Desmond (Dez) Kamara

Desmond (Dez) Kamara has turned his personal experiences into a powerful force for social change. His dedication to excellence was evident at the University of Lethbridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in anthropology. Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara survived 12 years of civil war and post-conflict. Focused on supporting war victims, especially former child soldiers, Kamara produced a documentary to raise awareness of their experiences. His career spans nearly a decade working with the United Nations, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and various international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, Canada and Jamaica. In 2023, Kamara returned to ULethbridge to launch his first book, reflecting his commitment to family values, education and his resilience to achieve his dreams. He recently completed a master’s in social work at the University of Windsor, specializing in mental health and community development (policy + practice). Kamara exemplifies the values and spirit of ULethbridge, making him an exceptional representative and alumnus whose work continues to inspire globally.