Herinah Asaah is empowered to uplift and driven to change
With support from Penn’s community and donors, Penn undergraduate Herinah Asaah is working toward a future in education equity and human rights.
2 min. read
Growing up, Herinah Asaah and her family relocated frequently due to her mother’s career in the military, living in places as widespread as California, New York, and Hawaii.
Assah is a fourth year undergraduate in the Schools of Arts and Sciences studying psychology, music, and philosophy. “Starting at the University and knowing I would be here, in the same spot, for four years was really exciting for me,” she says. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know every part of campus, and my internships and jobs have allowed me to connect with different neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.”
Through working with West Philadelphia children in a nonprofit summer camp and mentoring local public school students through the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, Asaah developed a passion for educational equity. “In these organizations, I’ve been able to examine the gaps in education systems and how a lack of resources and funding directly impacts the children in these communities,” she says. This work has inspired Asaah to focus on education as a human right, to ensure equitable access for children across the globe.
While serving as the first-year coordinator for the Penn Association for Gender Equity (PAGE), Asaah was tasked with planning a pre-orientation program for incoming students, as well as a fall semester fellowship. Through a Reunion gift from the Class of 1982 and additional direct gifts from the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, PAGE received the funding required to successfully execute all aspects of the program and fellowship.
“I was very inspired by the support we received from donors. When I’m an alum, I plan to give back to ensure students like me can get the most out of their education and experience at Penn,” she says.
This story is by Maria Provenzano. Read more at Inspiring Impact.
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