Presenting... Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! I competed in my first pageant in 2012 and got the opportunity to be awarded the title of Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014. I am forever grateful for this opportunity because I got the opportunity to serve my Sierra Leonean community in the United States and Sierra Leone [with my personal platform of advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields], and completed a mining internship in Kono District in 2013. Later this year, I am excited to crown my successor, who will be Sierra Leone's newest ambassador under the wonderful Miss Sierra Leone in DC organization.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Now, I am super excited to serve the Old Line State, Maryland (which I've called home for the past 11 years), as Miss Earth Maryland 2015. My "Beauties for a Cause Project" is “Mining Rocks: Importance of Mining in Our Everyday Life.” My platform is to provide kindergarten through grade 12-level children mining education lessons and activities, and to inform and educate the general public about the importance of mining in their everyday lives. I'm so excited to start my school tour next week, and get to talk with students around the state. Keep up with my adventures on my blog: http://thankyoumotherearth2015.blogspot.com/

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Additionally, I will be competing at the national Miss Earth United States pageant this summer for the opportunity to represent the US at the Miss Earth pageant. Miss Earth is an annual international pageant promoting environmental awareness. The Miss Earth winner is the spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other environmental organizations.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

THIS IS FOR YOU, MARYLAND!!!

Clothing and Accessories: Vavaii Boutique
Photo credit: Alex Smith

Miss Sierra Leone USA: Advocating for the Recruitment/Retention of Girls/Women in STEM

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! If you have been following my journey as Miss Sierra Leone USA and/or know me personally, you must be aware of my passion and advocacy for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM fields. STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Throughout my time of service as Miss SLUSA, I have actively advocated for this personal platform of mine alongside SHERO. In this post, I plan to share my story of why I chose this platform and my personal experiences as a woman in STEM and mining.

Learning how to drive a haul truck
Ruby B. Johnson
Kono District, Sierra Leone

I have always been vocal of why Miss Sierra Leone USA is the only pageant I've ever competed in and why I choose this organization, simply for its purpose of providing an opportunity for young Sierra Leonean women in the United States to serve the diaspora through a particular platform. When I had to choose what platform I was going to advocate for as a Miss Sierra Leone USA finalist, I discussed with my mom and entire family that it needed to be something I can relate to and something I can carry on after my time of service with the crown. Being that I had already created my organization (When You Believe Foundation, Inc.) and advocating for the empowerment of girls/women, and I was already a mining engineering student, the choice was simple for me to have a platform that empowers women and advocates for them in STEM fields.

First Mine Visit in 2011
Underground Limestone Mine in Giles County, Virginia
Ruby B. Johnson

In my university and work experiences, I have dealt with being the only woman, only Black, and sometimes the only Black woman in a room. I have so many "firsts" in my mining courses and work experiences because of being woman and Black but this is something I am partly proud of. Yes, I am proud that I have stepped into uncharted territories but there's also the part of me that eagerly waits for more people like myself to occupy that space and join me. Additionally, I am sometimes viewed as rare because I am a titleholder (or "beauty queen" - a word I don't like to use) but I am in a field that is anything but girly; this confuses some people. I love it! In my opinion a woman should not always follow a particular path and she can wear many different hats, and that's why my passions do not intersect. I love that I can trade my crown for my hard hat, my stilettos for my steel-toe boots, and my sash for my reflector vest or harness. Because of this of my intersectionality, I've had opportunities to even give a lecture to the advisory board of the Mining and Minerals Engineering department at my university (Virginia Tech); it was great!

Calcite surface mine in in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

 As Miss Sierra Leone USA, I share a lot of my adventures while wearing the sash and crown, and I absolutely enjoy that. However, I make it a priority of mine to share some of my personal life as well as a mining engineer student/intern. This is important to me because I believe that verbally advocating for my platform is not enough, it is necessary for girls/women worldwide to see me doing what I do and what I am passionate about: mining. Over the past couple years, I've also had the opportunity to speak with girls in their classrooms, events, workshops, etc. in the United States and Sierra Leone encouraging them to pursue a career in STEM, as well as talking about my personal experiences in mining; one of my favorite things to do in life.

