Elizabeth Patterson is the founder and executive director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG), an organization that she set up in 2013 to provide academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so that they may access higher education and professional opportunities.
After several experiences in Ghana where she saw the disparity in education for girls, combined with academic research into access to education for children with disabilities, she ensured that when she started the foundation, at least 10% of students admitted through GEIG had a special need.
Elizabeth’s own personal experience also compelled her to start GEIG.
In her final year of high school, she was involved in a life-changing car accident from which she suffered a traumatic brain injury which has affected her cognitive and intellectual abilities.
The most prominent of the accident’s effects is physical (she has a stroke on the left side of her body and walks with a limp). Her strength and determination, led to her making a full recovery and successfully completing her high school education.
Prior to her work with GEIG, Elizabeth served as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Council of Young African Leaders, and Communications and Marketing Associate at Junior Achievement of New York.
She graduated cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Business Management from Caldwell College in the USA in 2009 and also holds a Master’s in Public Administration.
Elizabeth was born in Kumasi and accredits her mother as her biggest source of inspiration because she has always encouraged her to strive for the best in life.
Elizabeth’s hope for the world, is a society where no girl or woman is limited by her biological, social, or economic position and that everyone, especially girls see themselves as capable.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana