Royal Profile: Queen from Sierra Leone, Miss Hawa Kamara

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy and trying to keep up with life, thanks be to God. Besides living out my platforms of advocating for SHERO and women in STEM, my goal as Miss Sierra Leone USA and onward is to highlight and celebrate my fellow queens and titleholders from Sierra Leone. Using my blog as a tool to thoroughly highlight our queens, this post is to get to know a beautiful titleholder and a phenomenal young lady. Ladies and gentlemen, get to know this beauty with a purpose that is using her crown for a good cause, Miss Hawa Kamara.

Presenting... Queen Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Who is Miss Hawa Kamara?

Age: 23 years old
Place of Birth: Kono District, Sierra Leone
Country of Residence: Republic of Sierra Leone
Hobbies/Interests: loves going to the gym; listening to music; and reading.

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Education:
Annie Walsh Memorial School
Methodist Girls' High School

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Pageant Experience
Miss Methodist Girls' High School
Miss Independence Sierra Leone 2010
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012
Reigning Miss West Africa International 2013-2014

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara representing Salone at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Miss West Africa Salone 2012 Hawa Kamara at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Hawa Kamara representing Sierra Leone at the 2013 Miss West Africa pageant

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 and Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Queen With A Crown and Cause
Queen Hawa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Pikin For Betteh (Krio to English translation: "girl child must be successful"). GPFB is a gender-specific, prevention education program for girls ages 8 to 16. The purpose of this organization is to inspire and promote self love, self esteem, and decision-making skills. This organization works to inspire girls to further their education, prevent unplanned pregnancy, and teenage prostitution. In addition, Queen Hawa is the face of AFRiLOSOPHY, a fashion line that promotes the African culture.

Ebola Awareness: Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Sierra Leone's Pride: Miss West Africa Hawa Kamara

Celebrating Sierra Leone's Culture
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Pride: Queen Hawa Kamara

Statement from Queen Hawa
I am a firm believer in education. I love to preach peace. I am a really hardworking young lady. I will advice mankind to redefine their relationships with God, because we all just never know when our journey will end. Redefine our relationships with God every day.

Model: Hawa Kamara

Beautiful Sierra Leone
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Queen: Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Personal Remarks

A God-fearing woman, one of the things I like about Queen Hawa is her way of redefining beauty. In pageantry, one is used to seeing queens with long braids, wigs or weaves, and larger-than-life hairstyles, but this queen redefines beauty. Since I have gotten to know of her, she has always rocked her bald/low-cut hairstyle and does it so beautifully. This fashionista is an unconventional beauty that loves and lives her life the best way she can, and always has a happy countenance. Additionally, I am a little bias towards Queen Hawa because we have something in common. We share the same Alma Mater: Methodist Girls' High School. Being a product of "Honour Before Honours," it is no surprise Queen Hawa excels in many ways. Keep reaching for excellence and nothing less, Queen Hawa. You're truly a beauty with a purpose.

African Beauty: Hawa Kamara

Model: Hawa Kamara

Green, White, and Blue:
Sierra Leone's Hawa Kamara

Additional Fun Facts about Queen Hawa

• Reads every day
• 5 feet 6 inches tall
• Adviser and consultant at Miss Sierra Leone Limited
• Mentor and teacher to more than 40 youths in Sierra Leone
• Model and has been featured in several advertisements and videos
• Managing Director at Matthew's Artistic Skills For Youth Empowerment (MASYEO-SL)
• 3rd Sierra Leonean woman to win the Miss West Africa International title (there have been 4 MWA winners)

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Smile that brightens the world: Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

I believe in sharing and making people smile no matter the situation they find themselves. 
- Miss Hawa Kamara, Miss West Africa 2013-2014.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA
Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Ecumenical Prayer Service For Eradication of Ebola Virus

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God! On August 10th, I attended an ecumenical prayer service for the eradication of the deadly Ebola virus at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, organized by host pastor Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe. The purpose of this event was to pray for Sierra Leone with the theme of "Bringing Hope To A Hurting Nation." Sermon was delivered by Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay. I was honored to do the opening prayers in Krio.

Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Under the organization of Rev. Cline-Smythe, this prayer service was brought by the Washington metropolitan inter-denominational coalition participating clergy from Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Minister Ken Turay hosted the prayer service. Sacred readings and reflections were done by Bishop Lucy Anthony, Rev. Thomas and Rev. Fifi Bhai Kamara. Prayers for houses of worship, hospitals, clinics, medical professionals, the Sierra Leonean people, caretakers, educational institutions, etc. were done by Rev. Antoine Ellong, Rev. Silas Nicol, Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon, etc. Vote of thanks given by President of National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) and Miss Sierra Leone in DC board member Ms. Suna Nallo.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

In addition to my prayers done in Krio, individuals from the congregation led opening prayers in Limba, Mende, Temne, Yoruba, French, as well as Muslim prayers. The inclusion of the variety of prayers with regards to ethnic groups and religion is because Sierra Leone is a unified and religiously-tolerant nation. His Excellency Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens (Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States) was in attendance and gave the opening statement.

United Sierra Leoneans Praying for the Nation

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Rev. Sesay requested we pray for three things to pray for Sierra Leone during his sermon: purity, plead for his cause (mercy, grace), and petition (ask God to intervene). Also, he requested women and men of different age groups to come to the altar and represent the demographic of our nation, Sierra Leone. Collectively, we prayed for our Salone.

Sierra Leoneans Praying in Unity for the Eradication of the Deadly Ebola Virus

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon (humanitarian and educator)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Before heading inside for the prayer service, my friend told me to do an elegant "beauty queen pose" for this picture. Well, THIS is what I did (photo below). Oh so queenly. Haha! Live your best life, be happy, be goofy, and laugh at yourself. It's good for the soul.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

As most of you may know, the Ebola virus spread is destroying our nation currently and as believers I highly trust that we do our physical best but also trust in the Almighty. Let us continue to pray for Sierra Leone, as well as our West African neighbors: Guinea, Liberia, and Nigeria. We are Sierra Leoneans, we will prevail. God bless the districts of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading a prayer in Krio

Republic of Sierra Leone national anthem (first stanza)

High we exalt thee, realm of the free;

Great is the love we have for thee;

Firmly united ever we stand,

Singing thy praise, O native land.

We raise up our hearts and our voices on high,

The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry;

Blessing and peace be ever thine own,

Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

- written by Clifford Nelson Fyle, composed by John Akar

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson Stars as Matorma in 2014 Stage Play 'Cry of the Country Virgin'

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing fantastic and loving every moment of Summer 2014, thanks be to God! As I had alluded in a previous post, exactly a month from today I'll be starring in the classic Sierra Leonean stage play, Cry of the Country Virgin. Growing up in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, I was very involved in Drama Club and I did a lot of acting and singing, as well as dancing performances and competitions for my schools. I have fond memories of performing at British Council in Freetown representing my Alma Mater The Murraydeen Preparatory School and performing for large audiences. Living in the United States for over the past decade, I got re-involved into theater again through playwright, actor, and director David Buakei Vandy. My first stage play in the US was Let Me Die Alone: The Life and Times of Madam Yoko in June 2011. Fast forward three years later, I'm working with him again as the lead character, named Matorma, in the upcoming production of Cry of the Country Virgin written by Syl Johnson. In addition to acting, I'll be singing and dancing; I'm also learning Mende for some of the dialogue and all the songs. Myself, entire cast, and production team are working very hard to give all of you a phenomenal show, so please be there to support us and open your hearts to be moved by the play's powerful message.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson Stars as lead character in Cry of the Country Virgin
click photo to enlarge

It’s time for the greatest African stage play ever Cry of the Country Virgin, written by Syl Johnson, edited and directed by David Buakei Vandy; showing on Saturday August 16th, 2014 at 4101 Fairfax Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22312. Doors open at 6:00 pm prompt.

Cry of the Country Virgin is based on a true story that took place in the south-Eastern province of Sierra Leone. It highlights the impact of polygamous marriages namely: jealousy between wives, children and to what extent some would go to be the center of attention in the home. 

I have tickets for sale, contact me via Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail at OfficialMissSierraLeoneUSA@gmail.com

Cry of the Country Virgin
August 16, 2014
4101 Fairfax Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22312
6:00 PM
click photo to enlarge

Cry of the Country Virgin chronicles the life of a young virgin – Matorma who was admired and adored by all in her village. Due to the evil nature of her step mother Yema, Matorma lost her mother and the only thing that could have brought her happiness, going to the Bondo Society. Matorma became the maid in the home and suffered immensely at the hands of her step mother, father, and sister Musu.

The play features Star actors like: The Reigning Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson as Matorma, the Sensational Wokie Minah as Yema, Victor Tarmoh of Tegloma fame as Mahin, Brian Conteh as B.S. Joy Dominion as Musu, Antonia Marie Akpan as Jeneba, Sao Bangura as Sowei, and the Entertaining David Vandy as Kenya Lavalie and more.

