Jessica Barpaye is a women’s rights advocate and a civil leader with over 10yrs of experience in advocacy. She is the founder and executive director of WAGEP International, a US registered
501(C)3 non-profit organization that helps vulnerable war-affected women and girls through program that promote their sense of self-worth and the ability to make their own choices. Providing the basic knowledge and skills needed for them to realize their potential and become self-reliant. Her passion for helping people has led to establishing a free primary school for orphans and less-fortunate kids in her community through her organization providing free meal and school supplies. During the EBOLA crisis in Liberia, Ms. Barpaye and her team launched the WAGEP EBOLA Taskforce which contributed greatly by sensitizing people and providing household and educational materials to several communities in Montserrado County. Jessica was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and lives in the United States, where she is currently a student at Franklin University studying Cybersecurity. She is a graduate of the Young African Leaders Initiative, Regional Leadership Center, Accra, Ghana. She is also a graduate of the Pointman Leadership Institute, Monument, Colorado.

Jessica is the former Country Director of Elite West Africa, Liberia, where she worked with youths in her country to promote peace. She is also a member of the Child Protection Network, Ministry of Gender, Liberia. Ms. Barpaye is considered one of the outstanding women leaders in Liberia who is positively contributing to the success of the country through her organization by contributing to the country’s growth and development. Her contribution to society continues as she advocates and provides empowerment opportunities for women and girls through education, micro-loan, and vocational skills.