June Agamah lives a life of purpose, inspired by her deep faith. Even when witnessing incredible adversity, she finds joy. She also radiates joy – through her warm smile, friendly disposition, caring attitude and the colorful clothes she wears.
June's mantra comes from Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others." This guides her in the many ways she is a woman of influence in Springfield, her home since 1995; Guyana, where she was born and raised; and Ghana, where she and her husband, Dr. Edem Agamah, have led 45 mission trips.
June met her husband, who is from Ghana, after moving from Guyana in South America to New Orleans, where Edem was in graduate school at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. They married, moved to the Chicago area and relocated to Springfield in 1995 with their three young daughters. June earned a master's degree in public health from University of Illinois Springfield, taking classes at night.
Edem is a hematologist/oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. His parents inspired him to help his homeland, which was in dire need of medical care. What began as a makeshift clinic under a mango tree is now a permanent hospital that treats tens of thousands of patients annually. Together the Agamahs incorporated the International Health and Development Network as a medical mission nonprofit organization in March 1996. This is their life's work.
June is the logistics coordinator. Doctors from the Springfield area and beyond, along with nurses and medical students, volunteer on the mission trips.
"Each time we prepare for these trips, I think of the impact that we want to have on the lives of the people we serve," said June.
Thanks to their tireless work, about 90% of the local population now has access to quality health care. Many lives have been saved. The hospital has improved the quality of life for thousands of people, including women and children who now have access to prenatal and postnatal care. The hospital also has a positive impact on the local economy.
"I'm blown away by the effects of these trips on the volunteers that we take to Ghana," said June. "Working in a resource-poor environment brings its own challenges."
Medical students have the opportunity to see things they would never see in the U.S. and participate in procedures from beginning to end. They learn how to work without the most sophisticated equipment, ask questions, touch patients and communicate with doctors and nurses to make diagnoses.
"To see the joy in the medical students faces, that's what inspires me and gives me joy," said June. "These medical students' lives are forever changed."
The trips have also had an impact on the Agamahs' own family. The couple's three daughters went on the mission trips from the time they were young. Now, the oldest and youngest are both in residencies pursuing medical careers.
During the pandemic, June wrote her memoir, Caryl's Closet. She was inspired to do so after her middle daughter found some old photos and journals in a closet and wanted to know more about her mother's heritage. In the book, June describes her personal journey of growing up poor with hardworking and loving parents in a tiny village, Buxton-Friendship, on the east coast of Guyana, and ultimately immigrating to America. She has returned to Guyana to share her story and inspire others in this small South American village.
In addition to her international efforts, June is deeply engaged in the Springfield community. She coordinates an annual fundraiser called Bringing the World Together Banquets for IHDN at Hope Church, where her family has been involved since moving to Springfield. She served in leadership roles with the Sangamon County Medical Society and Alliance Foundation and spearheaded the transition of the medical alliance to the Community Health Giving Circle. She's actively involved with Illinois Women in Leadership and is a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise.
June enjoys telling her story and sharing her life lessons to inspire others. She has spoken to students at Lanphier and Springfield Southeast High Schools and in her home village in Guyana. She encourages young people to find purpose in their lives. She's spoken to students in the master's of public health program at UIS, women's organizations and was a keynote speaker at the Illinois Women in Leadership annual conference, sharing what it takes to be a resilient leader. June has been a mentor to many.
"I have been privileged to live a lifetime of service to others in my community and abroad," said June. "I'd like to continue to bring value to people, everywhere I go."
Karen Ackerman Witter met June Agamah through the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise where both are members. She was inspired to read June's memoir, Caryl's Closet, and has written about the book and the Agamahs mission trips to Ghana for Illinois Times.
