40 Under Forty 2019: Dr. Shirley D. Konneh, Ph.D., MBA

Photo | Erika Sidor From the 20th anniversary of WBJ's 40 Under Forty are (from left) 2019 winner Dr. Shirley D. Konneh, Ph.D., MBA, 2004 alumni Helder Machado, 2016 alumni Kola A. Akindele, 2019 winner Julie Davenport, and 2019 winner Justin Jarboe at The Worcester Club.

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Click here to read about the other 40 Under Forty winners from 2019 and featured alumni in our 20th anniversary edition
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Dr. Shirley D. Konneh, Ph.D., MBA, 35

Assistant director

Center for Career Development College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

Residence: Worcester

Birthplace: Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Colleges: Worcester State College & Walden University

Konneh was raised by a single mother and has found success after emigrating from Nigeria, so she works hard to give back, particularly in diversity efforts. Konneh, who has worked in career development at Holy Cross since 2017, uses her job to build a pipeline for students, especially those of color, to live and work in the city. After graduating from the Bancroft School (where she’s served on its strategic planning committee), she earned her bachelor’s degree in natural science from Worcester State University (where she serves today on the university’s alumni association advisory board), then completed her MBA and doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis. When she’s not on campus at Holy Cross, Konneh serves on the board for the local YWCA and the Girl Scouts, chaired the membership board for the NAACP, and served on the United Way leadership council. The mother of two has served on Worcester’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, which helped update the city's affirmative action plan. – Profile written by Grant Welker

If could live anywhere for one month, where would it be? Port Harcourt Nigeria, because it’s where my entire family lives.

What’s the hidden gem of Central Mass.? I would love to attend an event at the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel, Lincoln Square. Why not, it’s underground!

What do you want your job title to be when you retire? College president or U.S. Secretary of Education. I found my purpose in life is to empower students. I want to leave a legacy and be the role model for youth of color I wish I had when I was young.