Matilda's Story

Matilda Issata Sawie is the Refugee Congress Delegate for Pennsylvania. She is a former refugee originally from Liberia. Matilda has had a lifelong commitment to public health and outreach. While in the refugee camp, she volunteered as a peer educator, teaching her peers how to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. When she came to the U.S., Matilda earned an associate degree in applied sciences and a Bachelor of Science in public health from Temple University, all while maintaining two jobs, caring for her family in her country of origin, and dedicating her time to volunteer. She is passionate about her work as a storyteller, raising awareness about domestic violence against women, rape, climate change, and refugee, asylum-seeker, and immigrant rights - including access to healthcare and other social services. Matilda has worked as an HIV/AIDS Medical Case Manager. Today, she works as a TB Screening Coordinator in the Department of Public Health. She coordinates TB screening and treatments as per the CDC’s classification for refugees and immigrants. Additionally, she is completing a master’s in public health at West Chester University. Links to Check Out: Refugee Congress Website Refugee Storytellers Collective website Refugee Storytellers Collective nomination form (we accept nominations year-round!) Refugee Advocacy Lab Website Refugee Advocacy Lab on Twitter: @RefugeeAdvcyLab Refugee Advocacy Lab on Instagram: @refugeeadvocacylab Refugee Advocacy Lab on Facebook - The Refugee Advocacy Lab Refugee Advocacy Lab LinkedIn Email the Refugee Advocacy Lab - @Kate Brick & @Sarah Sheffer Follow Daughters of Change: Website: Facebook: Instagram LinkedIn Marie's LinkedIn: Daughters of Change Podcast Producer: Sarah Stacey Sarah's LinkedIn Profile