Like so many immigrant families, Matenah H. Sannoh family’s story is the story of a refugee, who came to the United States and was welcomed with open arms. She immediately began volunteering here because she believes in the importance and necessity of working together for a common goal to help her community. 

 

Sannoh attended Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania where she earned her first degree in Health Science. Through hard work and dedication, she then moved on to attend the prestigious Widener University School of Nursing in Chester, Pennsylvania where she earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing.  She was awarded the Lillian B. Wald Community Health Award as a graduating senior from Widener University School of Nursing for demonstrating excellence in the ability to promote the health of a community and in providing nursing care to ill clients in their homes.

​

Sannoh is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS),  which educates one to build on leadership skills, career success, and empowers others to have a positive impact on the community. Her drive for community involvement and outreach was demonstrated during the Ebola pandemic in West Africa. For example, she volunteered for the Liberian Red Cross where she was a hygiene and sanitation promoter. In 2020, Sannoh volunteered at a Facility in Moorestown, New Jersey to care for Covid-19 patients. In the past year, she volunteered in the local community to administer Covid-19 vaccines.

​

Sannoh is a global advocate for women and children.  She is the founder and Executive Director of Awareness for Surviving Women and Children (ASWAC). She believes that women and children that have had or who are going through abuse and trauma are heroes and survivors. These women and children must not be represented as "victims" objectified and stigmatized in our communities. Instead, they should be uplifted and provided with the support they need for better emotional, mental, and physical health. With the support of our communities, we can make this world a better place, free from abuse and harassment for all women and children regardless of socioeconomic status, race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, nationality, language, actual or perceived disability, mental and physical disability, or cultural affiliation.  In addition to her work with ASWAC, she is currently seeking ways to enhance her Nursing Degree through further education and continued involvement in the community.