I'm a first-generation American, born to two Liberian immigrants. Virginia State University, a historically Black college, deepened my connection to that heritage, and to what comes with it. Combat taught me what it means to commit to something bigger than yourself, even when it's hard and the outcome isn't guaranteed.
That's where the conviction came from: the diaspora isn't just watching Liberia's future from the sidelines. We have a role in building it.
Liberia Forward started as a way to act on that. Through real work on the ground, our focus sharpened. What began as a broad set of ambitions is now a clear mission: advancing partnerships between Liberia and the United States through education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
That's not a change in who we are. It's a clearer picture of it. This site reflects that.
Lawrence (Kwame) Totimeh
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
An enduring partnership between Liberia and the United States, one that expands educational opportunity, strengthens the workforce, and builds lasting economic prosperity for generations to come.
Advancing partnerships between Liberia and the United States through education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
Liberia Forward operates through a small permanent team and a trusted network of collaborators, advisors, and professionals rather than a large standing staff. That keeps our overhead low and our decisions close to the communities we work in.