Doing what I love (mining) in where I love (Sierra Leone)
Kimberlite rock quarry in Koidu City, Kono District
Ruby B. Johnson

Surveying the city of Koidu
Ruby B. Johnson

During the time I worked in Kono District, Sierra Leone last year for Koidu Limited - Octea Mining, I did my very best in making my presence in the city of Koidu and nearby cities, as well as on social media known. This was very important to me because I wanted Sierra Leonean girls to see their own doing something unconventional and know that they can aspire to be whoever they want, even if it is a job that women lack visibility in (such as STEM fields). I even made sure to record and upload a video online of me during my first time working with the blasting team and igniting a blast. I recall when some of the workers at Octea would continuously stare at me in shock because they see a girl working in the quarry, and I'd talk with them and tell them that when they return home after work to encourage their sisters/cousins/daughters/wives to do the same thing I am doing. Because I am them.

Ruby B. Johnson with some of the surveyors at Koidu Limited
Kimberlite rock quarry in Kono District, Sierra Leone

There will be tough times...

There are times I struggle in my mining classes and/or work experiences and I truly do want to give up, but I actually use the negative I get from folks that say "girls/women cannot excel in STEM courses and/or professional fields" to keep me going. This is not something that is easy to do, but that motivation really keeps me going sometimes. As humans, when we don't excel as we would like in something, we naturally want to give up. Therefore, being discouraged in my classes/jobs has nothing to do with me being a woman in a STEM field, but simply because I am having a tough time comprehending or achieving the goal I want. Besides with my family or close friends, it is rather unfortunate that there have been times I just want to complain about struggling with my academic or professional life, but feel afraid that others may conclude it as a weakness, because I am a woman in STEM.

Safety First: Always Wear Your PPE!
Ruby B. Johnson

Mining Rocks (pun intended)
Ruby B. Johnson

I have had many tough semesters, but this one has been one of the most difficult for me academically. It feels like everything keeps getting harder, and lesser hours in the day. I have cried to my mom and friends, telling them of how stressed I am, and how ironic it is that I advocate for STEM but I'm overwhelmed by my own work. I'll be on the phone talking to my mom/brother/dad/grandmother telling them of how tired I am and they always encourage me to keep persevering, as well as pray for me. I am blessed to have a wonderful support system that is there for me at my trying times and grateful for their continuous love and support. I have good days and I have bad days, but I know for sure that I am where I need to be in life! Life's obstacles may come our way, but destiny always prevails. Regardless of how crazy life gets for me, these three things will forever remain true: I love MINING! I love being a WOMAN! I love STEM!

Little Woman, Big Dozer.
Ruby B. Johnson

Your credibility may be questioned...

While reading an article a couple weeks back for fun (but my current research is also related to this article), I came across a very interesting article of an interview with a South African woman who is a practicing mining engineer. In the article, one of the statements made by Wilhemina Manaso (Mine Manager at BHP Billiton South Africa) that stuck to me was "There are a lot of barriers caused by my gender; as a woman, if you’re doing well in a male-dominated industry they think you're having an affair with one of the senior managers. Every time I was promoted, they would say, 'how come you promoted her? Is she having a relationship with you?'" Besides being promoted as Ms. Manaso mentions, there are times whereby people think a woman is hired because of her sex and/or skin color, and disregard their intellect and credibility. This happens, but do not let it break you (my dear girls/women). Keep striving for excellence.

Who needs an office job, when you can be outside and get dirty???
Ruby B. Johnson

I plan to work in operations, engineering, and/or consulting in the mining industry, but my ultimate goal in the next 15 years or less is to be the CEO of a mining company. Someone that I have gotten to know of that motivates me to pursue this goal is Ms. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi from South Africa; I haven't had the opportunity to meet her in-person yet, but when I read what this woman has done and listen to her speak: I see myself in her. I always speak fondly of her on my social media accounts and if you are not familiar with her, read this article and get to know.

Survey Life
Kimberlite quarry in Koidu City, Kono District

What can we (as a society) do:

• Encourage girls, just as much as we encourage boys, to excel in STEM courses in middle and high schools, and acquire STEM degrees/certificates in college or vocational schools
• We need STEM role models, and those women must be mentors to girls and young women that aspire to be in their respective fields. We must lift as we climb.
• Parents/guardians should buy a variety of toys for their daughters besides a barbie doll; toys that make them explore their creative and technical sides

Future Mining CEO/Mining Engineer
Ruby B. Johnson

Over the past couple years that I have served as Miss Sierra Leone USA, I have gotten some messages and comments from folks via social media, as well as in-person, of how proud they are of me and that I must keep up the good work. I REALLY appreciate feedback, and I'm grateful for all of you. But in reality, I am sure there may be others that observe me in silence that I may never have the opportunity to meet or ever speak with. My dream is that I can influence as many girls and women out there to aspire for STEM degrees and jobs, even if I never get to meet or know them. Every little girl and boy aspires to be like someone in their family or on TV they want to be like when they grow up, and I hope there is a girl or boy out there that would entertain the thought and work towards being in a STEM field because of me. 

