Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends SLEN's May 2014 Networking Mixer

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God. A couple Fridays ago, I attended Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network's Happy Hour and Professional Networking event in our nation's capital, District of Columbia. We were slenning. Are you SLENNING???

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mr. Desmond Ellis (Co-Founder of Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

According to their website, "The Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN)--launched in July 2013--aims to build a sustainable network of Sierra Leonean professionals through mentoring, knowledge sharing and networking among Sierra Leoneans of diverse socio-economic and professional backgrounds."

Left-Right:
Ms. Jerrie Kumalah, Mr. Salifu Kamara, Mr. Desmond Ellis, and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

The purpose of this event was to have an evening of mixing and mingling with current and future Sierra Leonean professionals. Another wonderful thing about this event was that some individuals, including myself, that were featured in African Luxury Mag's 30 Under 30 Sierra Leoneans To Follow in 2014 were present! Read the full list in the article by Akindele TM Decker.

Mr. Thomas Kaikai (SLEN Outreach Program Manager) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mr. Salifu Kamara and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mr. Musa Bernard Komeh and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Family Feud: UVA vs. Virginia Tech
When a Cavalier and Hokie meet
Mr. Max Kanu and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Ms. Rose Jalloh and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Fatma Zahra Kamara

Sierra Leoneans Networking

We Are SLENNING!

Overall, I had a great time meeting new people and seeing familiar faces. I look forward to more networking events and SLEN's inaugural conference this September!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Networking is an essential part of building wealth - Armstrong Williams

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 Wellbody Alliance Event in Washington DC

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing wonderful, thanks be to God. This past Wednesday, I attended Wellbody Alliance's event hosted by and at the residence of Action Africa's Executive Director Mrs. Susan Hoefling. Receiving an invitation from Ms. Hoefling for this event was an honor and this is for a great cause; one of the pillars of my SHERO personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is health. It was a good evening!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Before getting into details about my time at this event, let's recap a little bit. I first heard about Wellbody Alliance during the 2012 Miss Sierra Leone USA pageant when I was competing as Miss Freetown USA; Wellbody Alliance was one of the sponsoring organizations. Dr. Dan Kelly, co-founder of Wellbody Alliance, was one of the judges at the pageant and I got to hear about the work of Wellbody Alliance and their clinic in Gbense Chiefdom, Dorma town in Kono District (eastern Sierra Leone). So while I was in Kono last year doing my mining internship at Koidu Limited - Octea Mining, I visited the Wellbody Clinic and saw the wonderful work they are doing for the community. I spoke briefly of my visit at the event and talked about the wonderful services to clinic is providing to the local community. Read my blog post from the visit.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Dr. Bailor Barrie (co-founder of Wellbody Alliance and humanitarian physician)

One of the guests that graced the occasion was Dr. Bailor Mohamed Barrie, Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer of Wellbody Alliance, who traveled all the way from Massachusetts to Virginia for this event. Dr. Barrie was awarded a 2013-2015 Fulbright fellowship and currently studying global health delivery at Harvard University. At the event, Dr. Barrie shared stories about his humble beginnings, encounter with Dr. Dan Kelly, the birth of Wellbody Alliance, and many more. Another awesome thing about this event was that it coincidentally fell on the birthday of Dr. Barrie. He received a cute cupcake!

Mrs. Susan Hoefling (Executive Director of Action Africa) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Special thanks to Mrs. Susan Hoefling (Wellbody Alliance collaborator) and her family for opening the doors to her home for this event. Mrs. Hoefling shared her story and her intentions for healthcare in Kono district and surrounding districts in Sierra Leone. She also told me that back in the days she lived in Yengema. Mrs. Hoefling is currently the Executive Director of Action Africa, Inc. Action Africa, Inc. is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization based in the District of Columbia, USA; they help newly arrived immigrants from the continent of Africa, as well as in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. According to their website, "The mission of Action Africa is to provide services in the vital areas of health, education, micro-enterprise development, and human rights for African children and families in the Washington, D.C. area and rural villages of sub-Saharan Africa." President of Action Africa Dr. Chris N. Egbulem, who is married to a Sierra Leonean woman, also shared his love for Sierra Leone and the contributions of the organization.

Mr. Raphael Frankfurter (Wellbody Alliance Executive Director), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Dr. Bailor Barrie (Wellbody Alliance Co-Founder)

Raphael Frankfurter is the current Executive Director of Wellbody Alliance and graduate of Princeton University. Raphael first began working in Kono District during his undergraduate summer research internship, spending each day in the region's amputee camps; he witnessed first-hand the devastating poverty these post-war communities faced along with the hope they saw in Dr. Barrie and Dr. Kelly's small and young organization. It was a pleasure finally meeting Raphael in person, and lovely meeting his girlfriend and friends.

