A PROFILE IN COURAGE
LOFA COUNTY, LIBERIA: – The TAMBA AGHAILAS Foundation's mission vows to “Inspire and Empower a New Generation” of leaders.
It's Founder, Tamba, an Author, Advocate, and Philanthropist, is a native of the Republic of Liberia. Born in the heartland of the Kissi Chiefdom in Foya District, Lofa County, he was raised on the shores of West Point in Monrovia amongst the Kru and Grebo People. A survivor of the Liberian civil war that lasted for 15 years (1989 – 2003), he has dedicated his life to advocacy for refugees and disenfranchised minority groups.
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"...I want to leave a legacy of inspiring and empowering young leaders through a selfless and purpose-driven leadership."
During Liberia’s civil war, Tamba survived by relocating intermittently from the capital city to the interior (rural) of the country and later to neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea during outbreaks of war. He survived an attempted rebel-style execution in the middle of the war and spent a decade as a Refugee in the West African Region.
He later traveled to the United States on a student visa, earning an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science & Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College, where he served as President of the International Students Association. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Baruch College at the City University of New York (CUNY).
Upon graduation, he started his career over and has held positions with reputable companies and international organizations in New York and globally including the New York Times, Merrill Lynch, the American University, the International Rescue Committee, MediaMath, Services for the UnderServed, Conductor, and currently with Acumen.
During the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak of 2014, Tamba returned to Liberia and tackled an enormous health crisis. He took a lead role with an international development organization (BRAC) in efforts to coordinate emergency health measures, developed protocols across the country's rural health system and championed policies that address public health crisis.
Before the Ebola outbreak, he held positions with other international nonprofit organizations and The Voice of Liberia, an organization he founded to promote the socioeconomic rights of women and children with a focus on alleviating poverty through education and economic development.
He also led BRAC Liberia and helped passed the poultry & livestock policy, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture;
In 2015, Tamba was recognized by his Alma Mater, Berkeley College, with the prestigious Alumni of the Year Award. According to the college, "The award is presented annually to a Berkeley College graduate who has enjoyed professional success and community fulfillment."
With more than 20 years of International Development experience, he founded the Tamba Aghailas Foundation, whose mission to “Inspire and Empower a new generation of leaders through education, capacity-building and innovation.” Through his foundation, he has and continues to provide financial assistance to university students in Liberia, mentorship, and has plans to construct a multi-resource foundation center.
He provides financial support to over 500 Lofa University Students in Monrovia and created business opportunities that employed young Liberians and continues to invest in other opportunities for mobility for the youth.
At the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, he led the first ever “Peace Conference” in his hometown, Foya District, Lofa County in partnership with youth groups and traditional leaders to help foster peace and reconciliation amongst his people.
The two-day conference brought together a cross-spectrum of elected officials, traditional chiefs and elders, women groups, and over 400 youths. The Conference was climaxed by a soccer tournament (Friday, January 31 - Sunday, February 2, 2020) and over 2,500 people participated. The final game was preceded by a worship service and a traditional peace (a cow) offering.
In his recent book, “In Pursuit of Liberty: A Refugee’s Chronicles of Triumph,” he chronicles his amazing journey of trials and triumph over adversity. It is a true story of survival with its moments of joy, heroism, sadness and hope.
The book can be purchased online on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
All proceeds from the book sale are directed towards youth empowerment programs.
Order your copy.
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