Underground salt mine in Lansing, New York
Ruby B. Johnson

For me, I did not have any women in my family or know of any woman that was in the mining field to aspire to be like BUT I was raised by phenomenal women and a family that instilled in me that I can be anything I want to be as long as I work hard and smart towards it. In a future blog post, I will share my personal story of why I chose to be in an engineering field and why mining (hint: Sierra Leone does have something to do with it). Being a woman in STEM is not always an easy journey, but it's not always difficult either. Being a woman in STEM is possible, it can be done, and has been done. My dear girls and women of the world, keep reaching for excellence and nothing less!

Calcite quarry in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Africa needs more Mining Engineers and Experts In Natural Resources Management by Ruby B. Johnson

During my official Homecoming as Miss Sierra Leone USA to Sierra Leone in April 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Koidu Limited (Part of Octea Mining) in Tankoro Chiefdom, Koidu Town, Kono district of Sierra Leone.

One of the highlights of my visit was being conducted to see the Koidu open pit mine, which I felt was very fitting since I was (and still am) a student at Virginia Tech in the USA working at a major in Mining and Minerals Engineering and a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I enjoyed the tour I was given by the General Manager and Human Resources Manager, and I expressed my interest in doing a summer internship with the company.

After my return to the United States, I applied for the internship position and was offered the position for summer 2013.

I was very excited about this opportunity because I saw it as a great way for me to gain experience in my future career, learn about the Sierra Leone mining industry, and also use my position as the reigning Miss Sierra Leone USA, to promote my personal platform of advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields while sharing my experience on this interesting odyssey through my blog.

As a Sierra Leonean-born woman, I believe it is very important for us, the Sierra Leonean diaspora, to pursue careers relevant to Sierra Leone and the African continent. We must make it a priority to contribute to the development of Africa. My country, Sierra Leone, is a reason why I chose the path of mining engineering in my future, and ideally I would love to work in that industry in Sierra Leone and throughout Africa in years to come. Whenever Sierra Leone and other African nations are spoken of in local and international media, there is always a mention of the many minerals we have been blessed with. However, I rarely hear of or meet young Sierra Leoneans with formal education in this industry.

There are many Sierra Leoneans employed at Koidu Limited, however few are in managerial or decision-making positions. I believe that it is very important for Sierra Leoneans and other Africans at home to earn relevant degrees and work in this field, as well as members of the diaspora to return and make their contribution with their degrees earned abroad. Investing in a quality education that pertains to mining is a great investment in Sierra Leone’s and Africa’s economy, and I believe it is our responsibility as Sierra Leoneans and Africans at home and abroad to do so. In addition, an increase in individuals seeking education and experience in the mining industry is a decrease in unemployment for the youth and Africans as a whole.

Read the full article here.

Ruby B. Johnson - Future Mining and Minerals Engineer and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014

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Media Alert - Miss Sierra Leone USA Reflects on 2013 Mining Internship in Kono: The Good, The Bad, and The Frustrations

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing fantastic, thanks to the Almighty. Please take a few minutes and read the article I wrote about my experience at Koidu Limited - Part of Octea Mining in Kono District, Sierra Leone this past summer on The Network For Change blog. After reading, please feel free to share your feedback, comments, or questions with me via one of my social media outlets. Thank you. To read the full article, click on this link

Click on link below to read the full article

REFLECTIONS OF MY MINING INTERNSHIP IN SIERRA LEONE – THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE FRUSTRATIONS BY RUBY B. JOHNSON

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Ebony Affair 2013: Miss Sierra Leone USA Wins Outstanding Student Award at Virginia Tech

