Connecting Cultures, Humanitarian Work, and People
I AM AFRICAN & I CAN is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 03/08/2024
Dr. Adama Kalokoh was born to Sierra Leoneans who migrated to the United States in the 70s. She grew up in an era where being Black was unpopular. Although she lost her father at a tender age, memories of him calling her his “Black, beautiful princess” stuck around. In school, people made mean comments about Africans, so for a while, she struggled between being African and American. This made her stay as far away as possible from her African identity.
“It took time to fall in love with me and get over insecurities. Insecurities will stifle you, keep you in a box and make you think you don’t have something important to say,” says Dr. Adama.
With a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of the District of Columbia, at the time she was convinced that she would go into public policy, “But Africa was calling me. I had to put this in my life purpose,” Dr. Adama says. From her visit to Africa, she knew she had to use all the resources and skills she had to contribute to the development of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Adama’s drive to give back came from watching her father, who used to host meetings in their home to assist migrants settle in the United States.
Her father had also educated her about the history of Sierra Leone. When he passed, she longed to see the place he had always talked about. After her first visit to Sierra Leone in 2004 and realizing that her purpose in life was tied to the Mother Land, Dr. Adama returned to the United States gathered school supplies, backpacks, clothes, and medical supplies and shipped them back home.
At the time, it was only her and her vision to make a difference in the mother land. But she knew that to go further, she would need a nonprofit organization with a team. The fear of the process (i.e.., coming up with board of directors, and paperwork) held her back. Fortunately, she managed to leap over her fears and went for the long shot. “When you find your purpose, don’t run away from it,” Dr. Adama says.
In 2019, Dr. Adama launched Impact Sierra Leone with a mission to reduce socioeconomic challenges, contribute to quality education, agriculture, skills training and foster strong partnerships in Sierra Leone. Dr. Adama’s mission was facilitated through the power of networking. In 2020, she went to villages in Sierra Leone and spoke with chiefs, stakeholders, farmers and built relationships with them.
Introducing initiatives such as the “Seeds of Life” have also contributed to her vision of a Sierra Leone that will one day have zero hunger and clean water. She’s been able to empower farmers in rural Sierra Leone to dream beyond their current circumstance. By encouraging Sierra Leoneans to focus on sustainable agriculture, Dr. Adama is hoping to teach them to grow nutritious foods and be self-sufficient.
As the founder and CEO of Impact Sierra Leone, she has traveled back to Sierra Leone several times and conducted self-confidence boosters for children. On one visit, she had orphan girls hold up affirmation signs that read “I AM BLESSED! I AM BRAVE! I AM BRILLIANT! I AM EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE!”
Since Dr. Adama embarked on the journey of empowering girls, women, and farming communities, she has received several awards. In 2023, she added another prestigious award to the list, when she was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her service. She is now recognized in Siera Leone and the United States for her philanthropic efforts.
Dr. Adama’s best friend, Almira Leonche, Executive Director of Second Chance Fashions, Inc., says, “Dr. Kalokoh is a true example of a global humanitarian with a passion for helping others and devotion to service. She is highly admired for being an advocate, a mentor, entrepreneur, and consultant within the nonprofit sector. However, I most admire her for being a true friend with humility, amazing sense of humor and love for mankind. It is an honor to be one of her dearest friends and I look forward to all that the future holds for her journey.
“She is well known for the incredible roles she plays in female empowerment, health promotion, international development, and community development. Dr. Kalokoh’s story is truly inspiring and embodies what happens when your purpose meets your passion,” Almira added.
With Impact Sierra Leone now being the bridge that connects cultures, humanitarian work, and people, Dr. Adama’s success story teaches us that our lives will become more enriched when we invest in others. We will always have ties to where our ancestors are from. Therefore, we should make it a goal and priority to give back in the best way we can.
Inside the Life of a Nonprofit CEO
“A strong woman is a woman who can rise above her setbacks and challenges while still making a positive impact as well as helping others rise to their potential in the world.”
“You got to give in this life because there’s always going to be people in need. ”
“When you find your purpose, don’t run away from it.”
More About Impact Sierra Leone
Connect with Dr. Adama:
Facebook: Adama Kalokoh
Instagram: @impact_sierra_leone
Personal LinkedIn: Dr. Adama Kalokoh
Company LinkedIn: Impact Sierra Leone
Website: Impact Sierra Leone – Creating the Future
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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