Meet Ibrahim Dabo, Motivational Speaker

Ibrahim Dabo

Meet Ibrahim Dabo, Motivational Speaker

We are excited to introduce Ibrahim Dabo who is a motivational speaker skilled at turning strife into courage with the purpose to influence others. Born in Sierra Leone, Dabo encountered hardships including the losses of his father and father figure and an escape from his war-torn home country as a young teenager. In 2013, Dabo was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which took him about seven years to accept the diagnosis. 

To interact with others, Dabo utilizes assistive hearing tools; he first experienced the hearing loop technology in 2021 at the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Dabo states that “I exclaimed with joy like a little kid who had just been handed a bag of candy. The clarity and proximity of speech that came through to my hearing aids is something I never imagined.” In addition to assistive hearing tools, Dabo states that through “prayer, hard work, and support” he has mastered solutions and workarounds to common communication barriers.

“I exclaimed with joy like a little kid who had just been handed a bag of candy. The clarity and proximity of speech that came through to my hearing aids is something I never imagined.”

Since his hearing loss diagnosis, Dabo has been inspired to become a motivational speaker. His purpose is to bring hope to people in the face of challenges and hopelessness. Specifically, Dabo advocates for K12 and college students and shares motivation and hope. “Our stories, the storms we’ve faced, and how we’ve overcome them can inspire people during tough times” is a great foundation for building support with one another in the community.

“Our stories, the storms we’ve faced, and how we’ve overcome them can inspire people during tough times”

In his influential position as a motivational speaker, Dabo acts as a hearing health advocate to bring awareness and support to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. While he advocates for equal access for opportunities, he specifically targets the advocacy of children.  “Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can benefit from early intervention and educational services to build their language and literacy skills,” according to Dabo. Inspiring in the way he is able to transform others, Dabo’s life goal is giving hope to others through his advocacy work. 

“Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can benefit from early intervention and educational services to build their language and literacy skills”

Dabo serves as commissioner for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is an acting board member for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Dabo demonstrates his ability to utilize his skills and passion for helping others to advocate for the equity, inclusion, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing in multiple positions across various organizations. 

Photo Credit: Office of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. Joined by his wife, Joy, and other members of his family, Ib Dabo was sworn in as a commissioner for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by Governor Brian Kemp.

When asked about his mindset that drives him to accomplish all that he does, Dabo responds, “The biggest influence is that I am here for a purpose and inaction on my part could impact the lives of the people God has placed in my path. When I think about them, I face my fears and push forward to do the work.” 

“The biggest influence is that I am here for a purpose and inaction on my part could impact the lives of the people God has placed in my path. When I think about them, I face my fears and push forward to do the work.” 

Safe’N’Clear is proud to recognize Ibrahim Dabo in the Deaf Leader Series. He serves as an inspiration to all through transforming his purpose and passion into such influential work for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Dabo wants Safe’N’Clear readers to know the value of reaching out to someone if you are struggling in any way. There are resources and organizations available to help you best succeed. Additionally, Dabo encourages readers to get a hearing screening. For more information about Dabo’s inspirational work, visit his website at https://www.IbDabo.com or connect on social media @IbDabo.