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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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) Conference

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks to the Almighty. On September 13th, I attended the inaugural Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) conference held at Howard University in the District of Columbia. The theme of this year's conference is "Share Experience. Build Partnerships. Gain Understanding." This is my third involvement with SLEN and second time attending their event; four months ago I attended their networking mixer.

I AM SLENNING
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

My personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls/women in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as advocating for SHERO. In SHERO, E is for education and O is for opportunities. Additionally, I am currently in my final year studying Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech. Therefore, an organization such as SLEN can provide me with opportunities to network with women and men in my fields of interest which are mining, women, and the continent of Africa; also, networking with my fellow Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and native land can help us work together in making our Salone great.

Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network Board Members
Miss Janice Williams (SLEN Co-Founder), Miss Joy Spencer (SLEN Conference Coordinator), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Dr. Jaisie Stevens (SLEN Career Mentorship Coordinator), and Mr. Thomas Kaikai (SLEN Outreach Program Manager)

The co-Founders of SLEN are Mr. Lenton Davies, Miss Janice Williams, and Mr. Desmond Ellis. In his opening remarks regarding Sierra Leone's young professionals, co-founder Mr. Ellis mentioned "We need to have an opportunity now to move on from being a reactive community to being a proactive. The next wave is coming, whether it's a health care crisis or a tsunami of opportunities, and whether we like it or not. We have to be prepared to handle it." Activities of SLEN include: career mentorship, professional networking mixers, job postings, career seminars and workshops, and has a large professional database of Sierra Leoneans. 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.

My favorite ladies and career women:
Miss Doris Tawiah (best friend), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Ramzain Suma

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mr. Moinina David Sengeh (2014 Keynote Speaker)

The conference entailed two panel sessions, group discussions, SLEN Jam Session, networking session/information sharing, and keynote address by STEM advocate Moinina David Sengeh. The first panel, titled Aspiring Professionals, was moderated by Miss Effie O. Johnson (Compliance Analyst). This panel consisted of: Ms. Munje Foh (Attorney), Mr. Salifu Kamara of World Bank, Mr. Jonelle Williams (Business Strategist), and Ms. Veralyn Williams (Journalist). These young Sierra Leonean professionals discussed their various career paths. When asked what does climbing the ladder mean to them, Mr. Salifu Kamara mentioned that to him it means breaking the barriers of stereotypes, and that "when you believe in yourself, empower yourself, inspire yourself." Business strategist Jonelle Williams stated that mentoring got him where he is today and spoke about the importance of having a mentor in one's field of interest. Overall, the panel emphasized the importance of finding mentors, going to uncharted routes, and acting like a leader.

Ruby B. Johnson and Effie O. Johnson (SLEN Conference Panel Moderator)

Desmond Ellis (SLEN Co-Founder) and Ruby B. Johnson

The second panel, titled Importance of Networking and Mentoring, was moderated by Ms. Hennither Cole (Human Resources Specialist). This panel comprised of: Ms. Mariama Jalloh-Heyward (Senior Director at KPMG, LLP), Mr. Cecil John (Architect and Computer Scientist), and Ms. Mariama Levy (CEO of Verdi Consulting). These experienced Sierra Leonean professionals discussed how networking and mentoring has impacted their careers. They discussed how one can spread the word about their craft and harnessing it to success. Ms. Jalloh-Heyward stated that mentoring is about introducing oneself, having quality conversation, and making oneself available to others in seeking knowledge. Mrs. Levy spoke about getting away from one's comfort zone and breaking away from the cycle with respect to working with individuals of a different race or sex. Besides expressing advice for traditional work settings, Mr. Cecil John spoke of the importance of social media; he states "it's about being effective with your followers. Have a digital presence and we have a responsibility to make ourselves valuable." The panelists gave several tips on networking and following-up.

Akindele T.M. Decker (SLEN Media Administrator) and Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson and David Moinina Sengeh

The keynote speaker was Moinina David Sengeh. In mainstream media, he is popularly known as the mentor for teenage engineering prodigy and Innovate Salone's Kelvin Doe. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, David is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the MIT Media Lab. His research in the Biomechatronics Group focuses on the design of comfortable prosthetic sockets and wearable interfaces. In addition, he is one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Technology for 2013, a 2014 TED Fellow, on the Wired Smart List 2013, winner of the Lemelson-MIT National Collegiate Student Prize, and has accumulated many other awards. He is the Co-Founder/President of Global Minimum Inc. (GMin), as well as owner/lead designer of Nyali Clothing; he is also a lyricist and rapper with meaningful messages. In his speech, Mr. Sengeh spoke of his inspiration for his current research on prosthetic and its connection to Sierra Leoneans that were amputated during Sierra Leone's former civil war. He spoke of the relevance of imagination and that it allows one to see beyond the horizon; he stated "imagine the future we want, then create it." Discovering our moonshot. He mentioned that his purpose for activism, Innovate Salone, and other initiatives for the growth of Africa is about action, encouraging young people that can see problems and find ways to solve them. He spoke of the problem of: having a high of curious learners but little or no resources versus high concentration of mentors and resources but little or no curious minds. He emphasized on the importance of investing in education. In closing, he states "learn by doing, asking questions, and admitting that you're wrong."

Ruby B. Johnson and David Manley

Salone Queens in Action
Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma

BFF Moments
Doris Tawiah and Ruby B. Johnson

The photo below of myself and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma captured one of my favorite moments at the SLEN conference. One of the panelists in the second panel session gave a shout-out to St. Joseph's Secondary School (Convent) and Ramzain started cheering for her alma mater. As you can see from my face and action, I was not pleased. I appreciate SJSS but I will forever be proud of my alma mater, the Methodist Girls' High School. It's an intense but loving rivalry.

Miss Sierra Leone Sisterhood
Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma

Juba Connection: childhood neighbors reunited!
Mohamed Kanja Sesay and Ruby B. Johnson

Overall, I thought the event was amazing and I learned a lot from folks in all works of life. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with new people, as well as see familiar faces. The group and one-on-one conversations were stimulating. As a fellow Sierra Leonean and individual in STEM, I was inspired by David Sengeh's speech and loved hearing his personal story. Congratulations to the SLEN board members on a very successful first conference, I look forward to SLEN Conference 2015!

Ruby B. Johnson

I Am Slenning. ARE YOU???
Miss Ruby B. Johnson

slenning (slehn-in) verb - to practice a professional lifestyle while exhibiting the core values of SLEN, including networking with other professionals, mentoring or being mentored, and consistently seeking ways to move up in your career field

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Photo credits:

Prince Zamira Photography

Halima Kamara Photography

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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.

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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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