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

Unwrapping Christmas Gift Donations at So Others Might Eat (SOME)

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing fantastic, thanks be to God! Last Monday, I unwrapped the Christmas gifts in the form of donations for So Others Might Eat's (SOME) shoebox gift donation. These gifts were donated by generous individuals, families, groups, and organizations; items included essentials for women, girls, boys, and men. I've been volunteering with SOME for the past two years, and for this project I got to work with the lovely Ann (shoebox donations coordinator). The holiday season should be about enjoying the precious moments with your loved ones, as well as blessing others out there.

Ruby B. Johnson

Ann (SOME staff) and Ruby B. Johnson

So Others Might Eat (SOME) is the only interfaith, community-based organization in the District of Columbia that offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to caring for the homeless and extremely poor citizens of the city. SOME exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation's capital. They meet the immediate daily needs of the people they serve with food, clothing, and health care. They help break the cycle of homelessness by offering services, such as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling, to the poor, the elderly and individuals with mental illness. Each day, SOME is restoring hope and dignity one person at a time.

Ruby B. Johnson with SOME staff

The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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 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

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Africa-U.S. Summit's Private Sector Forum

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I have been very busy but happy, thanks be to God! As a result of my busy schedule lately I am a couple of blog posts late, but I'm catching up now. On August 4th, I attended African Leadership Magazine's Africa-US Private Sector Forum 2014, one of the events held in commemoration of the inaugural Africa-U.S. Summit 2014. This event was held at The National Press Club in our nation's capital, District of Columbia. Special thanks to the Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) for providing me with the opportunity to connect with the Miss Africa Foundation and being a part of this event.

When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014
Ruby B. Johnson

When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014
Ruby B. Johnson

The theme of this Forum was "Partnership For Increased Technical and Financial Investment Into Africa." Speakers include: His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Business Owner and former Republican Presidential nominee Herman Cain, Civil Rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many more.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson along with His Excellency President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete handing out awards

Attending this event was a learning experience, and I have never been in such a summit talking about issues relating to my continent of birth (Africa) and adopted home (United States). I had the honor of escorting the president of the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete to his seat, as well as handing out an award for the special induction into the African Leadership Hall of Fame.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson (in green afrikana)

"President Obama welcomed leaders from across the African continent to the nation’s capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind. The Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, built on the President’s trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and aimed to strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit advanced the Administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlighted America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people. At the same time, it highlighted the depth and breadth of the United States’ commitment to the African continent, advanced our shared priorities, and enabled discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership." (White House, 2014)

Sierra Leonean Queens:
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Miss Heritage Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Ramzain Suma, and Miss Samira.

Sierra Leone's Representatives:
Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Adonis Abboud and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

At the event, I met Mpule Kwelagobe. Escorting the President of Tanzania to his seat was an honor for me, as well as seeing many African leaders but meeting this woman was extra special for me. Hailing from Botswana, Mpule represented her nation at Miss World 1997 and went to become Miss Universe 1999 from Botswana, and the first woman from Africa and of African ancestry to win the Miss Universe title. She is one of my pageant role models and my goodness she is so sweet in person (she gave me multiple hugs). During and after her reign, Mpule has been recognized and honored as a human health rights activist, especially for her fight against HIV/AIDS and advocacy for youth and women to have greater access to sexual reproductive education and services.

Activist and Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Mano River Queens: Sierra Leone and Guinea
Miss Guinee North America 2013-2014 Fatoumata Diabate and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

"At its core, the Summit was about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa. The theme of the Summit was "Investing in the Next Generation." Focusing on the next generation is at the core of a government’s responsibility and work, and this Summit provided an opportunity to discuss ways of stimulating growth, unlocking opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for the next generation." (White House, 2014)

Beauties With A Purpose:
Miss Guinea North America 2013-2014 Fatoumata Diabate and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

One of the best parts of that day was seeing Africans take over Washington, DC with their outfits and just by being, because of the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leadership Summit that week. I got to bond with folks at the summit, on the streets, and in the train. Because of this special occasion, I got to make new friends from Rwanda, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, etc. UNITED AFRICANS!

Founder/CEO of When You Believe Foundation, Inc. and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

African and American Woman With A Purpose:
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 and When You Believe Foundation, Inc. Founder/CEO Ruby B. Johnson

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.


Photo credit:
Life Depicted Productions

Like my Facebook Page

Follow me on Twitter @MissSaloneUSA

Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) Conference 2014

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 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