11/10/2024
Coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child, Freetown City Council on 11 October, partnered with Isha Johanson, the former, first and only female president of the Sierra Leone Football Association and current FIFA Council Member, to host an engaging conversation on youth leadership and its impact. The event, themed “Leadership and Legacy,” gathered students from various secondary schools in and outside of Freetown.
The conversation with students was a platform to delve into their mindset, offering them the opportunity to ask questions about what it takes to become successful leaders and achieve success in life. Aspiring young leaders were encouraged to embrace the core values of perseverance, hard work, and staying true to their dreams despite challenges. The 2hr long conversation featured two separate panels moderated by journalists Antonia Haward and Eric Kawa.
The first panel explored what inspired each speaker to pursue their current paths, sharing insights into the motivations and passions behind their work. They also provided valuable lessons that young students could take away from their journeys. The panel featured a distinguished group of speakers, including Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown; Randa Swaid, Owner and CEO of City Plaza and Swizz Hotel; Catherine Smith, a student leader from FBC and advocate for the UN SDGs and gender equality; Augustine Martin Martinezz, a public speaking coach; and James Samba, an innovator passionate about technology. The second panel was a one-on-one conversation with Isha Johansen, focusing on her personal journey, from humble beginnings to her rise as a national and global leader in the field of football.