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing fantastic, thanks to the Almighty. A couple weeks ago, I attended the 16th Annual Ebony Affair. This program is one of the signature events of the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at Virginia Tech. The theme of this year's prestigious event was "Freedom: A Fight Worth Fighting." A formal event, this dinner banquet is organized to recognize outstanding faculty, students, and community members that engage in BGSO's motto: "Lifting As We Climb." The food was delicious and I loved being surrounded in a company of phenomenal women and men of the Hokie Nation. The keynote speaker Dr. Joycelyn A. Wilson, freedom of the press and freedom of expression performances by Joy Thompson and Moises Seraphin, were empowering additions to this event.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

A few weeks before the event, I received an e-mail from the president of BGSO, Eric Fouh, about being nominated for the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. I was in complete shock and humbled for this; I felt honored that there were fellow Hokies out there that felt I deserved such an award. Honestly, I didn't think I would win, but elated for being nominated. As God would have it, I did win the Award! I was very shocked, and I'm sure the folks I was sitting with could tell with the gesticulations I made when my name was called out, and I don't really remember what my acceptance speech was, but I hope it was good enough because I was in complete shock! Virginia Tech is the best university in my opinion, and has given me so much, so I am always ready to give back in any way I can. I am proudly Hokie!

President of the Virginia Tech Black Graduate Student Organization Mr. Eric Fouh and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

 Once again, thank you to VT-BGSO, and I am appreciative of the fact that Virginia Tech has such an amazing organization like this which celebrates and empowers students of the Hokie community, especially the Black community. Virginia Tech is a university that is not diverse racially, but I love having organizations such as BGSO that promote diversity on our campus. To my fellow students that nominated me, even though I don't know who you are, thank you so much. I am humbled that you found me fitting for such an award, and I am proud to be a fellow Hokie like you. Also, if you can tell me who you are after reading this, I'd love that. Maybe we can grab lunch or something!

My Miss Sierra Leone USA sash and BGSO Award,
two awards I'm very grateful to have received!

Reading the message on the Award plaque really puts a smile on my face, and this is an award that means so much to me. Service is important to me, and my personal platform as Miss Salone USA is advocating for SHERO and the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM fields. I love my Hokie community, and I will continue to live out our university's motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) to: Virginia Tech, Sierra Leone, USA, and girls and women worldwide. Bay Gכd in pawa! In closing the event, Vice President of BGSO Devon Lee stated that "freedom is not for one person but for all" and he asked each and everyone in audience to ask themselves, "What am I fighting for?" Those last words really resonated to me, I've got answers but I still ask myself that in everything I do from now onward and so should you.

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Photo credit:

Silas Photography

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013 Participates in SLEN Career Mentors Q&A

Hello world!!!

Happy Sunday, and I hope you and yours are doing well! I'm doing great, all thanks to the Almighty. Yesterday, I participated in the Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network's first SLEN Career Mentors Online Q&A Google Hangout. Upon invitation, I served as a representative for the general public; the Hangout was open to Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and at home. According to their facebook page, the vision of SLEN is to "Establish a conglomerate of professional initiatives for the purpose of fostering information sharing, knowledge acquisition, and resource availability for career development within the Sierra Leonean community worldwide." Moderated by Janice Williams, the Career Mentors were Kevin Thomas, Kha-Benneh Bangura, and Mohamed Dumbuya.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

SLEN flier with Career Mentors

Ms. Williams graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's college in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a double minor in Communications and Creative Writing; she's a former Peace Corps volunteer in Niger and Guinea from 2010-2012; she completed her Master's in Government and International Affairs in 2013; Janice is currently pursuing a career in Education, and is certified in English. Kevin Thomas currently works for the Defense Contracting Audit Agency (DCAA) as an auditor; Mr. Thomas performs a variety of assignments that involve the systematic examination and appraisal of financial records. Jaisie Stevens is currently in her 3rd year in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; Ms. Stevens has been an officer in multiple organizations including Texas Physical Therapy Association, Professionalism Committee of University of Texas Medical Branch, Honor's Committee of Texas, and many more. Kha-Benneh Bangura joined the US Army upon graduation from High School, and was promoted to Sergeant in 1998 after returning from a tour of duty in Egypt; Mr. Bangura graduated at Marymount University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Minor in Business Management. He has worked for several companies, most notably Lockheed Martin Corporation; Kha-Benneh now owns and operates an I.T. and Security company, Sabi I.T. and Security Solutions Incorporated; . Kha-Benneh is also an accomplished musician with the stage name JayArr. Mohamed Dumbuya is currently working as an IT Business Analyst consultant for Avanade; Mr. Dumbuya's role is managing requirements and leading the testing of the new retail contract management system. Fun fact: Mr. Kha-Benneh Bangura was one of the judges at the 2012 Miss Sierra Leone USA Leadership and Scholarship Pageant!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

