Dr. Viola M. Vaughn is one of Africa's most impactful change
makers in 2023. Dr. Viola is dedicated and innovative in empowering young
women. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Health Education
and Prevention Strategies Alliance (WHEPSA) and the visionary behind 10,000
Girls in Kaolack, Senegal.
WHEPSA, born from Dr. Vaughn's passion for providing
essential health and educational services to rural Senegalese girls, stands as
a beacon of progress. The 10,000 GIRLS Educational Support Program which is an
offshoot of WHEPSA, addresses critical concerns of education accessibility and
attainment among girls, nurturing their potential as future leaders and
contributors to their communities and the national economy.
Dr. Vaughn's journey began with a simple request from a
9-year-old girl seeking help to complete third grade, sparking the inception of
10,000 Girls. Drawing from her experience home-schooling her grandchildren, she
recognized the profound impact of personalized education on individual lives.
Her visionary leadership culminated in the development of an
innovative approach within WHEPSA, seamlessly integrating education and
employment opportunities for girls, and fostering self-sufficiency and
sustainability.
Dr. Vaughn's tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as
she has been honored with prestigious accolades including the CNN Heroes Award
and the Teachers College Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her
outstanding contributions to education and community empowerment.
