Bringing Students Together

Left to right: Melissa James '10, Kendra Porter '00, '05G and Shannan Magee '96, '97G.
When Kendra Porter ’00, ’05G traveled to West Africa in 2005, her intention was to help a friend fulfull her dream of starting a school in Ghana.  Five years later, she is now the Interim Head Mistress of the Youth Institute of Science and Technology (YIST) in Agogo, Ghana, overseeing close to 250 elementary students, with a high school to open this fall. She is also a vital connection for UMass Amherst students looking for a meaningful educational and cultural experience abroad.

Porter, who operates a consulting business for non-profits based outside of New York City, executes the majority of her administrative role state-side. This past year, along with the school’s founder Shannan Magee ’96, ’97G, she traveled back to Ghana to meet with the faculty, staff, and of course the students.

“Although I’m not there on the ground full-time, I’m still very much involved in the day-to-day operations of the school,” says Porter. “I’m in constant contact with Shannan, who is in Philadelphia, and we meet in person at least once a month. We communicate daily with our team at the school via phone and email.”

As the Interim Head Mistress, Porter works to develop budgets, policies, and procedures to ensure the school’s smooth operation and growth. “I’m overseeing everything from school supply purchases, to the meal program, to the daily class schedule, and human resource issues,” she said.

Melissa James with students.
This past year, Porter welcomed Melissa James ’10, a UMass Amherst journalism and legal studies major, as a service learning volunteer at YIST. James taught a summer program for the older girls on leadership, communication, and team building skills. Through games and role-play, the girls learned essential skills and life lessons that will guide them as they enter their high school years and beyond. James also managed the school’s first science fair.

“I wanted an opportunity to travel, study abroad, and give back to the community, so going to Ghana to teach young girls and try to inspire them to be leaders was just what I was looking for,” said James. “I worked very closely with Kendra and Shannan to develop the curriculum and to understand the teaching style needed. They basically walked me through the entire process of getting my mind ready for Ghana and living in a different country and culture.”

James, who is applying to law school after graduation, credits the trip as one of her best learning experiences while at UMass Amherst. “I envision myself being an advocate for education and international relations,” she says. “With a legal background I will have the flexibility and freedom to take on work around the globe.”

In the meantime, Porter will continue to wear her many hats on both continents, all the while keeping her UMass Amherst connection strong! She earned a bachelor’s degree with individual concentration in promotional marketing management in 2000 and a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management in 2005. She is also an appointed member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“I think this is a great opportunity for UMass Amherst students to learn about African culture and to help change some of the notions that the African students have about Americans, as well," notes Porter. "Perception is reality. If we can change their perception, we can change their reality!”