Lydia Mallah

I am an international student from Liberia, West Africa, currently completing my Ph.D. at the Florida International University (FIU). I am a teaching and grant assistant at FIU's Department of Teaching and Learning. Additionally, I am the founder of Liberia Rural Intervention for Education, Health, and Agriculture Development (RIEHAD-Liberia). Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to advocating for children's rights, youth and women's empowerment, and individuals with disabilities. I have worked with organizations such as the Liberia Children Forum, Danish Refugee Council, and GiveDirectly International. I have also taught in both elementary and high schools in public and private settings. While completing my undergraduate studies, I received the ArcelorMittal Scholarship and the African Scholarship Exchange Award. I graduated as the valedictorian with magna cum laude honors and received the prestigious President's Award. I grew up in Liberia during a 14-year civil war that presented numerous challenges, including gender inequality, female genital mutilation, early marriage, and societal stereotypes. I am excited to have achieved this milestone amid the challenges that pose serious threats to women and girls. I am deeply honored to be a part of Phi Kappa Phi honors society, which I consider my highest academic achievement.