Mabel Dzigbordz

What education have you taken?

I am taking a Master of Education in Educational Administration (expected completion in May 2025) from Brandon University, a Bachelor of Education in Educational Psychology and Foundations from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and a Diploma in Basic Education from the Presbyterian College of Education, Ghana.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am proud of my role as the Gender Empowerment Representative and former Women’s Representative at Brandon University Students’ Union, where I represent and advocate for students on various decision-making bodies on campus such as the Brandon University Student Appeals Committee, Graduate Studies Committee, Academic Integrity Committee, and the Brandon University Senate (from 2023/2024 to present). I also served as a Floor Representative in Flora Cowan Residence (2022/2023). I am proud of my recent publication in the Brandon University Journal on Internationally Educated Teachers and the Y.K. Jack Lam Graduate Scholarship (2024/2025). Before coming to Canada, I worked as a Girl Child Education Coordinator. I was honored as Best teacher of the Year at Konkonuru Methodist Junior  High School (2021) and was recognized as the Best Student of the Apostolic Students Association during my college years. Earning my Professional Teaching Certification in Manitoba is also a significant achievement in my journey.

Give a brief bio about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I am an international student from Ghana who grew up in a farm area in the suburbs. I have over eight years of experience in education, including six years of direct classroom teaching. After completing my college degree, I worked with the Akuapem South Municipality as a class and subject instructor from Grade 4 to the Junior high level. Alongside teaching, I served for five years as the Girl Child Education Coordinator and four years as the School Health Education Program (SHEP) Coordinator within my circuit. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I taught in the Department of Languages at Benkum Senior High School and worked as a part-time lecturer at the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education. I also served as the Acting Assistant Headmistress at Ayim D/A Basic School, where I was first posted after training college. In Canada, I worked as a Learning Coach with the Academic Skills Centre at Brandon University and as a Research Assistant in the Faculty of Education. Since January 2023, I have been working with the Brandon School Division as an Educational Assistant and a Substitute Teacher.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand the challenges that limit children’s access to quality education, especially for girls. While I didn’t initially plan to become a teacher, I was drawn to education because I saw it as a source of hope; the tool that could transform lives and change stories, including my own. After senior high school, while waiting to apply to university, I had the opportunity to work at a daycare centre, where I developed a passion for teaching. During my early years as a teacher after college, my experiences as a classroom teacher, Assistant Head, School Health Education Program (SHEP) Coordinator, and Girl Child Education Coordinator made me realize that students’ success is influenced not only by what happens in the classroom but also by factors outside the classroom and beyond the school environment. This understanding fueled my passion for Educational Administration, where I aim to explore how school leadership, policy, and socially just practices contribute to an inclusive and effective educational system that supports all learners.

What is your philosophy in life?

I believe that education is a powerful tool for change, and by empowering individuals with knowledge and opportunities, we can break systemic barriers and create a more just society.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself in a leadership role within the education sector, working to promote excellence in education through administration, research, and policy development. I also aim for opportunities to advocate for equitable access to quality education, especially marginalized communities and students, and contribute to creating safe and supportive learning environments.

In one sentence, how will you #AccelerateAction?

I will #AccelerateAction by advocating for culturally responsive conversations on sexual health and abuse prevention, especially in rural communities, to raise awareness, educate, and empower all stakeholders in protecting the wellbeing of girls, ensuring they have a mentally sound mind to learn.