Mr. Mabil was born in the war-torn region of South Sudan. In 1992, amidst the chaos and violence that ravaged his homeland, Mr. Mabil became one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” a group of thousands of young boys displaced and separated from their families. Mr. Mabil embarked on a treacherous journey, traversing vast landscapes on foot, seeking safety and a better future. 

Chol Mabil’s life story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to serving others. From his harrowing beginnings as a Lost Boy of Sudan to his current role as a leader in public health, Mr. Mabil’s journey is a testament to the power of education, determination, and the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. In the late 2000s, Mr. Mabil’s life took a transformative turn as he resettled in the U.S., along with more than 3,800 other Lost Boys, through a collaborative effort between the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Arriving as a teenager, Mr. Mabil was placed under the care of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, where he found stability, support, and the opportunity to rebuild his life.

Mr. Mabil’s resilience and determination were evident as he quickly adapted to his unfamiliar environment and embraced American culture. His passion for athletics led him to compete in track and cross country, highlighting his talent and dedication. His exceptional performance in track not only earned him recognition but also secured him a scholarship at Central Michigan University, where he pursued a degree in public health. As Mr. Mabil delved into his studies, his interest in public health grew, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on communities. Armed with his education and firsthand experiences, he graduated with distinction, equipped to address health disparities, and promote well-being. This challenging work led to a scholarship at Central Michigan University, where Mr. Mabil earned a Public Health degree in 2010, followed by a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) from Eastern Michigan University in 2015. Mr. Mabil’s journey came full circle when he returned to his native South Sudan in 2018. Armed with his newfound knowledge and a burning commitment to create positive change, he joined the ranks of humanitarian workers striving to improve public health conditions in his war-affected homeland. Over the next four years, Mr. Mabil dedicated himself to implementing vital public health programs, working tirelessly to improve access to clean water, medical care, and disease prevention initiatives.

Mr. Mabil has a broad professional experience, ranging from healthcare process improvement in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to engaging in humanitarian efforts in South Sudan and Nigeria supporting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Currently, Mr. Mabil is a Project Manager for the Epidemiology Program that deals with acute health threats. Mr. Mabil has experience as/with South Sudanese and as a refugee with public health expertise/experience.