During the Hangout, there was a wide variety of topics discussed that were of great relevance to students, as well as upcoming professionals, and I found every question asked and comment made by the Career Mentors very helpful to me as a current student and future career woman. There was not much participation from the general audience, and I can understand because this was the first, but I hope the audience grows in future programs because this is a very beneficial platform for us Sierra Leoneans in all works of life. I can't document all questions and answers during the Hangout, I'll try my best to share some that stood out to me. After introductions and biographies were done, the Career Mentors were asked what was their reason for their career choice and what they love about it. Kha-Benneh Bangura stated that he sees his profession as an IT Specialist more of a hobby rather than a job, and Mohamed Dumbuya mentioned that he wanted a career in which he can get to interact with people. When asked what they think is an important characteristic to be successful in a career, Kha-Benneh stated that he is grateful for the disciple he received while he was in the military; Kevin Thomas stated that it's important "fכ gε ajo" ("to be available and helpful" in English); Mohamed Dumbuya emphasized that it's important to be persistent, make efforts to prove people wrong, and to go above and beyond in one's endeavors.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

During the Hangout, I mentioned the importance of a medium such as this that SLEN has created. I also thought it was interesting that majority of the Career Mentors were in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, and as a current mining and minerals engineering student, I could relate to a lot of the situations they have been presented with in their various career paths. When asked what challenges they have encountered career-wise, Mohamed Dumbuya stated that he had to work on his presentation, image, and learn how to communicate professionally and separate that from his personal language; Kevin Thomas mentioned that he had difficulty getting his foot in the job due to the fact that he constantly applied for jobs but never got them due to their need for someone with experience, he emphasized on the need to find ways around obstacles; Kha-Benneh spoke fondly of his decision to be mentored and that having a mentor in the military helped him tremendously in being successful.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

My question to the panel of Career Mentors was how they deal with being the only underrepresented individual in their fields; that was question was followed by some of them stating that they are sometimes the only Black or African in their occupation. In a field such as Mining Engineering, a field that is predominant of white men, I shared that there have been several instances whereby I am the only Black, African and/or Woman; in situations such as these, I sometimes feel the need or to get to the extent of saying, pressured, to be perfect because I am not there as myself but also a representation of Africans/Blacks/Women. In response, Kevin Thomas mentioned that it's okay to play to your advantage, enjoy the opportunities that comes with it, and always remember to be inquisitive and ask lots of questions because there really is no such thing as "stupid question;" Mohamed Dumbuya emphasized that I should not feel the need to carry such burden and have those thoughts, remember that I'm representing myself (Ruby) and doing that can carry the message of positively representing a group (Blacks, Africans, or women); Kha-Benneh Bangura mentioned that I must however remember that I will have to work twice or three times as hard due to this reason, so I must always prepare myself; adding to the comments of the Career Mentors, Janice Williams mentioned that I should see it as a positive because it can help me attend prestigious events, get free stuff, and get invited to exclusive programs because I am representing my race and/or sex. When asked what people can do to foster mentoring in the Sierra Leonean community, Kha-Benneh stated that he usually pulls Sierra Leonean youths aside and lets them know about their talents and tells them the importance of pursuing their dreams and making use of opportunities; Kevin Thomas stressed on the importance of members in the Salone community to be focused, have goals, set priorities, and remember that sacrifices may need to be made sometimes in order for one to achieve a goal; Mohamed Dumbuya added that it is important to set professional and personal goals, as well as long and short-term goals; adding to goal-setting, Janice Williams mentioned that it is very important to set specific goals and how they can be achieved.