Mr. Tamba Mani, Mr. Saa Kaimachiande (Kono Union USA vice president), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Mr. Mohamed Toronka

Mr. Tamba Mani, Mr. Saa Kaimachiande (Kono Union USA vice president), Mrs. Susan Hoefling, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Mr. Mohamed Toronka

At the event, I got to meet really amazing new people, but was also great to see some familiar faces. In attendance were concerned Sierra Leoneans, friends of Sierra Leone, friends of Wellbody Alliance, members of Action Africa, member of Kono ethnic group, individuals in the health sector, and many more. It was nice seeing Ambassador Michael S. Owen (former United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone) again, whom I met last year during my Miss Sierra Leone USA Homecoming to Sierra Leone during my courtesy call visit to his office at the United States Embassy in Freetown. It was also great meeting his wife, and getting to chat with them about their love for Sierra Leone and personal contributions to some phenomenal individuals they have encountered in the country.

Mr. Mohamed Toronka, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Ambassador Michael S. Owen

A lady I met at the event named Lark shared her personal story that really touched my heart. While mingling, I spoke about my choice of getting a degree in mining and minerals engineering and my advocacy for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Ms. Lark told me that when she was in her first year in university, she signed up for an introduction to engineering course and when she discussed it with her girlfriends, they discouraged from taking the course because she is a girl. She told me that she's happy with the latter career path she chose, but she regrets dropping that course and not pursuing a career in engineering. She shared how proud she is of me and to keep persevering. I really appreciated her for sharing that with me. I told her that even though she didn't do it, we the girls and women of today are doing it for her. The things are our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousins, etc. didn't do (because they were told they couldn't because they're born woman), we are doing and living the dream. We must continue the legacy of greatness. We are women, and we can do anything! Another great lady I met at the event was Ms. Ioanna Miller, pictured below, who is an advocate for women's and children's health. We had a great conversation on a variety of topics.

Ms. Ioanna Miller of Tower Garden and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

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

In the photo above, I am pictured with Mrs. Hoefling's daughter, Shelby. Very sweet and friendly, AND something even more awesome about Shelby is that she's a HOKIE!!! She graduated a year ago. We got to chat about anything and everything. I love running into my fellow Hokies in places I least expect. We love our Virginia Tech!!! #HokieLove #HokiesUnite

Girlfriend of Raphael Frankfurter, Raphael Frankfurter, Princeton Friends of Wellbody Alliance, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Dr. Bailor Barrie.

An evening of food, drinks, and conversation on Wellbody's work providing health and care in Kono District, Sierra Leone. We also celebrated the coming launch of Wellbody's Birth Center. Overall, it was a great event and I was honored to be in great company.

Girlfriend of Raphael Frankfurter, Raphael Frankfurter, Princeton Friends of Wellbody Alliance, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Dr. Bailor Barrie.

If I had not gone to school, I would not be where I am today. Education is the golden key not only to the empowerment of women, but for our whole culture. - Haja Dr. Zainab Hawa Bangura

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 Miss Roanoke USA 2014 Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God. On Sunday, May 4th, I attended the inaugural 2014 Miss Roanoke USA pageant in Salem, Virginia. The Miss Roanoke USA and Miss Roanoke Teen USA pageants are one of the qualifying preliminary pageants to the Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA stage. Even though I've only competed in one pageant in my lifetime, which was the Miss Sierra Leone USA pageant, I always feel relieved when attending pageants and sitting in the audience to watch the show since I was crowned Miss Sierra Leone USA; I've served as a judge in a couple pageants, and that's also another tough position to be in.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and little Mr. Michelangelo

The little cutie that made my heart melt in the photo above is Mr. Michelangelo! He's such a friendly and fun baby; he's only three months old! In addition to meeting the little cutie, I got to meet some other titleholders during the intermission and hear about their pageant systems. It's always interesting to hear how similar and different the systems are and hear about their segments of competitions and titles; as well as get to know what the titleholders are doing and how they're using their crown for a cause.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Junior Teen Virginia United States 2014 Mariah Orr

As mentioned earlier, the Miss Roanoke USA and Miss Roanoke Teen USA are local titles under the Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA pageant system. Upon winning the Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA titles, these ladies then represent their state at the national Miss USA pageant owned by Donald Trump and NBC Universal, which leads to the road to Miss Universe. At the Miss Roanoke USA pageant, reigning Miss Virginia USA 2014 Arielle Rosmarino and Miss Virginia Teen USA 2014 Olivia Fletcher served as co-emcees. Arielle will be competing at Miss USA this June and Olivia will be competing at Miss Teen USA in August.

