From a young age Archima Major knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, she knew she wanted to find a way to help those who didn’t have access to services they needed. She found her path in ophthalmology, a male-dominated eye care field. She resiliently pushed through and achieved numerous degrees and completed multiple placements. She holds the distinction of being the youngest person to ever receive a fellowship with the World Council of Optometry in the history of the institution.
In addition to her work in the United States., Major leads the eye care team for Liberia Medical Mission, they provide free ophthalmological, medical and mental healthcare to the people of Liberia. So far, they have provided care to over 20,000 Liberians. The team also supplies medical and educational trainings, medicines and medical equipment.
What is a defining moment in your career and life?
As a child I experienced the tragedy of a civil war in my native Liberia. Seeing the devastation through the eyes of a young child, experiencing life without necessities, separation and displacement have ingrained a sense of nurture, care and social responsibility that could not be expressed in words. Encounters during that experience further embedded my early attraction to healthcare and philanthropy at that young age.
What challenges have you faced as a woman of color in your field and how did you overcome them?
Too many to list as there are very few if any that have gone before me. I’ve been called a “unicorn” on several occasions, being the only one in the midst. There were no “mentors” available. Ophthalmology has always been a male-dominated field and accordingly, women are always more scrutinized and held to a higher standard. Pursuit of excellence is often misconstrued as “wanting to be a man.” The first assumption was that I was the nurse, or aid of some sort. I recall being discouraged time and again when I wanted to open my first practice. There were limited access to capital, the bankers wanted to know WHY I did not just want to join a group or be an employee, especially in a downward economy.
How did I overcome? I built a successful practice. Sometimes the best argument (and evidence) is a proven track record, or better yet, a successful story. A decade later, I am still standing. Thankfully the tides are changing, albeit slowly as women of color are no longer standing to the side. We are now seated at the table!
What woman inspires you and why?
“Women?” My Mother, Nyama Waritay, and my Aunt, Dr. Velma Major Troko. They collectively embody whom I would like to become and have molded my world view of family, community and social responsibility. My mom in her early career working with United Nation varied branches in promoting gender specific issues with regard to women (empowerment, entrepreneurship, health, socio-political and education).
My Aunt with her intentional decision to cease a thriving medical practice to provide direct care to her family and raise her children. All the while mentoring, coaching and being that renaissance woman. Both brilliant, audacious yet graceful and fully in tune with their authentic selves; and indelibly impacting their communities and the lives of everyone they encounter.
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
Top 5: 1. Aim high! 2. Always surround yourself with persons who know MORE than you do, so that you may learn and grow. 3. Never allow “fear” or “the unknown” to hinder or limit your potential for greatness. 4. Seek out mentors at every level of growth, so that you may be tested and proven by experience. 5. Be the change!!! You may be the only “lesson” that someone gets to encounter or experience, make it memorable and impactful.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
It means that I am a part of a WHOLE. All of my knowledge, experiences, talent and resources are not solely of value to me, but are of equal (if not more value) to those who are connected to me; i.e. my family, community and all areas where I may have influence or impact. I am the summation of those who preceded me. My ancestry, socialization and day to day experiences are all building blocks to creating a better world, especially with regard to eye care and systemic wellness. Accordingly, I have to be intentional on how and where I use and express my gifting, talents and skills; and most of all, I must always remember from whence I have come.
