Laura Golakeh

Laura Golakeh is a youth and women’s right advocate who has overcome the odds of poverty, civil crisis and social inequality. She coordinated the first young women empowerment center in her community and is currently the founder and Executive Director of Right to Read, a community based organization with a goal to provide access to quality education to underprivileged children. Laura Golakeh helped to lead a project called Put Ma Ellen There that fostered peace, unity and reconciliation in her country and changed the negative image of Liberian youth around the world. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is currently studying law. She plays many roles including citizen journalist, promising writer, leader, volunteer, and mentor with expertise in youth, gender, and human rights issues. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship program, she plans to promote the importance of civic leadership in her country and expand her organization. Her mission is to empower young people in Africa to build a society where everyone is equal and are given the opportunity to discover their potential and use it for the good of mankind.