+18 YEARS SERVING YOUTH GLOBALLY
Who is Jallah?
From a war-torn childhood to a global advocate for education and philanthropy, Jallah’s story exemplifies resilience, empowerment, and transformational leadership.
Z. J. Jallah is a senior business analyst at Geisinger Health whose 19-year information technology career is marked by a steadfast commitment to philanthropy, generosity, and community empowerment.
Born in Firestone, Liberia, Jallah’s early years were humble and peaceful until the onset of the Liberian Civil War in 1989. The conflict upended his life, forcing his family into a constant state of danger and displacement. Narrowly escaping recruitment as a child soldier, Jallah navigated the perils of remote villages with his family, relying on his mother’s courage and unshakable faith as their anchor.
During a brief ceasefire, Jallah persuaded his mother to send him back to the city so he could attend school despite the family’s severe financial constraints. Driven by determination, he sold doughnuts and bottled water on the streets to fund his education. His efforts were ultimately supported by a local church that covered his tuition in Monrovia.
When the ceasefire collapsed, Jallah’s family faced the realities of refugee life, first in Guinea and the Ivory Coast, and then eventually resettling in the United States. Undeterred by adversity, Jallah excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University, a Master’s degree from Wilmington University, a Project Management Certificate from the University of Delaware, and an International Business Certificate from the National University of Singapore.
Jallah’s dedication to fostering generosity extended globally when, in 2017, he was named Global Leader of GivingTuesday in Liberia. He later joined the GivingTuesday Board of Directors in New York, where he continues to lead initiatives that inspire philanthropy across Liberia. Beyond his leadership roles, Jallah consults for charities and churches, offering practical strategies to enhance community service efforts.
A sought-after speaker, Jallah has shared his inspiring journey at events across the United States, Italy, Brazil, Canada, Liberia, the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, and Kenya. He has also led international mission trips and served in leadership roles on various church committees, including the Elders’ Board.
In his free time, Jallah enjoys volunteering, traveling, and playing football (soccer), a cherished connection to his childhood. Above all, he values time spent with family and friends. Jallah’s extraordinary journey from surviving the horrors of war to becoming a beacon of hope and transformation embodies the power of resilience, compassion, and the profound impact of giving back.
Founding of YesLiberia
While in college, Jallah began funding the education of underprivileged students in Rwanda and Somalia. This experience inspired him to extend his efforts to his homeland, creating a website that reconnected members of the Liberian diaspora with loved ones back home and initiating tuition sponsorships for Liberian students.
In 2009, Jallah formalized his commitment to giving back by founding Youth Empowerment Services of Liberia, Inc. (YesLiberia). Through education, leadership development, and service learning, YesLiberia empowers young Liberians to create meaningful change. The organization now provides tuition assistance to 100 students annually, impacting thousands through academic supplies, leadership training, and direct financial support.
Belief and Faith
With God’s help and his mother’s heroism, Jallah narrowly escaped being a child soldier during the Liberian Civil Wars. He lived in remote villages, constantly hiding from the brutal rebel commanders recruiting children.
When asked about his faith and the blessings he has received, Jallah said, “When you’ve faced life’s hardships as a child and overcome them by the grace of God, your life becomes a testimony—calling you to live in a way that reflects your faith beyond the walls of the church.” ~ Jallah
Quotes from Jallah
How Jallah's Vision Is Changing Lives
+18 YEARS SERVING YOUTH GLOBALLY
Related Awards & Achievements
- Martin Luther King Award, John Bartram Alumni Network
- Humada Award, Penn State University
- Global Leader GivingTuesday
- 1st African Board Member, GivingTuesday
- Community Leader of the Year, Xfinity
- Liberian Image Awards
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Jallah's Professional Experiences
Z. J. Jallah is a Senior Business Analyst in software development in the USA, who also enjoys volunteering for the voiceless. He is passionate about unconventionally creating meaningful impacts for youth in rural communities and using technology to empower grassroots movements across Africa.
He is the Global Leader for GivingTuesday Liberia, and served on the GivingTuesday board. Jallah has also consulted for GivingTuesday in various capacities, including serving as one of the Regional Directors for GivingTuesday’s Starling Collective, for the USA, Canada, and Caribbean Region. Jallah has been an advocate for the GivingTuesday movement across Africa for seven years. He believes the true meaning of radical generosity is only a strange idea to those who have not imagined or reflected on the injustices and suffering of others.
Jallah has a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Wilmington, a certificate in International Business from the National University of Singapore (NUS), a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University. He has worked in IT in the Education, Healthcare, and Entertainment sectors, including working for a US Military contractor in software development.
Originally from Liberia, Jallah has lived in five countries. He loves to travel and has been to 27 countries and counting. He is truly a nomad for generosity.
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