It was some time before the next steps unfolded. The Lord spoke to her about the transformation of Austin and the nation, and the need of His word to be planted in the college community, and so began her work with CRM. Akpene loves to read, cook and crochet, among other things, and fully intends on learning Greek in the next year or so.