who is
diana-melissa ngoumape
Born from Adversity
Diana-Melissa Ngoumape’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and an unshakable belief in the power of community. Born in the Central African Republic during a time of political instability, her earliest memories are intertwined with survival and hope.
As a baby, Diana-Melissa and her family fled their village during a coup. With no access to transportation, her mother carried her on her back, walking miles to safety. By the time they reached their destination, Diana-Melissa was paralyzed and severely ill, battling malaria and other complications for months. Doctors doubted she would survive, but even as an infant, she fought to live. That strength would become a defining trait throughout her life.
Growing Through Challenges
Her childhood in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, was filled with both challenges and moments of joy. She excelled academically, consistently ranking among the top three students in her class. Beyond the classroom, she found a love for dancing, public speaking, and performances, often giving speeches at school ceremonies.
Diana-Melissa had a natural ability to lead and nurture others, organizing activities with her neighbors, mentoring younger children, and even taking care of her friends’ siblings. Her parents often joked that whenever guests arrived with children, they knew Diana-Melissa would keep them entertained and cared for. Even as a child, her compassion and sense of responsibility were evident. She would share what little she had, whether it was food or knowledge from school.
New Beginnings & Growth
In 2013, when war broke out again, her family relocated to Warsaw, Indiana, a city her parents had once called home during their studies. At just 11 years old, Diana-Melissa faced the difficulty of leaving everything she knew behind. Yet, with her sister Cassandra by her side, she embraced her new life.
She attended Jefferson Elementary School, graduating sixth grade with her parents proudly in attendance. Later, at Lakeland Christian Academy, she shone as an athlete, playing basketball, volleyball, and participating in choir. She earned awards for her leadership, academic achievements, Most Improved Player, Honor Roll, and the Bible Verse Award.
In 2015, Diana-Melissa moved to Cameroon, where she spent five transformative years. She continued to excel academically and athletically, earning awards such as Female Athlete of the Year, Best Sportsman, the Leadership Award, and the International Understanding Award. She took on leadership roles as a class representative, president of the I-Serve committee for community service, and mentor to younger students.
Creating Change Today
Through these experiences, Diana-Melissa’s love for empowering others grew. Whether mentoring peers, leading community service projects, or simply being a “mother figure” to those around her, she developed a passion for creating opportunities where none existed.
Today, Diana-Melissa channels her journey into her foundation, NDORA, inspired by the word “path” in her native language. NDORA is more than a foundation; it is a commitment to rewriting the stories of individuals and communities. From hosting personal development workshops to leading donation drives, her work has already begun to create change.
Her story is deeply rooted in faith, love, and perseverance, values instilled by her parents and shared by her seven siblings. Diana-Melissa’s mission is not just about her—it’s about empowering others to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. For Diana-Melissa, every challenge is an opportunity, and every dream is worth fighting for.