Kisses from your Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

During the conclusion of the Hangout, I emphasized on the importance of getting experience before entering the professional arena. I used my experiences at my co-op internship with Polydeck Screen Corporation last year and my internship at Koidu Limited (Part of Octea Mining) as examples. I talked about how they helped me realize the things I love and dislike about mining engineering, how to behave in a professional setting, holding oneself accountable for their work, as well as how it helped me get a better understanding of my future career field. In conclusion, Mohamed Dumbuya spoke about the importance of networking, getting involved with organizations related to one's major in college/university because they are helpful for potential job opportunities; Kevin Thomas mentioned that one must be very mindful of who they are surrounded by, filter your environment, and make it a duty to surrounded oneself with people that are positive and uplifting, and will be an inspiration, not a distraction. Overall, the Google Hangout with the SLEN Career Mentors was fantastic, I learned a lot, and had a great time with them. Hope you can be a part of the next one, mi fambul dεn!

Have a productive week, remember to love yourself, and do something nice for someone else!!!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Adventures of Miss Sierra Leone USA - Life in Salone (Part I)

Hello world!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks to the Almighty. As some of you may know from my previous blog posts and facebook updates, I am currently in Kono, Sierra Leone doing an internship with Koidu Limited (Part of Octea Mining). I work Mondays (8am-5pm) to Saturdays (half day, 8am~12:30pm or later); on scheduled blasting days (Tuesdays and Fridays), I get off later. A couple of weeks ago, I got to work lengthily with the Blasting department and even got to ignite the fuse for the blast, make sure you check out a video I recorded of this moment on my Youtube channel.

Life at Koidu Limited - Part of Octea Mining
Holes that have been charged and stemmed for blasting

One of the awesome things about my job at Koidu Ltd is that I get to work with other departments of the company besides mining. This past Tuesday, I got to spend a day with the Community Development department and shadowed the Department's Head, Henry Vaag, along with his volunteer, Bisatu. Being that it was a blasting day, I escorted Mr. Vaag and Bisatu around town to make sure residents living close to the mine and hazardous blast areas surrounding evacuated before the blasting happens at 5pm. After the blasting, Mr. Vaag also goes around town to check the status of homes in the community and make sure they were not affected by the blast and residents were safe in the Safe Blasting Zones; there was only one incident in which a flyrock hit the roof of a zinc home that's was covered with a tapoline. The fallen rock was collected as well as information about this shelter; it was immediately arranged for the roofing to be fixed on that day for that house. Instances such as this rarely happen, because Koidu Limited created a Resettlement Program for the community in which they built homes for families that's farther away from areas that could be affected from the blasting, and gives the families an opportunity to move away from their former houses that are unsafe for blasting purposes.

Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with Mr. Sahr Randolph Fillie-Faboi

On this same day after driving around the community post-blasting, Mr. Vaag, Bisatu, and myself paid a quick visit to the house of the former Resident Minister East, Mr. Sahr Randolph Fillie-Faboi (shown in the photo above). He spoke with me about his experience in Public Service, working at the United Nations in New York, current events in Kono and Sierra Leone, and many more.

Kimbadu Community Healthcare Centre

On Wednesday, I got to spend another day with the Community Development's Head, Mr. Vaag, along with his volunteer, Bisatu. While in town, we paid a visit to the Kimbadu Community Healthcare Centre in Kimbadu. This center was funded and built by Koidu Limited - Part of Octea Mining, and formally opened in November 2011. The building was officially opened by Mr. Andrew Hart, Vice President of the Tiffany & Co. I spoke with the hospital staff and interacted with few patients during my visit, and got to learn about the history of the Centre. I'm pictured with one of the cutie patients, Little Mr. Mac. 

Left-Right:
Ibrahim Jalloh, CHO (Community Health Officer),
Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson,
Agnes K. Ansumana, SECHN (State Enroll Community Health Nurse), and
Elizabeth M. Saquee, MCHA (Maternal and Child Health Aide)

Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 with little cutie patient, Mac

Kimbadu Community Health Centre built by Koidu Limited - Octea Foundation

Kumba, Market woman at Kimbadu Local Market, with daughter and customer

This is Kumba, one of the market women at Kimbadu Local Market. Carry her beautiful daughter and attending to customers, she spoke with me for a while about the activities of the market and interesting facts about the people of ‪‎Kimbadu‬ and ‪‎Kono‬ District. Check out the beautiful and natural color of the palm oil she's selling.

