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 Leads Health and Wellness Workshop At 2014 AIRF Youth ArtBeat Summer Program

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy but happy, thanks be to God! This summer has been full of adventures for me, and I have been loving every minute of it. It has been such an adventure that I'm actually behind on blogging, but I'll be doing catch-up in the upcoming days to let all of you know what I've been doing. A couple days ago, I led a Health and Wellness workshop for students in the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation's (AIRF) 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week program.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with AIRF 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week Program students

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading a Health and Wellness workshop

This Summer Week group involved students in Elementary, Middle, and High School. I had so much fun with the kids, and it is always a pleasure serving AIRF, and recollecting on the days I was in the Catching Up Program back in High School. Our conversation involved health, fitness, hygiene, and the importance of positive and healthy image.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Most of the students in the Summer Program I had the opportunity to meet a couple months ago at the AIRF 2014 Youth Awards. As you may know from my many past posts, I've spoken fondly of AIRF and as an alumnus of the Catching Up Program, it is always a pleasure to give back to the current students.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading Health and Wellness workshop

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with AIRF 2014 Youth ArtBeat Summer Week Program students

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

T-shirt: When You Believe Foundation, Inc.

There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset. - Arlen Specter

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

REMINDER

Come out tomorrow (Saturday, August 16th) and watch me and the amazing cast in our live stage performance in the classic Sierra Leonean play, Cry of the Country Virgin.

CRY OF THE COUNTRY VIRGIN

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Launch of Just Stand, Inc.

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. Over the past month I've been occupied with my studies, and also the Maryland Primary Election. I worked during the early voting sessions, and served for the first time as a Chief Elections Judge on election day. I'm thankful to God for my performance, and it's always a pleasure to perform my civic duty as an American and serve my great state of Maryland. As a result of my busy professional and academic life, I'm a bit behind on blogging; I'm also starring in an upcoming classic Sierra Leonean play this August, and I'll share details in future blogs in case you didn't see it on my Facebook page. With all this going on, I'm doing my best to catch up on my blogging about my recent appearances/events. Now let's fast forward... last Saturday, I attended the launching of Just Stand, Inc. and served as one of the speakers.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Just Stand, Inc. is a new non-profit organization that works to stop the cycle of sexual and domestic violence in the African Diaspora in the District of Columbia Metropolitan area, primarily Sierra Leonean. The motto of Just Stand is "Stand and Stop the Cycle of Sexual and Domestic Violence." According to Miatta, "Our vision is parallel to our mission in life, which is to empower young girls to be the peculiar beings God has created them to be" and their mission is "...to raise up an army of virtuous women and girls who do not walk in fear, but power and courage." According to members of Just Stand, the purpose of this organization is to raise funds and create awareness for victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the African and Washington Metropolitan Diaspora.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miatta Mamie Sandy (Founder/CEO of Just Stand, Inc.)

In the photo above, I am pictured with Miss Miatta Mamie Sandy, Founder/CEO of Just Stand, Inc. A dynamic young lady, Miatta decided to literally take a stand against sexual and domestic violence in the community, specifically among the Sierra Leonean diaspora, and created this organization. In addition to being the CEO of Just Stand, Miatta is the reigning Miss Sierra Leone Maryland 2014 and finalist in the upcoming Miss Sierra Leone USA 2014 pageant.

Miss FA Cole (advocate and author) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

At the event, I spoke about the importance of Miatta's cause in the community and women's empowerment. I talked about my platforms of advocating for SHERO and women in STEM as Miss Sierra Leone USA. In addition, Miatta asked me to talk about the work of When You Believe Foundation, Inc. (my baby!!!), so I talked about WYBF's mission in promoting self sufficiency and enhancing the lifestyle of girls and women in all communities. In addition to Miatta sharing her personal story, other guest speakers shared powerful and inspiring stories. One of the guest speakers was Miss FA Cole, a powerful woman of God and multiple forms of abuse survivor. She is a motivational speaker and the author of "Distant Sunrise – The Strength in her Pain to Forgive." Over the past couple months while working on our upcoming stage play, I've gotten to know and admire Miss Cole and her endeavors in empowering women and speaking up for the silent.

Queen Afi Gaston, Miss Miatta M. Sandy, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Another phenomenal woman that served as a speaker was Queen Afi Gaston. Queen Afi is the Founder/CEO of Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags, an organization that caters to women, men, and teens that victims and abusers of domestic violence. I've known Queen Afi for more than three years and collaborated with her several times with her and her organization for my organization, When You Believe Foundation, Inc. She is not only a wonderful and passionate woman, but is a big sister to me and has taught me so much.

Left-Right:
Queen Afi Gaston (Founder/CEO of Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags), Miss Miatta M. Sandy (Founder/CEO of Just Stand, Inc.), and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson (Founder/CEO of When You Believe Foundation, Inc.)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Miss FA Cole, Miss Miatta M. Sandy, and Miss Nefertiti Brown (spoken-word artist)

In addition to the speakers and Miatta's keynote speech, there was a spoken-word performance by Miss Nefertiti Brown, dance performance by Miss Jessim, and praise dance by young girls choreographed by Miatta from her Church. It was also lovely to see how supportive Miatta's Church family is of her and her efforts. That's a blessing to have. The refreshment given out at the event was also very delicious.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Sierra Leone Maryland 2014 Miatta Mamie Sandy (CEO of Just Stand, Inc.)

