Dr. Adama Kalokoh, the visionary founder of Impact Sierra Leone, recently shared her compelling story in an interview with Diplomatic Watch Magazine. Her narrative serves as a poignant demonstration of the profound impact that untiring personal commitment, resilience, and a genuine dedication to the welfare of others can have.
In the face of the formidable challenges inherent in establishing and managing an international NGO, Adama stands resolute in her dedication to Impact Sierra Leone. She expounds on her resourceful approaches to surmounting economic obstacles, notably highlighting the innovative “Seeds of Life” program as a manifestation of her steadfast commitment to ensuring the organization’s enduring sustainability.
During the interview, Adama imparts invaluable insights into the principles that underpin her personal success. She accentuates the pivotal role of a positive mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement, purposeful networking, and effective communication within the intricate landscape of the NGO sector. Dr. Adama Kalokoh’s account serves as an inspiring guide, illuminating the path to success in the realm of humanitarian endeavors.
Could you elaborate on your formative years and how your upbringing shaped your interest in your current field?
I was born Adama Conteh in Washington, USA, and raised in a loving Christian home environment. My passion for serving others emerged early on, and I have been actively involved in community service since graduating high school. My experiences serving in the United States Air Force, as an AmeriCorps fellow, and with HOPE Worldwide further solidified my commitment to helping others.
My passion for service was greatly impacted by the death of my father, James Conteh, in 1997. His passing reinforced my parents’ words about Africa being my home and ignited a desire to return to my roots. I finally had the opportunity to visit Sierra Leone in 2003, followed by three consecutive visits. These experiences solidified my dedication to serving humanity and helping rebuild my homeland.
My life transformed for the better after my first visit to Sierra Leone, where I discovered my true purpose – empowering underserved communities. Witnessing the stark disparities ignited my passion to advocate for the vulnerable. In 2019, I founded Impact Sierra Leone to serve orphans, farmers, students, women, and young girls. I aspire that my efforts will inspire others to embrace their heritage and make a positive impact.
Can you provide a comprehensive overview of your career trajectory, highlighting the mentors or influential figures who have played a significant role in your professional development?
My parents greatly influenced my love for humanity and our home country, Sierra Leone. They inspired us to work hard, help others, and embrace our African roots. My mother instilled in me a sense of pride and reminded me that “greatness lies within me deeply.” Both my parents migrated to the U.S. in the late ’70s to achieve the American dream. They were active in the Sierra Leonean community, and I witnessed them helping those less fortunate.
My career began in the military as a Dietary Technician at Andrews Air Force Base, providing nutrition guidance. I then served as an AmeriCorps Fellow, fostering a passion for public health and wellness. After college, I worked at the Department of Energy and Defense Health Services (DHA-DHHQ) as a Requirement Analyst, transitioning to a Business Analyst role at the National Guard Bureau where I presently serve. Concurrently, I launched Impact Sierra Leone, a non-profit organization, leading teams in the U.S. and Sierra Leone.
What obstacles did you encounter in establishing yourself within your field, and how did your overarching approach to life and work enable you to navigate and overcome these challenges?
Despite the ups and downs, my passion for helping others fuels my drive. As a global leader, I’ve faced challenges like fundraising, program sustainability, and time management.
Balancing work and life as a single mother has been demanding. However, I’ve learned to embrace the challenge and maintain a positive outlook.
Economic challenges are prevalent in running an international NGO. We’ve developed a program called Seeds of Life to increase grant funding potential.
Effective communication is crucial. I ensure regular communication with my team and constantly network with other NGO leaders.
My overarching approach is guided by a positive mindset. I believe in embracing life’s lessons, avoiding negativity, and striving for continuous improvement.
As a global woman leader, I’ve developed personal best practices for success: I brand myself as a leader, recognize my unique value, continuously enhance my skills, cultivate a positive mindset, network purposefully, embrace collaboration, prioritize professional development, think creatively, foster mutual learning and growth, utilize social media for positive impact, amplify my voice, set SMART goals, maintain motivation, and let my life motto guide my daily journey. Develop a life motto.
Networking is a powerful tool. I wish I had recognized its value earlier in life. With experience, I’ve learned that you don’t need to have all the answers before taking action; start small and gradually progress towards your goals.
