Leadership is the Key to Success
Dr. Fredah Mainah is an accomplished human capital strategist, educator, and leadership expert with over 36 years of professional experience spanning federal service, higher education, international consulting, and community development. Her unwavering commitment to people development, diversity, and organizational leadership has earned her recognition globally, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism in 2025 for outstanding service. As a published author, international speaker, and experienced executive, Fredah combines academic rigor with real-world insight to transform individuals, institutions, and communities.
A scholar at heart and a practitioner in action, Fredah holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, along with dual master’s degrees in Organizational Learning and Performance, and Instructional Technology from Western Michigan University. Her research on the rise of Black female leaders in higher education informs her ongoing advocacy for inclusion, equity, and transformative leadership. She has published on topics ranging from spiral pedagogy to narcissistic leadership and course redesign for inclusive adult learning.
Fredah’s career in higher education has been marked by instructional excellence and curriculum innovation. As an online and adjunct instructor at Western Michigan University for nearly a decade, she introduced inclusive pedagogical practices, fostered global citizenship, and empowered learners to connect leadership theory with practical action. She served as a Faculty Development Fellow and advisory board member, coaching part-time faculty and designing scalable instructional development programs that championed adult learning theory, evaluation methods, and continuous improvement.
Her federal government service has included roles with USCIS as an Asylum Officer and Training Officer. In these capacities, Fredah led learning needs analyses, developed supervisory onboarding programs, and served on multiple national working groups. Her leadership has been critical in creating standardized training programs, evaluating quality assurance practices, and advancing professional development within federal operations.
Internationally, Fredah made a profound impact as a Senior Consultant in Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland with the Institute of Development Management. There, she trained government and private sector leaders in human resource development, workforce planning, and performance management. She coordinated performance appraisals, community development initiatives, and organizational learning projects, increasing client satisfaction and revenue while mentoring more than 35 students annually in research and policy analysis.
A lifelong learner and advocate of service leadership, Fredah has volunteered her expertise during national emergencies, notably with FEMA’s Surge Capacity Force following the 2017 hurricane season. She also served as CEO and Board Member for the Triangle Learning and Cultural Center, a role that blended strategic oversight, board governance, and coaching of new leaders within the nonprofit sector. She continues to serve in advisory capacities for educational and cultural boards, modeling authentic servant leadership and mentoring emerging voices.
Fredah’s influence extends beyond classrooms and government halls. As co-author of a book exploring the success journeys of African immigrants, she brings empathy and resilience into conversations about migration, identity, and perseverance. Her work identifies the factors of courage and resilience that shape transformative leaders—insights that shape her public speaking engagements at global conferences including Hawaii and Michigan, and virtual forums on moral and inclusive leadership.
A passionate gardener, reader, and crafter, Fredah blends the creativity of her personal interests with the analytical precision of her professional pursuits. She is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America, a member of the Institute of Coaching at Harvard’s McLean Hospital, and a certified Kirkpatrick Evaluation professional. She also holds Six Sigma White Belt certification and BOS ISO 9001 quality management credentials, underscoring her proficiency in integrating human development with organizational excellence.
Fredah Mainah is currently seeking board opportunities in socially responsible industries, where her decades of cross-sector leadership, coaching acumen, and strategic foresight can contribute to mission-driven growth. With a global perspective, academic foundation, and empathetic leadership style, she is uniquely positioned to serve on boards seeking transformative guidance in people strategy, leadership development, and inclusion.
Character:
Fredah brings compassionate and principled leadership to every role, guided by a personal mission to empower others through service. Her resilience and dedication to lifelong learning have anchored her professional journey across sectors and continents.
Knowledge:
With a PhD in Organizational Leadership and over three decades of applied experience, Fredah offers deep expertise in adult education, workforce development, and diversity leadership. She pairs academic excellence with practical implementation for measurable impact.
Strategic:
Fredah is a strategic thinker with experience designing and evaluating training systems in government, academia, and global development. Her board governance and consulting roles showcase her ability to align vision, process, and people for sustainable results.
Communication:
A gifted communicator and published author, Fredah excels at translating complex leadership concepts into relatable narratives. Whether mentoring faculty or speaking at international conferences, she leads with clarity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
