Author of From Load to Grace and founder of the Porter Path Foundation, Mariam Eliasu, has gained admission to the University of Wisconsin to pursue a degree in Humanities.

Mariam’s journey gained public attention in 2025 when she was discovered by Ghanaian author David Raphaelle Antwi, popularly known as Author Ralph.

At the time, she had spent eight years working on the streets of Accra as a porter, carrying loads for a living.

Despite the challenges, she remained determined to build a better future. She resisted pressure to compromise her dignity and stayed focused on her goal of achieving a meaningful life.

Through perseverance and hard work, Mariam has now transitioned from the streets into academia.

She is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an advocate for vulnerable people, especially porters.

Through her Porter Path Foundation initiative, she aims to support at least 1,000 people living on the streets of Accra by securing sponsorship from individuals and organisations.

The Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations (RAIN) Foundation and the Global Youth Network of the World Conference of Mayors Inc. are partnering on the initiative to help improve the lives of disadvantaged people.

Mariam is also expected to speak at various events this year across Africa, Europe and America, where she will share her story to inspire young people.