I wish Miatta and her Just Stand, Inc. team all the best. She has taken up a big and relevant cause, and I wish her God's many blessings in her endeavors. Overall, this was an empowering and enlightening event, and I'm happy to have been part of the birth of Miatta's baby.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Trust your own instincts, go inside, follow your heart. Right from the start. go ahead and stand up for what you believe in. As I've learned, that's the path to happiness. - Lesley Ann Warren

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation's Youth Awards

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy academically and professionally lately, but happy. A couple Fridays ago, I attended African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation's (AIRF) 13th Annual Youth Awards Ceremony. I shared my personal story as a former student, and the impact AIRF's Catching Up Program (CUP) had on me during and post-high school. Also, I presented awards to recipients of the Cultural Heritage Award and Academic Excellence Award. Being an alumnus, an event like this is close to my heart and personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA of SHERO, specifically advocating for service and education.

Dr. Wanjiru "Mama" Kamau (Founder of African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

In the photo above, I am seen affectionately hugging Dr. Wanjiru Kamau, who we loving call Mama Kamau. Mama Kamau is the Founder of the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation, and has been a mother to all of us in the AIRF-CUP. She is one of my role models and forever mentor. If you will like to know about my personal story regarding AIRF and more information about this wonderful organization and their programs, read the post I wrote few months ago when I hosted their 2013 End-of-Year Youth Conference.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Along with my invitation as an AIRF-CUP alumnus, I was asked to speak about what AIRF meant to me when I was in High School and how it affected me after I graduated from high school years ago. At the event, I shared my personal story as a former student and the impact AIRF's Catching Up Program (CUP) had on me during and post-high school. I spoke about the importance of service and mentoring, and how AIRF is an organization that truly justifies these two things. I spoke about how each member of AIRF assisted me in a variety of ways, especially Miss Bertha Hyera (former AIRF-CUP youth coordinator) and Mama Kamau. In addition to my personal story and advice for the students, three other alumni and my friends spoke about their experiences and gave remarkable advice.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

In addition to my speech, I was asked to present awards to recipients of the Cultural Heritage Award and Academic Excellence Award in the AIRF Catching Up program. Recipients were girls and boys in Elementary, Middle, and High School.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Sohna Oulare (AIRF-CUP student and Miss Guinee North America 2013 finalist)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Cultural Heritage Award

The Cultural Heritage Award went "to students who carry with them an obvious pride for their cultural heritage. Whether they are entering pageants to be the youth representative of their country of origin, writing poems to educate others about their country, have learned to read, write and speak in their language, can remember and name more African countries then their peers on any given day, or speak proudly of their heritage, lineage or countries’ foods, these children have all shown what it means to be proud of one’s culture."

Adorable Moment of the Night!
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson receives a hug from Cultural Heritage Award recipient

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Cultural Heritage Award recipient

In the last two photos, I am pictured with the youngest winner of the Cultural Heritage Award, and second youngest winner of the night overall. I also had the pleasure of sitting on the same table with him and his mother. He is very deserving of this award; such a smart and sweet boy!

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

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

Below are photos of some of me presenting the Academic Excellence Award to the many recipients. This Award was given to "students who have a GPA of 3.0 and above." Congratulations again to these remarkable and smart students!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Academic Excellence Award

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Academic Excellence Award

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Academic Excellence Award to Miss Berkit

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Academic Excellence Award

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson presenting the Academic Excellence Award

After all the music, dance performances, documentary viewing, speeches, Award presentations, and delicious dining, we had the opportunity to mix and mingle with students, parents, mentors, and AIRF Board members. Overall, I had an amazing evening with good company, good food, and many laughs. It's always a pleasure seeing familiar faces and getting to know new people.

Left-Right:
Ms. Asteria Hyera (AIRF-CUP Youth Coordinator), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Ms. Gathoni Kamau (daughter of AIRF Founder, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau)

Sierra Leonean Sisters
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Haja Kalokoh (beautiful singer, AIRF-CUP student, and current student at my high school Alma Mater)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and event keynote speaker Ms. Rahama Wright (President/CEO of Shea Yeleen)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Pamela (AIRF-CUP student)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mr. Freddy Possian (friend since High School days)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Adja Koite of Her Right To Literacy (friend since High School days)

Mama Kamau and Her Legacy
Ms. Asteria Hyera, Mr. Freddy Possian, Mama Kamau, Miss Adja Koite, and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Below is a photo I took with members of Parkwood All-Stars dance group. They're a group of talented, beautiful, and smart girls in the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation's Catching Up Program, and currently in Middle School. After taking this group photo with them, they all wanted to wear my crown. So I decided to crown all of them and other girls at the event, one at a time, a 'Miss' of their various countries of origin.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Parkwood All-Stars dance group

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Ethiopia

There she is... Miss Ethiopia 2014 (unofficial) while she does her queenly wave. As you can see in the photo above, Miss Berkit is truly an African Queen!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Liberia

There she is... Miss Liberia 2014 (unofficial). As you can see the beautiful smile in the photo above, Miss Sandra is truly an African Queen!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Ethiopia

There she is... Miss Ethiopia 2014 (unofficial). As you can see the beautiful smile in the photo above, she's truly an African Queen!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Liberia

There she is... Miss Liberia 2014 (unofficial). As you can see the beautiful smile in the photo above, she's truly an African Queen!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Ethiopia

There she is... Miss Ethiopia 2014 (unofficial). As you can see the beautiful smile in the photo, she's truly an African Queen! Last but not least, there she is... Miss Guinea 2014 (unofficial). As you can see the beautiful bright smile in the photo below, she's truly an African Queen!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson crowning a princess from Guinea

That's what being young is all about. You have the courage and the daring to think that you can make a difference. You're not prone to measure your energies in time. You're not likely to live by equations. - Actress and Civil Rights Actress Ms. Ruby Dee

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Photo credit:
African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation