August 27, 2025 • 33 mins
SLT 'the TALK' Featuring Dr Adama Kalokoh, Founder of Impact Sierra Leone
Check out www.impactsierraleone.org and www.speaklifetour.org
Check out www.impactsierraleone.org and www.speaklifetour.org
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
So to talk.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Listen, we have a phenomenal guest with us today, doctor Adama.
She is the founder of Impact Sierra Leone, and they
are making an impact indeed in Sierra Leone, and they
are making ripples of impact in the States as well.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Without further ado, let's welcome Doctor Adama.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
Hello, Hello everyone.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
It is such a pleasure to be here using my
voice and my platform or Impact. I am doctor Adamcaloco.
You're founder and director of Impact Si Leon Organization, and
I'm so pleased because we are doing amazing work not
only in Sierrelyon, but also right here in the US.
(00:55):
So I want to say thank you for having me
on and I look forward to sharing amazing inspiration from
the work that we're doing for the people in our community.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Absolutely, now listen, take us through the story Impact sire Leone.
What is the mission? Well, first of all, what birth
the mission? And what year did y'all get started?
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yes, and so I always say that I am a
walking story book. My wife actually started from my parents.
My parents are natives of Siri Leone, West Africa. I
was born in the US and growing up I've always
had a curiosity by Africa, but never yearned to go
(01:36):
to Africa until we lost our father, James Eyicontein. So
Impact SyRI Leone really started the seed of the desire
to go back and help communities and Ciri Leone started
with my father, and in two thousand and three I
traveled to Siri Leon for the very first time. That
(01:56):
was my discovery year because I was never the same
from that, I continued on doing any and everything I
can to collect clothes, shoes, school supplies, anything, and it
actually came out of a need to help people. Service
has always been a nucleus of my character. I've always
(02:17):
left to serve. I've served as an America Corps Fellow
in DC, mobilizing people to serve in soup kitchens, shelters, schools.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
You name it.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
I served in the United States Air Force and I
learned and had a passion for public health and dietetics.
So service really is the start of Impact serialleone. Fast forward,
as time would have it, I continue on serving in
serrial Leone in different capacities, and I decided it was
(02:50):
time for us to take it a step further so
we can do more. And in twenty nineteen, Impact serialleone
was officially launched as an NGO.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Was a pivotal year, Yes, turning point.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Yes, wow, yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So you've been operating for some time since twenty nineteen,
we're in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
To take us through some of like some success moments.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Of impact, yes, and so impact cerileone drives on helping
communities that are not getting help or getting support from
other groups. And we were fortunate to adopt a community.
I believe that that was a beginning success. To connect
with the community and make them a partner.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
That is a success story.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
And so we were able to connect with the community
in twenty twenty right in the middle of I would
say the year the year that no one will forget,
when Covid was running ranket around the world. We actually
took that to an opportunity to connect with the community,
adopt the community, and bring sustainability. And one of the
(04:05):
success that we were able to do is to launch
a program and that program is still existing today. It's
called the Seeds of Life and it was birth because
we were working with the community that are farmers. It's
a farming community, and to start a program in a
community that does not have any kind of development going on,
(04:25):
I believe that is a huge success, not only because
I am not from originally serially owned, but as a
woman coming from another country, it is monumental working with
volunteers from another country.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
That is a success.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
And so I pride my experiences in the military for
being able to work with so many different individuals, not
necessarily in the same culture. That is a success and
we're continuing that's success.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Today.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
We went from one farm development project to four and
this community has four farm farming activities going on where
we've been able to help them grow cassava, ground nuts, okrah,
so many different crops that have helped boost their development,
(05:22):
and that is a huge success. We take pride in
and we are continuing to work with again under the
Seeds of Life. And not only that, Seeds of Life expanded.
It's not only just establishing a program, but having it
to expand is another level of success.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
You mentioned, you know, the word expansion as you were
sharing about expansion, share with us how do women in
the village feel about this expansion project.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
So the women, first of all, have a special place
in my heart because culturally they weren't always at the
same level of support in becoming their best selves, and
because of that, I tried to create opportunities for different
times of the year for them to have their own
activities or events, and we had one event during Women's
(06:16):
History Month where all the women were given opportunity to
share what they want to see in the community, what
they want to see in their community, to better themselves,
to better their families, and in that I was able
to hear them their voices express just me taking the
time to see them, to want them to be better
(06:38):
and to encourage them, whether it be do visuals, graphics,
or just giving them seeds. And so they have expressed
to me that I make them feel like people. When
you hear something like that, it really does hit a
point for you to know that you know you're doing something.
There's something that you're planting and is growing, and as
(06:58):
we think about agriculture, there's something about that harvest. When
you see the seed that your planet grow, it is
a blessing. When I first came.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
To this community, the women were not as vocal.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
In fact, they were most of them quiet because they
did not know what my intention was. But as I
continue to engage with them and let them know I'm
here to help you be your best. It did change
their mindset, it didn't make them smile more. I was
welcome with songs of praise when I went this past year,
(07:29):
and it made me realize that anyone can become their
best if you believe in them and they feel that
you believe in them.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
And so the women today.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Have their own program, they have their own project and
it's called the Women's Agrobusiness Collective and it was birth
in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
And for that, the women.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Have access to tools, they have access to seeds, but
they have a safe space to learn and be better.