"Cry of the Country Virgin" stage play

If you have ever wondered about life beyond the grave; or what some people would do to get what they want, then make it a date with the cast of Cry of the Country Virgin. All of your questions will be answered as this amazing and talented cast exposes the bitter truth about: love, loneliness, womanhood, friendship, rivalry, and much more, all happening on Saturday August 16th 2014 at 4101 Fairfax Parkway Alexandria, VA 22312.

Tickets are priced at $50.00 (VIP and refreshment) front seat guaranteed, $30.00 at the gate, and $25.00 in advance before show day.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson Sings, Dances, and Stars as Matorma in Cry of the Country Virgin
click photo to enlarge

CRY OF THE COUNTRY VIRGIN IS A PLAY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS.

I have tickets for sale, contact me via Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail at OfficialMissSierraLeoneUSA@gmail.com

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends Sierra Leone Diaspora Forum on 2014 Independence Day

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! On April 27th commemorating 53 years of Sierra Leone's independence from British invasion and domination, I attended the Sierra Leone Diaspora Forum and Reception brought by the USA Sierra Leonean community and the Embassy of Sierra Leone in the United States. This was a very productive and empowering event, I was honored to have been one of the special guests, and I enjoyed my time there.

I LOVE MY GREEN.WHITE.BLUEMiss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

The Forum and Reception was held at the Silver Spring Civic Center in Maryland, USA. This event was hosted by Mr. Daniel Koroma and Mr. Sam Ford. Mr. Koroma is the Community Outreach Manager and Liaison to African and Caribbean Communities at the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships. Mr. Ford is a general assignment reporter for ABC7/WJLA-TV, and a previous correspondent for CBS News.

Honorable Mabinty Daramy (Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Finance) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Honorable Mabinty Daramy, the Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Finance, came all the way from Sierra Leone for this event. She responded to the many questions that some folks in the diaspora had, and I learned so many interesting things from her ranging from new mining laws to initiatives being set in place for Sierra Leonean diaspora in Sierra Leone. It was such an honor to have her at the event, and my pleasure meeting such a phenomenal woman.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens (Sierra Leone's Chief of Mission and Ambassador to the United States)

Mr. Daniel Koroma (African and Caribbean Community Outreach Manager at the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Perks of being Miss Sierra Leone USA? Getting to seat at the high table with dignitariesLeft-Right: Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Ambassador Ibrahim S. Conteh (Sierra Leone's Deputy Chief of Mission in the United States), Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens (Sierra Leone's Chief of Mission to the United States)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Emira Woods (Co-Director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies)

Ms. Emira Woods is co-director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies, and an expert on U.S. foreign policy with a special emphasis on Africa and the developing world. She has written on a range of issues from debt, trade and development to U.S. military policy. She serves on the Board of Directors of Africa Action, Just Associates, Global Justice and the Financial Policy Forum. She is also on the Network Council of Jubilee USA. Ms. Woods was an amazing speaker on all the relevant triumphs and constraints in Sierra Leone and the African continent, as well as the need for the inclusion of women in all decision-making in nation-building. One of the many things I admire about Ms. Woods is that she's always wearing afrikana, something I'd love to do if I could afford or sponsored with clothing. Don't believe me? Google her and see all her images, EVERYTHING AFRIKANA!!!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mrs. Isatu Isha Sillah (Head of Chancery in the Embassy of Sierra Leone in the United States)

One of the important segments of this event was the presentations, Question-and-Answer, and breakout sessions led by three Sierra Leonean individuals: Mr. Jesmed F. Suma, Mr. Michael P.F. Akpan, and Dr. Ibrahima Diallo. Mr. Suma led the "Setting the policies and regulatory framework for Diaspora inclusivity: Diaspora as the 5th Region of Sierra Leone" session. Mr. Suma is the Executive Director of Sierra Leone Policy Watch, and independent public policy think-tank supporting transformation development in Sierra Leone; he is also the President/CEO of Business Research and Investment Corporation (BRIMCO) Consulting based in Princeton, New Jersey providing investment advisory and management services for US businesses investing in the continent of Africa. Mr. Michael P.F. Akpan led the "Knowledge management as a means to strengthening capacity, knowledge transfer and information sharing to restore brain gain" session. Mr. Akpan is the President/CEO of Brooklands International Group, Inc.; he is the Founder of Brookland Development Organization, a 501(c)3 corporation; he is also a Human Resources Management Specialist.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Dr. Ibrahim Diallo of EZ Rehab Solutions (event presenter)

Dr. Ibrahima Diallo led the third and final session titled "Establish sound and effective regulatory framework to promote Diaspora investment vehicles in public, private and public-private institutional settings." Dr. Diallo is a medical doctor and the Owner/Director of EZ Rehab Solutions, a privately-owned rehabilitation and physical therapy clinic in Greenbelt, Maryland. Dr. Diallo was recently in Sierra Leone and conducted a research study on developing "Engagement Diaspora Framework in the healthcare sector," in which he worked with the Ministry of Health and the Office of Diaspora Affairs. Dr. Diallo is also the husband of Mrs. Hawa Barry Diallo, Owner/Director of the Miss Guinee North America Pageant.

