Voffee Saye Jabateh has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Jabateh, a former employee of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, formed his own nonprofit organization, the Africa Cultural Alliance of North America Inc., in 1999 as its chief executive officer. Established after observing the number of African immigrants and refugees residing in the U.S. who did not have sufficient access to social benefits, such as education, health care, education, economic development opportunities and cultural events due to diaspora, he utilized his educational background to make lasting change.
Over the past two decades, Mr. Jabateh has worked with numerous African and Caribbean organizations to make his vision a success. Helping thousands of immigrants in the U.S., he is currently serving approximately 7,000 people annually through ACANA. Having created a community of African natives in the southwest section of Philadelphia, Mr. Jabateh’s nonprofit organization has been instrumental in their ability to acclimate and find their way forward in America.
Notably, the ACANA has influenced the formation of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs. The organization is presently constructing a $20 million community center and has set aside an entire city block for the construction of affordable housing, which will cost roughly $80 million.
A native of Liberia, Mr. Jabateh owned and operated his own business at the young age of 19. He also received a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology at the University of Liberia. However, during the Liberian Civil War, Mr. Jabateh relocated to the U.S. to start anew, ultimately earning a Master of Social Work at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Celebrated for his expertise, Mr. Jabateh was inducted into the Social Work Hall of Fame at Temple University in 2006. Other accomplishments to his credit include several awards from various African and American communities, citations from the City of Philadelphia, and a nomination for a Humanitarian Award and Dynamic Achievers Award. Mr. Jabateh has also been featured on the cover of the Philadelphia Inquirer and other news publications for bringing the city’s attention to the inequality of its residents.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who’s Who titles, including Who’s Who in America®, Who’s Who in the World®, Who’s Who in American Law®, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who’s Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.