About
My name is Louise P. Whittemore, and my journey has been one of resilience, determination, and hope. Education has always been a cornerstone of my life, shaped by my mother’s unwavering belief in its importance. Though she was unable to attend school herself due to societal norms and financial constraints, she worked tirelessly as a single parent, doing odd jobs and eventually starting her own restaurant to ensure I could complete my education. I was born in Liberia, a country I deeply cherish but had to leave during a devastating civil war. After fleeing to Ghana, I lived in a refugee camp for seven years, dreaming of a brighter future. My uncle eventually brought me to the United States, where I seized every opportunity to pursue my education. I became the first female, and the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.These experiences have shaped my vision for the Louise P. Whittemore Scholarship Foundation. This foundation is my way of honoring my mother’s sacrifices, supporting women who are working hard to give their children a better life, and empowering the next generation through education.Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can create opportunities, inspire change, and build a legacy of hope and achievement.

Meet the Team
Our leadership team and advisors bring together experience in education, youth development, and community service. Their guidance strengthens our mission and ensures every child we serve receives meaningful and impactful support

Founder & Executive Director
Mrs. Louise Panton Whittemore
Louise Panton Whittemore is a first generation college graduate whose life journey from Liberia to the United States has shaped a deep passion for children, education, and opportunity. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. Every obstacle she overcame became a reminder of the importance of support, guidance, and someone believing in your future. Louise earned degrees in Supervisory Management, Human Resources, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, accomplishments that reflect her dedication to personal growth and educational excellence.
For eight years, Louise worked with the State of Minnesota as an Office Manager in an agency that reviewed child protection cases. This role placed her at the heart of advocacy, helping ensure fairness for families and amplifying the voices of children navigating difficult situations. Her work strengthened her belief that every child deserves protection, dignity, and a fair chance. Today, Louise continues that mission within the public school system, where she sees firsthand the challenges students face and the impact that proper support can make. Her daily interactions with children and families reinforce her commitment to helping students in underserved communities access the opportunities they deserve.
Inspired by her own experiences and guided by her faith, Louise founded the Louise P. Whittemore Scholarship Foundation to give children in Liberia the same hope, encouragement, and opportunity she once needed. She leads with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering belief that education has the power to transform lives, one child at a time.

Liberia Operations Manager
Mr. Chris T. Jarbah
Mr. Christopher is a highly trusted community leader whose strong work ethic, integrity, and exceptional management skills make him an essential part of the Louise P. Whittemore Scholarship Foundation. Known for his reliability and calm, steady leadership, he is someone people naturally depend on. A person whose word carries weight, and whose actions consistently demonstrate commitment and accountability. With years of hands-on experience overseeing complex projects, coordinating teams, and managing resources on the ground in Liberia, Christopher brings clarity, structure, and efficiency to every task he takes on. His background includes supervising construction projects, managing personnel, and ensuring that every detail, from communication to execution, is handled with professionalism and care. His reputation in the community is one of honesty, fairness, and deep responsibility.
As Liberia Operations Manager, Christopher plays a critical role in ensuring that the foundation’s vision is carried out effectively, ethically, and in alignment with its mission. He oversees local coordination, verifies student needs, manages logistics, and provides oversight during all scholarship, outreach, and support activities. His presence ensures transparency, safety, and proper stewardship of all resources.
Beyond his skills, Christopher is someone who leads with heart. He cares deeply about the youth of Liberia and believes in creating opportunities that break generational cycles of struggle. His dedication to service, combined with his trustworthy nature, makes him a pillar of support for the foundation.

Advisor
Mrs. Alvina Lahai Essel
Mrs. Essel brings a strong academic and analytical background shaped by years of work in research, service operations, and organizational support. An honors student from high school, she earned a fully funded scholarship to the University of Minnesota and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management at Metro State University, solidifying her expertise in communication, organizational behavior, and professional development.
Her strengths include critical analysis, process evaluation, structured problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex information with clarity and fairness. She is known for her disciplined work ethic, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence qualities that greatly enhance the foundation’s governance and strategic decision-making.
With a talent for collaboration and a deep sense of responsibility toward community advancement, she provides thoughtful oversight, discretion, and a balanced perspective. Her dedication to educational access and the empowerment of underserved populations aligns fully with the mission and long-term vision of the Louise P. Whittemore Scholarship Foundation.
As a private advisor, she offers steady guidance, analytical insight, and a genuine belief in the life changing power of opportunity.

Youth Advisor
Mr. Aloysius Thompson
Aloysius is a distinguished scholar and community-minded professional whose academic excellence has shaped his commitment to service and mentorship. A Monticello High School honors graduate, he maintained a record of straight A’s throughout his academic career, earning recognition for his discipline, leadership, and intellectual drive. His consistency in high achievement continues to influence his philosophy of hard work, opportunity, and educational empowerment.
Known for his analytical thinking, strong ethical grounding, and mature decision-making, Aloysius brings thoughtful guidance to the foundation’s mission. His strengths include strategic problem-solving, student mentorship, and a deep understanding of the challenges young people face as they pursue academic growth. His ability to think critically and lead with empathy makes him a valuable voice in shaping scholarship policies and long-term programs.
Aloysius is passionate about supporting youth, expanding educational pathways, and uplifting underserved communities. His commitment, integrity, and forward-looking perspective make him a trusted advisor whose insight strengthens the foundation’s vision and impact.

Ms. Traci Tapiz
Education & Global Perspective
This advisor is an accomplished professional with more than a decade of experience supporting organizational operations, providing administrative leadership, and contributing to community-centered service work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics, with specialized studies in Teaching English as a Second Language, and has completed international academic work in South Africa. An experience that deepened her global perspective and strengthened her commitment to educational equity.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in communication, problem-solving, and supporting diverse populations. Her background includes extensive work in public service, human support programs, and educational environments, where she has earned a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and a strong ethical approach to decision-making.
As an advisor to the Louise P. Whittemore Scholarship Foundation, she brings strategic insight, cross-cultural understanding, and a thoughtful, measured voice to the development of programs serving children and students in Liberia. Her dedication to youth advancement and her belief in the power of opportunity make her a valued member of the advisory team.

Private Advisor
Student Support & Special Education
This advisor is a dedicated special education professional committed to supporting the growth, confidence, and academic success of children with diverse learning needs. With a strong background in individualized instruction, behavioral support, and student advocacy, she brings deep compassion and professional expertise to her work. Her approach centers on empowering students, strengthening family partnerships, and creating environments where every child is seen, supported, and valued.
Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. She is passionate about youth development, equity in learning, and creating pathways for children to thrive regardless of their circumstances. Her insight as an educator helps guide the foundation’s mission, ensuring that every program reflects empathy, accessibility, and meaningful impact for the students we serve. As a trusted advisor, she offers thoughtful guidance on student-focused initiatives, safeguarding the heart and purpose behind the foundation’s work.
Our Mission
Enabling Access to Education
Supporting Future Leaders
Investing in Educational Equity