Food (palm oil, pepper, etc.) display at Kimbadu Local Market

Fambul den, this is Salone!!!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013 on Education, Experience, and Empowerment

Hello world!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well also, thanks be to God. As most of you may know already, my personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for SHERO. Each of the five pillars in my platform are things I believe and live for, hence the reason why I choose to stress on their importance during my time of service as Miss Sierra Leone USA. As previously mentioned, E is for Education. But, E also stands for the advocacy of experience and empowerment. In addition to my SHERO platform, I am advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Safety first - ALWAYS!!!
Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson rocking the safety glasses

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson at an underground limestone mine

Before I elaborate on that pillar of my platform, I'll give you an insight about my daily life. I am currently a student at Virginia Tech with a major in Mining and Minerals Engineering, and a Minor in Women's and Gender Studies. In 2012 and beginning of 2013, I did a co-op to gain knowledge from a wonderful company (Polydeck Screen Corporation) involved with national and international mining companies. If you don't know what a co-op is, I simply define it as an extended form of an internship but one gets to take an academic semester or year off school and work for a company. Usually, the student gets to work with a company that does something related to their Major and career goal, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge and some experience. As you all may know from my previous blog post and if you are connected with me on facebook, I am currently doing an internship in Kono District, Sierra Leone with Koidu Limited - Part of Octea Mining.

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Polydeck Screen Corporation

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Polydeck Screen Corporation 

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Polydeck Screen Corporation

Doing a co-op is not something I had on my to-do list while in college, rather I had internships in it. I came across the opportunity of this co-op when I had initially interviewed for an internship. The company let me know that they are aware that the interview is to hire a summer intern, but ideally they will like to have a co-op instead so that the student can stay longer with them and gain lots of work experience. Few months later, I received an interview offer for a co-op, interviewed again with the same company, and later on received a co-op offer. Initially, I was nervous about the delay this change will make on my graduation period but then I also realized that I cannot give up such a great opportunity. After lots of prayers and seeking advice, I accepted the offer and was set to temporarily move to another state for half a year and start my professional life. Fast forward to August 2013, I'm doing an internship in my homeland, Sierra Leone. Most of the time when people ask me "why mining?" my usual response is that I'm a Sierra Leonean and I have ambitions of working in the nation's mining industry. However, I never envisioned that dream to come so quickly such as having an internship now and not a full-time job in the future. Doing a co-op and internships related to mining reminds me everyday that I made a great decision for a future career that's challenging but also engaging and adventurous.

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Polydeck Screen Corporation

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student & Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Koidu Limited - Octea Diamond Group

The purpose of sharing this with you all is because it directly correlates with E (education, experience, empowerment). I truly believe in the power of education, and I am forever grateful to the Almighty for having the opportunity to be formally educated, as well as receiving knowledge from people I cross paths with in life. However, I am also aware that education without experience is worthless. It's not all about theory but also practicality, and putting the knowledge into action. The companies I've worked for and working for so far have provided me with lots of knowledge about the mining, aggregates, and coal industries; in addition, I am learning about what it means to be a professional in an 8am-5pm, 5 days a week job (5 and half days in the case of Koidu Ltd). I am learning about the importance of turning in a perfect project, being accountable for one's work, being a great representative for one's department and the company as a whole, and many more great things. In addition, being a responsible intern and reigning Miss Sierra Leone USA requires fantastic time management, and I have learned to appropriately perform for each role. Though I still struggle certain times, I have become confident in setting my priorities straight and knowing when to say 'yes' and 'no.'

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student & Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Koidu Limited - Octea Diamond Group

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student & Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Koidu Limited - Octea Diamond Group

After the completion of these internships, co-op, and my undergraduate degree, I am confident that I will be well prepared for the real world as a working Mining and Minerals Engineer in the near future. In my opinion, I believe that education and experience are synonymous to each other. In addition, I believe that with knowledge received through education and work experience, this will create an empowered professional in the work field! To be empowered means to be confident in one's potential and abilities, and I believe that an educated and experienced individual embodies this fantastic quality. In conclusion, I highly recommend you to keep persevering in whatever path of education you are in. Never give up a great opportunity for experience. Remember that you will mentally gain from an experience, and your experience will also look great on your resume (gotta love a resume booster). For as long as we live, we will learn and keep learning. So be confident in your theoretical and practical knowledge, be empowered, and be an expertise in your chosen work field!

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student & Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Koidu Limited - Octea Mining

Mining & Minerals Engineering Student & Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Life at Koidu Limited - Octea Mining

Have a productive week. Do something wonderful for yourself and someone else!!!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA

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