Debora Nti

Growing up in a rural community in Ghana, I was surrounded by challenges that many would consider limiting. In a place where opportunities seemed few and far between, and where the societal orientation often placed constraints on the dreams of young girls, my father will always emphasize that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. This wisdom became my guiding principle. I knew that to break free from the constraints around me, education was my path forward; one step at a time. And as I grew up, I understood that no matter how distant the dream seemed, each small action would bring me closer to it.

This determination to pursue a better future led me to pursue MSc Project Management at UWS London, where I was given the opportunity to not only gain a world-class education but to step into a world of limitless potential. Simply, my time at UWS London was nothing short of transformative.

At UWS London, I was inspired to think beyond the confines of conventional approaches. I cultivated the values of innovation, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking, and it was these very lessons that became the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since.

Motivated by my experiences and the desire to create meaningful change, I developed a deep passion for influencing positive transformation in every way possible. This drive led me to be selected as a Commonwealth Youth Leader serving over 1.5 billion youth across the Commonwealth, extending my reach and impact on a much larger scale. I also lead digital projects for the Commonwealth Youth Council, where I continue to influence change, implement impactful projects, and help shape the future of youth engagement across the Commonwealth.

Back home in Ghana, the knowledge I gained from UWS, played a pivotal role in helping me scale up my non-profit organisation and projects to be more effective and efficient. I have been able to streamline our processes, optimize resource allocation, and measure the impact of our initiatives in ways that were previously unattainable. This has allowed us to execute projects more successfully and reach more young people in the country.

My organization focuses on transforming the lives of young people in rural communities, aiming to turn around their fortunes and give them the same opportunities I was fortunate enough to receive. We have undertaken several impactful projects, including educational programs that provide school materials, exercise books, and dustbins to schools. We’ve also worked on creating cervical cancer awareness, implemented mentorship programs, and launched tech upskill programs for the youth. These are just a few of the ways we are working to uplift the next generation, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

Looking back, I can confidently say that all this progress and impact is a direct result of the inspiration and knowledge I gained at UWS. The university not only taught me the importance of pursuing education but also instilled in me the ability to innovate, think critically, and lead with passion.

In my professional life, I currently work as an IT Project Manager at UWS under the UWS Graduate Programme, where I continue to apply the skills, I’ve learned. My passion for innovation and forward-thinking has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the growth of my department, even in the short time I’ve been there. UWS has shown me that with the right mindset, anything is possible.