Selfie with my favorite girl!
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Janet Baindu Lagah-Bona (former Junior Miss Sierra Leone USA and NAM Miss Virginia Pre-teen)

Janet was Junior Miss Sierra Leone USA 2008-2012 and National American Miss Virginia Pre-teen 2010. You may have read in my past blog posts and/or heard me speak fondly of her in-person because I absolutely adore her. She's very intelligent, hardworking, and oh so humble. In addition, she was very instrumental in my preparation for the Miss Sierra Leone USA pageant and I'm forever grateful for her continuous love and support!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mr. David Buakei Vandy of Voice of America

Ms. Jacqueline Williams-Coker (Owner/CEO of First Mile Travel, LLC) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Ms. Jacqueline Williams-Coker is the Owner/CEO of First Mile Travel, LLC., a traveling agency that provides affordable airfares worldwide. Meeting Ms. Jacqueline on this day was special to me because she first saw me last month hosting the Big Voice of Salone Awards and sent me a message few days later expressing that I did a great job hosting the show, words of encouragement, and lots of well-wishes. Her message really touched my heart, and all I had wished at that moment was that I had had a chance to give her a hug and express my gratitude in person. Fortunately for me, she was present at the event on Sunday, and at the end of the event she came up to me and said hi. She's just as sweet and friendly in person, I finally got my hug (well actually multiple hugs), and I met her intelligent and beautiful daughter, Gabrielle! I love moments like these when I get to connect with genuine people from social media and then in real life!

Miss Gabrielle and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

With Miss Gabrielle (daughter of Ms. Jacqueline Williams-Coker, owner/CEO of First Mile Travel, LLC). This sweet and awesome young lady will be starting university next Fall. In addition to our chat about academics and her university choices, we talked about prom dresses and natural hair. From chatting with her for the first time on Sunday, I know her future is "excellence and nothing less." Intelligent and beautiful, she continues to make her mama proud, and I truly admire her big dreams and talents. This is the definition of Sierra Leonean Girls Killing It!

Mr. Mohamed Lamrana Bah (Fullah Progressive Union president) presenting an award to Ms. Nadia Bangura (Secretary to the Ambassador of Sierra Leone in the United States), and Mr. Aiah Fanday (Friends of Sierra Leone).

Three special awards were presented to individuals committed to the betterment and positive promotion of Sierra Leoneans and love for Sierra Leone. The special awards recipient were: Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens, Ms. Nadia Bangura, and Mr. Sam Ford of ABC7/WJLA-TV.

Mr. Salifu Kamara of World Bank (motivational speaker and Sierra Leone advocate) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mr. Edward 'Bizo Da Mayor' Kargbo (African Radio Salone) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mr. Ken Lowe (African Radio Salone)

The Queen and Her BodyGuards!
Mr. Salifu Kamara, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Mr. Edward Kargbo

Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone in the audience

Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone in the audience

Unu le wi it
Yummy Sierra Leonean food!
Click photo to enlarge

At the end of the Forum, there was a reception and this foodie truly enjoyed and appreciated the food. Food served were: rice bread, jollof rice, fried plantains, akara, meat pie, fish balls, fruits,fried fish, fried chicken etc. Drinks included were water, soda, fruit juices, and ginger beer; but in typical Sierra Leonean fashion, the ginger beer was the first to finish since we love our ginger beer so much! The lovely ladies that were serving the food told me that they want to really feed their Miss Salone and if I was even on a diet, that was the day I'd ignore it and eat as much as I can, and reminded me of how Sierra Leoneans appreciate curves in their women. So your Miss Sierra Leone USA went home left the event belful and I couldn't think of a much better way to end my Independence Day.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

HAPPY 53RD BIRTHDAY, MAMA SALONE!!!

I strongly believe that education of any sort is the key to dispelling darkness from young minds...I believe that even a child can change the world through a creative, peaceful process. - Salifu Kamara


Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Photo credits:

Ken Lowe

Usiff Sesay

David Vandy

Jacqueline Williams-Coker