The Center For Global Engagement, Graduate School, and McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture will host alumni Frank Twum-Barimah as keynote speaker for the 2025 International Education Week from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on November 19 at McClung Museum room 63.
Twum-Barimah’s presentation Success in Life & Graduate School: Lessons in Humanitarian Relief, Education, and Business” will focus on his time as an international graduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, his career leading humanitarian operations in Africa and beyond, and empowering others to build a better, more sustainable world.
Frank Twum-Barimah is a seasoned humanitarian leader, climate and sustainability advocate, and mentor committed to creating lasting change in communities across the globe. With over a decade of experience leading humanitarian operations and building systems that strengthen resilience, Frank has dedicated his career to ensuring that vulnerable populations are not only supported in times of crisis but are empowered to thrive long after.
Since joining World Vision International in 2013 as an Area Development Programs Manager, Frank has held several impactful roles across Africa and beyond. His leadership journey has spanned positions such as Cluster Manager, Regional Operations Manager, and Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs (HEA) and Security Manager for World Vision Ghana. He later served as HEA Advisor for the West Africa Regional Office in Senegal and as Emergency Response Manager in Niger. His work has taken him to some of the most challenging environments, including Uganda, Sierra Leone, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Central African Republic and others, where he led life-saving interventions and built systems that enhance community recovery and resilience.
In 2022, at the height of the Ukraine crisis, Frank served as Operations Director for World Vision International, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the organization’s emergency response operations in Ukraine. His leadership was instrumental in reaching conflict-affected populations and coordinating humanitarian efforts that brought hope and stability during a time of great uncertainty.
Frank’s academic foundation reflects both his heart for service and his pursuit of excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Management from Maryville College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee. He also earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership at Deakin University in Australia. Before entering the humanitarian field, Frank served as a Residence Life Coordinator at Armstrong Atlantic State University, where he focused on student programming and judicial services, an early expression of his passion for leadership and mentorship.
Beyond his humanitarian work, Frank is the Co-Founder of Orange Feather Community School in Accra, Ghana, an initiative that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in young learners. He also serves as the Executive Director of ImpactLead Africa, a social enterprise driving climate action, sustainability, and disaster resilience across Sub-Saharan Africa through an integrated social-business approach.
Frank’s work reflects his belief that true leadership lies in empowering others to build a better, more sustainable world. He continues to lead with purpose and integrity, hoping to inspire his generation and those who will follow.
He is married to Alia, and together they are proud parents of two wonderful children, Jayna and Jax.