Today we’d like to introduce you to Ibrahim Dabo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Ib Dabo, originally from Sierra Leone. My story is that of a young boy who experienced adversity and came out on the other side by faith, turning pain into passion and purpose. I lost my father and two other father figures before I turned 13 years old, experienced bullying because of my body size, affected by war, and by 30 I received a shocking hearing loss diagnosis. Through all these trials, the most important thing that kept me going is believing God has a plan and purpose for my life. As a writer, speaker and hearing health advocate, my message is to encourage others to believe in their God-given dream and purpose and that they too can overcome any challenge. I inspire others to believe that no matter how difficult your situation is, there’s hope and things will be okay.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish my road has been smooth but when I think about life, I am reminded that it is not always easy. It is not impossible, but not always easy. The loss of my father when I was 3 years old had an emotional impact on me growing up. I did not remember him alive, and his absence left a vacuum that made me very sad. At times I cried wondering why I did not have a father like other kids. Thankfully my mother and siblings were there to show me love. God then blessed me with Uncle John, a father figure in my life, although our time together did not last too long. He was brutally murdered by rebels during the war in my country when I was 12 years old. I then lost other family members and properties during the war. Then at age 14, I had a dreadful experience while escaping the war by boat alongside my older brother. I feared the sharks would come after me deep in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. However, it was the storm that rocked our boat on the penultimate night that I will never forget. I thought the boat would sink. I prayed through the sea storm and God heard my cry. When the raging storm ceased and help was on the way, I knew God had given me a second chance which I would not take for granted. Five days since leaving Sierra Leone, we finally reached land in the morning. I spent the next seven years as a refugee in The Gambia, where a loving family hosted us.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from my experiences in journalism, I’ve always had a keen interest in the field of Information Technology. Today I work as the Director of Enterprise Business Systems for a global nonprofit organization. My work includes overseeing the systems that help the organization impact lives in more than 115 countries.
I am a hearing health advocate. In 2022 I was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia to serve as a commissioner with the Georgia Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The commission advocates for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to ensure they have equal access to services, programs, and opportunities available to others. I am also a Board Member for the Hearing Loss Association of America, the nation’s leading organization representing consumers with hearing loss.
As a motivational speaker, I inspire others, especially young people, from feeling hopeless and lacking motivation to hopeful, empowered and unstoppable.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I prayed for my wife when I was 12 years old. I met her 12 years later and we became best friends. It then took us another 12 years before we got married. Her name is Joy, and indeed, God blessed me with a joy. It was worth the prayer and patience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.IbDabo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibdabo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibdabo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibdabo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ibdabo
Image Credits
Photos 1 – 4 (Governor Kemp swears Ibrahim as Commissioner): Office of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp
Photo 5: Joy Kitanga-Dabo
Photo 6: Nancy Du
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