Sailume Walo-Roberts, a doctoral candidate at Montclair State University, is set to receive her PhD in Counselor Education during the Winter Commencement 2025. This achievement fulfills a promise made to her late daughter, Dinsio Nia Adassa Walo-Wright, who passed away in 2019 after battling brain cancer. “Do you want this, mom? Do you really want this?” her daughter had asked, encouraging Walo-Roberts to persevere with her studies.
Walo-Roberts will speak at the commencement ceremony, sharing with fellow graduates from the College for Community Health: “Each of us carries our own story, a series of battles fought and won – and those stories have shaped us into who we are today. This degree is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to our resilience and courage. But what will we do with it? Let’s use this achievement to open doors for others, to speak up for those unheard, and to build a world that’s more just, inclusive and compassionate.”
Muninder Kaur Ahluwalia, Interim Chair of the Department of Counseling and Walo-Roberts’ advisor, describes her as “a warm, thoughtful and generous person,” highlighting her dissertation on Liberian women’s experiences as “strong” and “inspiring.”
Walo-Roberts’ life has been marked by significant loss. Originally from Liberia, she moved to the United States in 1986 amid civil war in her home country. Her family sought political asylum after losing nearly 40 relatives during the conflict.
For over ten years, she directed a rape crisis center providing counseling and advocacy. Her work contributed to developing statewide standards for treating sexual assault survivors in New Jersey.
Her journey led her to Montclair State University where she found personal growth and confidence. She now teaches at New York University while managing Sankofa Counseling Services LLC in New Jersey.
Reflecting on the impact of losing her daughter on her professional life, Walo-Roberts says it has made her more empathetic as a counselor: “While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it has shaped me in ways that have made me a more empathetic, compassionate and impactful counselor and researcher.”
As she prepares for commencement day, Walo-Roberts continues to honor her daughter’s memory through her work. She keeps an altar for Dinsio’s ashes at home where she speaks with her daily. She believes Dinsio would be proud of her achievements.
