Future Educator Builds Relationships, Sets Bigger Goals

Whether he’s enhancing campus culture through his position with Student Government Association, sharing the School of Education’s mission with incoming students as an ambassador, or studying historical events alongside peers, he knows what he wants to achieve and remains committed to building better communities through education.

Mwango’s affinity for his hometown of Pittsburgh grew throughout his childhood in the suburb of Baldwin. He knew he wanted to learn and pursue a career in the city he loves—and his ambitions are high. The first-year student is pursuing degrees in secondary social studies education and history with a minor in political science.

Connecting with the past to create a better future

Excellence and involvement are not new to Mwango. At Baldwin High School, he was senior class president, a member of the football and track teams, and involved in Spanish Club, POC Club, Activities Council and Light Initiative. 
 
Through his involvement in Light Initiative, he spent time with his peers learning about the tragic implications of racism and genocide by studying different periods of history, including the Holocaust.
 
“Our teacher brought different perspectives, outlooks and people in from different parts of history to spread awareness of these atrocities,” said Mwango.
 
By hearing first-hand perspectives from Holocaust survivors, visiting the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and listening to guest speakers from all walks of life, Mwango discovered the type of teacher he hopes to become—one who shares the past in hopes of shaping a more inclusive, peaceful future.

Alumni connections and a community of support

In addition to his high school teachers, Mwango draws inspiration from Pittsburgh-area professionals through participation in the CNX Foundation Mentorship Academy. 
 
The Academy focuses on providing youth with greater opportunities to build sustaining careers. Students develop relationships with peers and business leaders across western Pennsylvania to learn together and gain understanding of how to get a running start on a meaningful career.
 
Mwango is grateful for the mentorship of Duquesne alumnus and CNX Resources Corporation CEO Nick Deluliis, GB’94, L’02. Guided by Nick and others, Mwango learned about the workforce and various career options. He also earned a summer internship with CNX’s community relations team that led to a part-time role that he still holds. 
 
“From there, it took off,” he said. “I met so many people inside and outside the company. I met a bunch of elected officials, and it was an amazing experience. It sparked my interest in political science and can only help as I become a social studies teacher.”

Prepared for anything

Mwango is one of five children and the first in his family to attend a four-year university. He credits his older brothers with helping him throughout his college search. As he considered his options, he reflected on the many inspirational teachers and student teachers at Baldwin High School who attended Duquesne.
 
Mwango particularly valued the impact of then-student teacher Olivia Stumpo, E’22, who currently serves as a graduate assistant for the Duquesne women’s basketball team.

“Duquesne alumni were the standout teachers,” he said. “They connected to students on a personal level and had great leadership qualities.”
 
To further develop his own leadership skills, Mwango hopes to join executive boards of campus organizations. He also absorbs everything he can from professors who walk alongside him, employ creative teaching styles and spark interesting conversations that make their classrooms exciting places to learn. 
 
Mwango recognizes history instructor Dr. Julia Hudson-Richards as one of those professors who holds students’ interest and inspires innovation. 
 
“As a future teacher, I always consider the different strategies they use that I can incorporate in how I teach,” he said. “That keeps me engaged.”
 
Firmly rooted in Pittsburgh, Mwango has observed classrooms across the region and aspires to teach at his alma mater, Baldwin High School. From there, he can see himself growing into a superintendent role or pursuing a second career as a state representative so he can effect meaningful, systemic change. 
 
“That's the ultimate goal,” he said. “You’ve got to set high standards for yourself.”