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 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.

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Source:

J Chen

Collegiate Times

Portfolio: FMDS Urban Jungle Photoshoot

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy but in all things, I thank God for life and opportunities. A couple weeks ago, I did a photoshoot for a fashion show with the theme of Urban Jungle. This spring fashion show is an annual event created by the Fashion Merchandising and Design of Virginia Tech. The photos were taken by the talented and awesome Lauren Walkup, a senior at Virginia Tech. Special thanks to my mommy for doing my hair. For this shoot, the fashion show coordinators, Rachel Carter and Katie Brassington, were going for a natural look with minimal makeup, and I absolutely love the outcome. So I thought I'd share some of the photos with all of you, hope you love them just as I do!

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Design by: Jazzy Ervins
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Design by: Jazzy Ervins
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

The Models

The Models with Fashion Show co-coordinator Rachel Carter

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!

What's becoming very obvious to me is that fashion is art. - Lupita Nyong'o

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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March 2014: Miss Sierra Leone USA Celebrates Women's History Month (Part I)

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I have been doing fantastic, thanks be to God! During Women's History Month, this March, I have done many interviews and involved in conversations regarding the status and endeavors of women in Sierra Leone, United States, and worldwide. As you may know, I am the Founder/CEO of When You Believe Foundation, Inc., my platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for SHERO and advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM, and overall I am very passionate about women's issues. Below are some of my activities during the month of March advocating for girls and women.

BSA Presents: Women's Month Kick-Off

On March 3rd, I was a speaker at Virginia Tech's Black Student Alliance's annual women's month event. At BSA Presents: Women's Month Kick-Off event, I talked about the history of When You Believe Foundation, why I decided to start this organization, and our past and present events and projects. Besides talking about my favorite organization, I talked about the importance of women's empowerment, my advocacy for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, women's body image and beauty ideals, and many more. Special thanks to Virginia Tech's BSA for extending the invitation and giving me a platform to talk to the women of Virginia Tech for two consecutive years, as well as providing a space for a When You Believe Foundation display.

Ruby B. Johnson,
Founder/CEO of When You Believe Foundation, Inc. and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014
Speaking at VT BSA's women's event

"Diaspora Focus" on Star Focus Radio

On March 6th, I was one of the guests on Star Radio's Diaspora Focus. This program is broadcast live from Freetown at 12am (Sierra Leone time) on 103.5FM and online. I was invited to talk about my activities in supporting women and girls, as well as women's empowerment in Sierra Leone. I had a great time on the show with my fellow commentators: Ms. Khadi Mansaray (Women's Rights Activist and Humanitarian) from the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone's Honorable Mustapha Bai Attila (deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs). I talked about women's empowerment in Sierra Leone, education of the girl child, women's land rights, women in politics, women in STEM, constitution reform regarding women, laws that protect women, international women's day (March 8th) and many more. I shared some personal stories about growing in Sierra Leone, experience with the Sierra Leone education system, the work of our women in the past and present, etc. Thank you for having me on your program, Star Radio. Also, special thanks to Amadu Lamrana Bah (producer) and Emmanuel Stafford (host), and I look forward to being part of another program again.

Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)
CPAC was not a speaking event for me but I got to meet some phenomenal women in public office serving and/or have ambitions of serving their communities in the political sector. In my days of attendance I met some women I have viewed as role models and others I became acquainted with that are in all works of life. Some of them include: Erika Harold, Miss America 2003, Attorney, and current republican candidate for the 13th Congressional District seat in the state of Illinois; Glo Smith, candidate running for United States Congress for the 5th district in the state of Florida; Crystal Wright of Conservative Black Chick; Carly Fiorina, former business executive and former California Republican candidate for the United States Senate, and many more!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Glo Smith, current U.S. Congress candidate (R-FL)

Attorney Erika Harold, Miss America 2003 and current U.S. Congress candidate (R-IL)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Carly Fiorina

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 and Ms. Crystal Wright

PageantLIVE
On March 11th, I was one of the guests on PageantLIVE. PageantLIVE is the only interactive web-based show where up to eight guests from around the United States and the world come together live to discuss all aspects of the pageant and scholarship industry. The theme for this specific show was Pageantry and Empowerment. Hosted by Stephanie McGrane, I was interviewed alongside Mrs. Eastern States International 2014 Amber Wandtke. During the program, I talked about my mother and women in my family being my role models, how I use my title as Miss Sierra Leone USA to empower girls and women in the United States and Sierra Leone, what achievements I hope to see women get in the future, and many more. Watch the full interview here.

We all fight over what the label 'feminism' means but for me it's about empowerment. It's not about being more powerful than men - it's about having equal rights with protection, support, justice. It's about very basic things. It's not a badge like a fashion item. - Annie Lennox

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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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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Miss Sierra Leone USA Judges The Golden Affair 2013 Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks to the Almighty. On Sunday, November 17th, I served as one of the judges at The 2013 Golden Affair Pageant. This pageant was a joint event produced by the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Eta Omega chapter) and the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Lambda chapter). The crowned winners will be the male and female representative of the sorority and fraternity as Mr. Rhomance and Miss Omega, respectively.

FACT: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ) was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority is a non-profit whose aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and the education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority,Inc. has members in undergraduate and alumnae chapters throughout the United States, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, and Korea. The slogan of this organization is "Greater Service, Greater Progress."

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

FACT: Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) is an international fraternity with over 700 undergraduate and graduate chapters. The fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is the first fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically Black college (HBCU) at Howard University. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. That phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift are the Cardinal Principles of the organization. Omega Psi Phi and Sigma Gamma Rho are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC); the NPHC is composed of nine international black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities and promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information, and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

Presenation of awards to the 8 contestants of the Golden Affair pageant

The contestants were: Tara Shockley, Chris Terry, Dashauna Williams, Kwame Coles, Angel Walsh, Darren Siler, Princess Gibson, and Rodney Godfrey. This was my first time being a pageant judge, and honestly it was a nerve-wracking experience. I have been on the other side of a pageant before as a contestant when I competed at Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012, but I felt that it was much tougher to be a judge. As a judge I had to put away all forms of bias and focus completely on presentation and what we were required to look for in each segment of the competition. From the performance of all the contestants, I could tell that they worked very hard on each segment of the competition so I wanted to show positive approval with my scores but I also had to be honest with my scoring on level of performance in contrast to the others. It was also interesting to see how similar and different the preference of my fellow judges were. The talent presentations were phenomenal; I also loved the on-stage-question segment: one question based on contestant's opinion, and another question about Sigma Gamma Rho asked by a ΣΓΡ member or Omega Psi Phi asked by a ΩΨΦ member. All the contestants did an amazing job, but I know we chose two phenomenal individuals.

Miss Omega 2013 Tara Shockley, Mr. Rhomance 2013 Kwame Coles, and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014

Awards such as best in evening gown, Miss Congeniality, contestant that raised the most money, best in swimsuit, best in 1920s look, and best talent performance were presented to the contestants. The first-runner up to Miss Omega was Miss Angel Walsh, and first runner-up to Mr. Rhomance was Mr. Rodney Godfrey. Congratulations to Miss Tara Shockley (crowned Miss Omega) and Mr. Kwame Coles (crowned Mr. Rhomance). Congratulations to the planning committee and all the contestants of The Golden Affair pageant. A job well done, and thank you for having me as a judge.

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