From Liberia to Passion to Championing Equity in STEM Industries: Meet Damowah Mulbah Biah
In February, GlobalMindED celebrates Black History Month by highlighting influential black voices. Meet
Damowah Mulbah Biah. Damowah is a first-generation master's student at Colorado State University Global, specializing in project management and organizational leadership. Originally from Liberia, she earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2007 and spent eight years advocating for women and marginalized groups within an International Non-governmental organization. Her experiences have fueled her passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, leading her to pursue a master's degree in leadership in the United States. Damowah's personal journey, including overcoming challenges like female genital mutilation and abuse, drives her commitment to serving marginalized individuals and advocating for their rights. She credits key moments such as completing her bachelor's degree, migrating to the United States, and attending GlobalMindED conferences as shaping her path. Damowah sees GlobalMindED as a valuable partner in her mission to promote diversity in STEM industries and empower underrepresented communities.
What is your personal story?
I am a first-generation master's student specializing in project management and studying organizational leadership at Colorado State University Global. I obtained a bachelor's degree in Sociology in Monrovia, Liberia, in 2007. After my studies, I worked eight years as an advocate for women and marginalized groups within an International Non-governmental organization. My experience during this time has fueled my passion and drive to pursue a master's degree in leadership. Moving to the United States has allowed me to advance my career and achieve my goal of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, becoming a better leader, and growing evolving leaders. My introduction to GlobalMindED has afforded me access to resources and tools that will enable me to achieve my goals and become a role model for evolving first-generational leaders.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
1. Completing my bachelor's degree
2. Advocating for the voiceless
3. Migrating to the United States as the first in my immediate family.
4. Enrolling in the CSU Global Master program
5. Attending the 2023 GlobalMindED first-generation and leadership conference
6. Joining a mentoring program sponsor by GlobalMindED
7. Attending the 2023 Colorado State Capital Conference.
8. Achieving membership at two honour societies.
9. Joining the GirlTrek volunteer group
Where does your passion to serve come from?
Being a woman who has personally experienced the challenges of female genital mutilation (FGM) and abuse, my ultimate dream has always been to make a positive impact on the lives of young women affected by abuse. Unfortunately, due to the unfavorable political climate, people were not allowed to voice their opposition to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), resulting in detrimental effects on the health, well-being, and educational opportunities of countless young women in Liberia. Consequently, I had to navigate the trauma while simultaneously focusing on my college studies. Prioritizing the needs of marginalized individuals is the main objective of my chosen career, and it perfectly aligns with my professional goal of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I admire the work done by Global MindED, from diversity to professional development training, social equity, and creating an inclusive success network of like-minded individuals. All are critical needs.
I would value being a part of the network and prospective partnership as I continue data-based research and advocacy to help BIPOC and our increasing influx of foreign students/professionals’ integration into the US STEM/AEC workforce.
Vision: To Champion Global Integration, Equity, and Empowerment in US STEM Industries.