My firm dedication to passion and purpose has propelled significant milestones and garnered notable recognition. I was chosen as the Global Goodwill Ambassador for Sierra Leone and the United States in 2019. I was awarded the Prize of Peace in December 2020 for Children’s Aid and Help and attained a Doctor of Philosophy Honorary Degree and Chaplaincy in 2020. Contributing to the Credentials of Entrepreneur Book (28 COE) in May 2021, I was presented with the 2021 Nina L. Meyerhof Leadership Award and a Special Recognition accolade from The City Scope Africa in October 2022.
Continuing my role as a contributing author, I participated in the Amazon Bestseller Book in September 2022. In September 2023, I was acknowledged with the African Community Service accolade, spotlighting my persistent commitment to humanitarian service and positive social change.
What is your assessment of the current state of your field, and what guidance would you impart to those embarking on a career in this industry today? Looking ahead, what future trends or developments do you anticipate shaping the evolution of your field?
In today’s world, with many people still in dire need of support, organizations like Impact Sierra Leone play a vital role. While there is undeniably competition among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with similar missions and funding goals, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has made grant funding even more challenging. This shift has driven our focus toward creating sustainable development efforts.
The most exciting aspect of our field lies in the ability to harness our creativity, skills, and networks to reach marginalized communities. My motto has always been to avoid competing or comparing our organization to others but rather to focus on our mission and align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I was thrilled to create our anchor program, the Seeds of Life Program, which effectively addresses the SDGs.
Impact Sierra Leone operates within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program, using it as a guiding principle for its programs and initiatives. ISL is committed to specifically addressing the following SDGs in Sierra Leone: No poverty; zero hunger; quality education; and gender equality.
For those entering my industry, I strongly recommend embracing the following five P’s: Purpose, People, Passion, Plan and Perform. Discover your Purpose by identifying what brings passion and fulfillment, leading to a meaningful cause. Surround yourself with exceptional People, seek mentors, and build genuine relationships, involving the right individuals in your team. Champion a cause with deep Passion to navigate through challenges. Plan comprehensively for launching your organization, covering financial, mental, time management, and work-life balance aspects. Perform by seizing each day to grow your organization, emphasizing research, collaboration, and consistent communication of your impact through social media, establishing a strong brand identity, clear goals, and key beneficiaries.
For those aspiring to lead an organization, I advise finding a passion that resonates deeply with your heart and then mapping out a plan to transform that passion into your life’s purpose.
Technology trends are emerging on the horizon within my field. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications like Chat GPT are gaining popularity within organizations. Looking ahead, I foresee organizations increasingly relying on technology to achieve their mission goals due to staffing shortages. In the coming years, communication methods will become more advanced, particularly on various social media platforms.
How do you aspire to be remembered by your peers in the industry, and what significant contributions have you made to your field
Upon retirement, I aspire to be remembered as a beacon of inspiration, a catalyst for change, and a true nation-builder, leaving behind a legacy of hope and empowerment. My most significant contributions lie in the creation of sustainable projects that have transformed rural communities from dire straits into thriving, self-sufficient entities. Through Impact Sierra Leone, we have extended our reach to the most marginalized, igniting a spark of hope in countless families. My unwavering commitment has empowered women and instilled a renewed sense of purpose, as evidenced by a remarkable 50% increase in school attendance among young girls. To further cultivate future leaders, I am driven to establish youth mentorship programs, providing them with the guidance and support they need to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
In addition to fostering educational advancement and economic empowerment, I have played a pivotal role in promoting health and well-being. Our initiatives have included the establishment of monthly partnerships with international organizations, enabling us to provide essential nutritional support to over 250 schoolchildren in Foindu. This intervention has not only addressed nutritional deficiencies but also contributed to a significant reduction in diarrhea and other ailments, paving the way for improved learning outcomes.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, I have also championed environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices. The Seeds of Life Program, a cornerstone of our endeavors, has revitalized communities by providing training and resources to over 60 farmers, empowering them to cultivate their land effectively and generate a sustainable income. Additionally, the Women’s Farm Collaborative has emerged as a testament to my unwavering commitment to gender equality, fostering a platform for women to share their voices, build their confidence, and assume leadership roles within their communities.
To further amplify our impact, we have hosted an annual event known as Christmas Day of Hope, providing meals, cake, special performances, and essential supplies to an average of 400 community members. This initiative has not only addressed immediate needs but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of unity and collective action.
As I look toward the future, I remain steadfast in my commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and igniting a wave of positive change. My aspirations are deeply rooted in the belief that every individual possesses the potential to contribute to a brighter future, and I am determined to provide the necessary support and empowerment to make this vision a reality.
