Changing How Amputees Are Viewed
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 05/29/20
When Mariama Diallo was 4 years old, she got into an accident, which led to one of her arms being amputated. The accident altered her physique, but it did not alter her flaring desire to succeed in life.
Mariama was born in Guinea, Conakry. Her mother was a businesswoman who often traveled between Guinea and Sierra Leone. When the war struck in Sierra Leone, she took in and raised many children whom lost their parents. As a result, Mariama grew up in a household filled with extra brothers and sisters.
Life as an amputee in Guinea was challenging. One day, as Mariama and her friend were walking, her friend recognized a man and told her that he was her uncle. When Mariama approached to greet the man, he instantly reached into his wallet and offered her money.
Mariama felt humiliated because he assumed she was a beggar. That is the reality for people back home with any disability. Because Mariama was an amputee, many thought she would be dependent for the rest of her life.
When she moved to the United States, people weren’t as judgmental but she was hard on herself. She would wear sweaters in 80-degree weather to conceal her amputated arm. Overtime, she learned to embrace herself fully.
After graduating college, she was on a path to become a lawyer but put it on hold. As she cared for her child, real estate peaked her interest. She has now become the professional and caring Realtor many look up to for inspiration and finding their dream home.
Since the spread of Coronavirus, there is a rise in home ownership as prices have plummeted. Mariama advises that now is the best time to jump on the bandwagon. She added that if you are paying over $1K rent for 2 bedrooms in New York, you would be making a smarter investment by purchasing a home nearby New Jersey for a lower sum.
Although many in the African community were skeptical about purchasing a home, recently many of them have reached out to Mariama to assist them on their journey of becoming first-time home owners.
As a Realtor, Mariama’s focus is to prioritize her clients’ interests. Once she determines her clients’ goals and budget, she begins her search to locate the property that best suits them.
For Mariama, helping her clients become homeowners isn’t a one-time transaction, but a lifetime relationship. Mariama explains that when people buy a home and build memories there, the person who helped them purchase that home leaves an everlasting stamp in their mind and becomes a part of them. Mariama has maintained good ties with her clients and have been invited to their home when they celebrate a special occasion.
Nataliah Rodriguez and Mariama met at African Services Committee. She said, “[Mariama] was actually the first person I met; she was kind enough to open the door and guide me to the correct room for my interview. The moment we officially met and began working together, a wonderful friendship flourished.”
“As a former colleague and as a friend, I admire her discipline, confidence, and positive energy. Mariama never settles; she always has a goal and will work with consistency until achieved. Despite having to manage a large caseload, to meet with clients, and to take care of her family, for months, Mariama sat down at her desk during her lunch breaks to work on her personal goal, which was to develop further her knowledge and skills as a Realtor,”Nataliah added.
”Mariama's outlook towards life and willpower is contagious. She empowered me to also push my boundaries, to be curious about my abilities, and to pursue my goals, whether short or long-term. For these past few years, I have witnessed Mariama grow professionally as a Realtor and navigate the industry as a woman and more so as a black woman. Mariama refuses to allow anyone to prevent her from accomplishing her goals for herself and for her family,” Nataliah expressed.
Before, Mariama would cover fully while working out. Recently, she began posting videos of herself working out in a sports bra. The intention was not to show off her body, but to let go of the many layers of insecurities she had on for years.
In the past, many thought that Mariama could not become successful because she is an amputee. Today, she proved everyone that she is more than competent. She is a successful real estate agent, mother of two, and loving the skin she’s in. She does not see her amputated arm as a disability, but rather something that makes her unique and highlights her strength. She is on a mission to help people break generational barriers and become home owners, and empower everyone to love themselves as God made them. Most importantly, she aims to go back to Guinea and help those with disabilities lead dignified lives and become respected members of society.
Welcome to Mariama’s World
Connect with Mariama:
Instagram: @i_am_mariama1
Facebook: Mariama Diallo
Email: Mgdmariam@gmail.com
Book Mariama as your Realtor: https://mariamadiallo.kwrealty.com/
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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