Monday, April 27, 2015

Happy 54th Independence Day from Miss Sierra Leone USA

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I am doing well, thanks be to God! As some of you may know, the land of my birth celebrates its Independence on April 27th. In 1964, the nation was liberated from full British control due to European invasion on most African nations, and became an independent nation; the nation became a Republic in 1971. I've had the honor of serving as Miss Sierra Leone USA, the first pageant I ever competed in, representing the nation's capital city of Freetown and the great state of Maryland.
SALONE QUEEN
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by ROS Productions
SALONE QUEEN
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by ROS Productions
The nation I call my place of birth; the nation I will always wave her flag proudly; the nation that always comes to my rescue while living here in the United States when I want to make excuses for not knowing/remembering something such as saying things like "I wasn't born here" or "I'm foreign;" the nation that gave me my first crown in 2012 and a platform to reach out to girls/women just like me and advocate for STEM and mining; the nation that has instilled culture and morals in me that I value highly; and the nation that I will always call home regardless of how far away I may be. Just like every household, there will always be good, bad, and ugly times. The nation that brings happiness and sometimes trying times to her children. She has endured so much in her lifetime BUT she still continues to rise. Dis kontri na mi Salon.
SALONE QUEEN
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by ROS Productions
Sierra Leonean and American Queen: Ruby B. Johnson
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014
Miss Earth Maryland 2015
Photo by ROS Productions
Green|White|Blue
May God bless the Republic...
Land that we love, OUR SIERRA LEONE!!!
HAPPY 54th INDEPENDENCE DAY, Mama Salone.


Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014,
Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015,
Proudly Sierra Leonean and American.
Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE
SEEKING SPONSORS for Miss Earth United States 2015 Pageant
Miss Earth Maryland Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by ROS Productions

Photo Credit: ROS Productions

Saturday, February 14, 2015

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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.

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Saturday, December 27, 2014

Feeding the Homeless at SOME in District of Columbia this Christmas Season

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing fabulous, thanks be to God! This past Tuesday, I served lunch at Some Others Might Eat (SOME) in our nation's capital, Washington (District of Columbia). As some of you may know from previous blog posts, I have been volunteering at SOME for the past two years, and it's always a pleasure working with the staff and my fellow volunteers during my shifts.
Ruby B. Johnson
Click photo to enlarge
Ruby B. Johnson
Click photo to enlarge
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
Click photo to enlarge
This holiday season, enjoy the precious moments with your loved ones but also bless someone out there. Happy holidays!!!
Ruby B. Johnson
Click photo to enlarge
Exercise your purchasing power as a consumer, volunteer and bring joy to those in need, and share your experiences, tell your stories, and inspire others along the way. - Blake Mycoskie


Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Talks Miss Universe 2014 - Queens of Africa

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing awesome, thanks to the Almighty. The 2014 Miss Universe Pageant is set to broadcast live on NBC on January 25, 2015 at the U.S. Century Bank Arena in Florida, USA. There will be more than 80 women represent their nations around the world competing for the title of Miss Universe 2014. Sierra Leone has never been represented on the Miss Universe stage. Miss Universe is part of the 'Big 4' international pageants, along with Miss World, Miss Earth, and Miss International. The reigning Miss Universe 2013 is the lovely Maria Gabriela Isler from Venezuela.
Miss Universe 2013 Maria Gabriela Isler from Venezuela
Fact: Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago was the first Black woman to have won the title of Miss Universe in 1977; Wendy Fitzwilliam, also of Trinidad and Tobago was the second Black woman to win the Miss Universe title. In 1999, Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana became the first Black African woman and third woman of African ancestry to be crowned Miss Universe; Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes of Angola is the second Black African woman and fourth woman of African ancestry to hold this title.
FIRST brown Queen of the Universe:
Miss Universe 1977 Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago
Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
I have provided a list of the women that will be representing their respective African nations at this year's Miss Universe Pageant. Meet the African Queens:

ANGOLA
Miss Universe Angola
Miss Angola Universe 2014 Zuleica Wilson
EGYPT
Miss Universe Egypt
Miss Egypt 2014 Lara Debbane
ETHIOPIA
Miss Universe Ethiopia
Miss Universe Ethiopia 2014 Hiwot Mamo
GABON
Miss Universe Gabon
Miss Gabon 2014 Maggaly Nguema
GHANA
Miss Universe Ghana
Miss Universe Ghana 2014 Abena Appiah
KENYA
Miss Universe Kenya
Miss Universe Kenya 2014 Gaylyne Ayugi
MAURITIUS
Miss Universe Mauritius
Miss Mauritius 2013 Pallavi Gungaram
NIGERIA
Miss Universe Nigeria
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria - Universe 2014 Queen Celestine
SOUTH AFRICA
Miss Universe South Africa
Miss South Africa 2014 Ziphozakhe Zokufa
TANZANIA
Miss Universe Tanzania
Miss Universe Tanzania 2nd runner-up 2014 Nale Boniface

Good luck to all the Queens of Africa, and also to my  home-country Queen, Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez.

