War leaves scars that ripple through generations, but for MacDella Cooper, those scars became the foundation for transformative actions. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Cooper’s childhood was shattered by the Liberian Civil War, a conflict that claimed over 200,000 lives and displaced countless others.
Forced to flee her homeland as a teenager, she found temporary refuge in Côte d’Ivoire before reuniting with her family in the United States. These harrowing experiences shaped her resilience and ignited a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Liberia’s most vulnerable populations.
In 2003, MacDella Cooper founded the MacDella Cooper Foundation (MCF) as a direct response to the widespread deprivation she witnessed during and after the war. The foundation seeks to address the glaring inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities affecting Liberia’s children and women. It began with small acts of charity, but those seeds grew into an organisation that has profoundly impacted lives nationwide.
One of MCF’s most notable achievements is the establishment of the MCF Academy in 2010, Liberia’s first tuition-free boarding school for vulnerable children. At this academy, learning transforms lives. Children gain academic knowledge and essential life skills while enjoying three nutritious meals daily prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Within this nurturing environment, they find the safety and encouragement needed to rebuild their confidence and aspire to brighter futures. For many of these children, the academy provides their first real opportunity to overcome barriers of poverty and inequality.
Cooper’s vision focuses on empowering women and youth as the foundation for sustainable development. The foundation equips women with the skills and resources to achieve financial independence through vocational training and microfinance programs. Initiatives like She’s the Way foster confidence and entrepreneurship among women, while Young Men’s Club inspires young people to take active roles in transforming their communities. These programs reflect her commitment to building a future where every individual contributes meaningfully to Liberia’s progress.
Beyond the foundation’s projects, Cooper has worked tirelessly to draw global attention to Liberia’s needs. Her efforts have brought investments into the country, focusing on affordable housing, energy, and technology—sectors critical for economic recovery and growth. Her work shows that progress is achievable, even when faced with significant challenges.
While her contributions to Liberia are vast, her approach remains deeply personal. She often speaks about her passion for education and dream of developing future leaders who take pride in themselves and their country. These ideals are evident in the lives of MCF Academy graduates, many of whom have gone on to higher education and meaningful careers.
Her journey from a war survivor to a philanthropist and advocate proves how individual resolve can inspire collective change. Through MCF, MacDella Cooper has created a model of empowerment that addresses immediate needs and inspires long-term societal transformation.