Miss Virginia USA 2014 Arielle Rosmarino, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Miss Virginia Teen USA 2014 Olivia Fletcher

Pageants are always fun to attend, because regardless if you have only done one pageant (like myself) or multiple, there is always something new you can learn from the contestants on stage. Another reason why I attended this pageant was to support my friend and fellow Hokie, Midori. A beautiful, smart, and talented young lady, she exuded so much grace and poise on stage. I am very proud of my girl, and she did an outstanding job throughout the pageant! Congratulations, doll!

Miss Roanoke USA 2015 finalist Midori Oglesby and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Roanoke USA 2015 finalist Midori Oglesby in evening gown competition

Crowned Miss Roanoke USA 2015 is Miss Kiara Williams, and Alexis Ramsey was crowned Miss Roanoke Teen USA 2015; little Miss Isabella Boardwine was crowned Miss Roanoke Princess USA 2015. Congratulations to these queens that will be competing this November in Charlottesville, Virginia for the titles of Miss Virginia USA 2015 and Miss Virginia Teen USA 2015. The crowned Miss Roanoke Princess USA will be participating in Miss Virginia USA's Inspiring Princess Mentoring Program, this is a not a competition. Congratulations to all the seven Miss Roanoke USA contestants, six Miss Roanoke Teen USA contestants, and three Miss Roanoke Princess USA girls, all of you did a phenomenal job on stage! Also, the ladies had very beautiful evening gowns and sexy swimsuits, and I'd rock most of them!

Miss Roanoke USA 2015 Kiara Williams, Miss Roanoke Princess USA 2015 Isabella Boardwine, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Miss Roanoke Teen USA 2015 Alexis Ramsey
Photo by Rick Myers of Myers Photography

At the end of the pageant, myself, Midori, and some other folks that came to support Midori went to the city of Roanoke to eat dinner and celebrate. This was a well-needed meal for me because I had breakfast in the morning before heading to Church, however, I was unable to eat lunch before heading to the pageant because I went home to change after Church and immediately headed to the pageant, which lasted for a couple hours. The evening ended with great company, lots of laughs, and delicious food!

Post-Pageant Dinner: Seafood Jambalaya
DELICIOUS!!!

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. - Norman Vincent Peale

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Photo credit:

Myers Photography

Miss Sierra Leone USA Walks in FMDS Spring 2014 Urban Jungle Runway Show

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing well, thanks be to God! Last week, I walked on the runway for Virginia Tech's Fashion Merchandise and Design Society's Spring Fashion Show, themed "Urban Jungle." Most of the designers and models for this show were current students at Virginia Tech. Below are some photos of me on the runway during the show, channeling my favorite supermodel Naomi Campbell! I'm sure more photos will pop up as time goes by but I wanted to share these photos with all of you. I hope you like them just as I do.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
T-shirt: Kid Dangerous
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Getting made-up by Kasey
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Getting made-up by Kasey
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Whenever it comes to doing fashion shows, one of my big concerns is usually my hair styling. Although I am open to have a variety of hairstyles, I am very particular about the use of minimal chemicals and heat on my hair. The coordinators wanted the models in ponytails or hair down in slick form, however, I requested and they agreed that I can rock my hair in its natural texture and do something different with it. Special thanks to my mom for doing my hair in cornrows and bantu knots (which were later taken down to have a big fauxhawk). Thank you to my fellow models Midori and Jasmine for helping me take out the bantu knots and "puffing" my hair! Thanks to Kasey for doing a fierce job with my make-up, as well as for some of the other models. Last but not least, thanks to my stager, Kristin, who helped me get in and out of my clothes and putting on and taking out my accessories for my outfits for the fashion show backstage. All of "you rock, don't change!"

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Thank you, Jazzy Ervins for your beautiful and creative designs fit for women of all sizes and color; I felt beautiful and sexy wearing your design and I'm glad I made you proud on stage.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Congratulations to Riley Sixta, one of my designers, who won the Best New Designer Award; I'm wearing one of her collections in the photos above and below in the fashion show. I felt like a Greek Goddess in this design.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photo credit: Priya Singh

Overall, I had a great time at the show and special thanks to the fashion show coordinators (Rachel Carter and Katie Brassington), the designers, runway coach (Midori Oglesby), my fellow models, stagers, and everyone involved in the production of this spectacular event. I met so many amazing ladies during this journey, and made lifelong friendships with these beautiful and sweet ladies. All the models were so helpful to each other backstage, and worked as a team. We are our sisters' keeper. I had a great time!

Urban Jungle Models in Kid Dangerous
Meriam Nure, Ruby B. Johnson, and Judith Johnson

The Chocolate Models in Kid Dangerous
Midori Oglesby, Meriam Nure, Ruby B. Johnson, Judith Johnson, and Jasmine White

Post-Fashion Show
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Post-Fashion Show in mining engineer gear
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Source:

J Chen

Collegiate Times

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