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Monday, December 15, 2014

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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Sunday, December 14, 2014

Royal Profile: Queen from Sierra Leone, Miss Hawa Kamara

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy and trying to keep up with life, thanks be to God. Besides living out my platforms of advocating for SHERO and women in STEM, my goal as Miss Sierra Leone USA and onward is to highlight and celebrate my fellow queens and titleholders from Sierra Leone. Using my blog as a tool to thoroughly highlight our queens, this post is to get to know a beautiful titleholder and a phenomenal young lady. Ladies and gentlemen, get to know this beauty with a purpose that is using her crown for a good cause, Miss Hawa Kamara.

Presenting... Queen Hawa Kamara
Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Who is Miss Hawa Kamara?
Age: 23 years old
Place of Birth: Kono District, Sierra Leone
Country of Residence: Republic of Sierra Leone
Hobbies/Interests: loves going to the gym; listening to music; and reading.

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Education:
Annie Walsh Memorial School
Methodist Girls' High School
Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara
Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Pageant Experience
Miss Methodist Girls' High School
Miss Independence Sierra Leone 2010
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012
Reigning Miss West Africa International 2013-2014
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara representing Salone at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant
Miss West Africa Salone 2012 Hawa Kamara at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant
Hawa Kamara representing Sierra Leone at the 2013 Miss West Africa pageant
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 and Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Queen With A Crown and Cause
Queen Hawa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Pikin For Betteh (Krio to English translation: "girl child must be successful"). GPFB is a gender-specific, prevention education program for girls ages 8 to 16. The purpose of this organization is to inspire and promote self love, self esteem, and decision-making skills. This organization works to inspire girls to further their education, prevent unplanned pregnancy, and teenage prostitution. In addition, Queen Hawa is the face of AFRiLOSOPHY, a fashion line that promotes the African culture.
Ebola Awareness: Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara
Sierra Leone's Pride: Miss West Africa Hawa Kamara
Celebrating Sierra Leone's Culture
Queen Hawa Kamara
African Pride: Queen Hawa Kamara

Statement from Queen Hawa
I am a firm believer in education. I love to preach peace. I am a really hardworking young lady. I will advice mankind to redefine their relationships with God, because we all just never know when our journey will end. Redefine our relationships with God every day.
Model: Hawa Kamara
Beautiful Sierra Leone
Queen Hawa Kamara
African Queen: Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Personal Remarks
A God-fearing woman, one of the things I like about Queen Hawa is her way of redefining beauty. In pageantry, one is used to seeing queens with long braids, wigs or weaves, and larger-than-life hairstyles, but this queen redefines beauty. Since I have gotten to know of her, she has always rocked her bald/low-cut hairstyle and does it so beautifully. This fashionista is an unconventional beauty that loves and lives her life the best way she can, and always has a happy countenance. Additionally, I am a little bias towards Queen Hawa because we have something in common. We share the same Alma Mater: Methodist Girls' High School. Being a product of "Honour Before Honours," it is no surprise Queen Hawa excels in many ways. Keep reaching for excellence and nothing less, Queen Hawa. You're truly a beauty with a purpose.
African Beauty: Hawa Kamara
Model: Hawa Kamara
Green, White, and Blue:
Sierra Leone's Hawa Kamara

Additional Fun Facts about Queen Hawa
  • Reads every day
  • 5 feet 6 inches tall
  • Adviser and consultant at Miss Sierra Leone Limited
  • Mentor and teacher to more than 40 youths in Sierra Leone
  • Model and has been featured in several advertisements and videos
  • Managing Director at Matthew's Artistic Skills For Youth Empowerment (MASYEO-SL)
  • 3rd Sierra Leonean woman to win the Miss West Africa International title (there have been 4 MWA winners)
Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara
Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara
Smile that brightens the world: Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara
I believe in sharing and making people smile no matter the situation they find themselves. 
- Miss Hawa Kamara, Miss West Africa 2013-2014.




Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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