And I'm very excited about that about these tools.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
I know that there's going to be a sewing program.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yes, what does that look like? How is it going
to take on shape? How is it going to impact
the women? And do you need any.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Further Yes, So, as you see, I'm here fan of
this fan. This is a cultural item made right in
Serily on West Africa.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
With the hands. And there's something about the hands. The
same hands that.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Go to the farm all day and toil, those are
the same hands that can actually create something beautiful. And
so as you talked about sewing, we from that time
of listening to the women, hearing their voices, hearing what
they want to see. A lot of the women express
they want us to learn how to make dresses. They
wanted to learn how to make something that would make
(08:44):
them be able to support their families. They all want
to be better in their community, see their communities thrive.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
And as you can see, there's.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
A lot of things that are surrounding me right now.
And as you talk about sewing, we are bringing as
want of the classes that it's going to be part
of a skill center. And so as you think about it,
we started this women's group forty women who decided we
want to be a part of something that will make
them become better.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Women in their communities.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
This Women's Agabasms Collective has led us to believe that,
you know what, we need a structure, a purpose center
somewhere that they can be empowered to learn a skill.
And one of those skills is sewing. Some of the
other skills is culinary arts, learning how to make different foods,
learning how to create art, learning how to make a
(09:36):
quilte so that they can tell the stories that need
to be told. This is something that the Impact Vocational
Skill Center is definitely going to be able to do
and we can't do it alone. So I'm so happy
that you mentioned about the sewing. We are so excited
and we are going to you know, include everyone on
(09:57):
this journey, the journey of Impact.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Well, the Impact Vocational Center.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
A little bit more about the Vocational Center. I know
there's different wings.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
You just kind of touched on that, but kind of
expound on the Vocational Center.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
I know you already have the land.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Yes, right, you've gone through phase one, So share with
the listeners for those that don't know what was involved
in phase one, and then talk about phase two.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
So the Impact Vocational Center was officially kicked off in
the month of April. I was fortunate to travel to
cyri leone February twenty twenty five, and in that particular trip,
not only did we do outreach, but we were introduced
officially to the land. And doing any kind of project
(10:44):
in a lot of these rural villages, you need the
support of the people, but you also need the support
of the chief. And so this started the journey started
by Impact Serrileon being officially provided land by the second
Chief and the stakehodered. This is a very important part
of any kind of development project, you must need to
(11:07):
have that buy in from their leadership, and they felt impact.
Cere Leone has shown themselves to really be committed to
this community, and so once we were able to have
the land officially blessed, we basically had the groundbreaking in February.
At the return into the States in April, you know,
we got right into it and got ready for the
(11:29):
site visit. And at that time we had identified a
construction engineer company which is called Warrigent Tech right in
cyrily In, a reputable company who have built so many
different amazing modern structures, which is what we want, and
we identify the site surveyor. We were able to in April.
They went to go to the land to measure the land,
(11:51):
to get all the necessary information so that we can
put together architectural drawings, and at that point we decided
we're going to have the two level structure, We're going
to have the classes. We identified the program the project manager.
So much happened in the month of April. It was
a definitely an impactful time. And not only that we
(12:15):
were able to connect the dots with business owners here
in the States to start announcing that this center this
workforce center, this empowerment building is not only going to
still teach skills, but it's going to create careers that
can connect with our communities here in the diaspora. And
so fast forward to July is when we officially continued
(12:41):
with Phase one and we basically started buying tools. I'm sorry, okay,
So in July and August, it's really when we continue
with phase one and kicked off into phase two. And
(13:04):
so what we've done so far as we started buying tools,
we started buying the nails, we started buying the wire,
we started buying the initial things that were in place
so that we can begin the foundation. So right now
where we are currently is building the foundation. And you know,
to build an amazing structure, the foundation is key. And
so right now that is what we're heavy we focus on,
(13:25):
is getting the cements, getting the blocks, getting the other
different things that are needed to build and begin the
foundation of that.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And for those that's listening to slt to talk, listen
you as you hear doctor Adama share her passion, her
heart for the startup and the implementation of a phenomenal
organization right and find.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
The village in Sierra Leone when you.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Started talking about the nails, I started thinking about when
a person is building a business from scratch, that's really
what it is. That's what you feel like.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
You feel like.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
You're taking the nails, you're taking the wood, You're you're
building the walls. You know, you're.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Building the foundation.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
And literally that's what's actually going on in impacts there alones.
I want everyone as listening. They've already passed phase one,
they're now in phase two. What does phase two encompass?
Speaker 4 (14:20):
So phase two is involving a lot of buying the materials.
Phase one ended with us. A very important part was
getting the signpost that is the official announcement to the
village and other villages that infrastructure is being built.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
And so.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
After that is right now is we need support in
two hundred backs of cement. There's so much involved people,
how many two hundred bags of cement and two backs
of cement? A donation of twenty dollars can buy two
bags of cement, and so for the foundation piece two,
(15:03):
that's what's.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Needed for the foundation.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
So let's rewind real quick for those that's listening to
the episode.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Now, I know you want to hit that forward button.
You want to share this link right now.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Impact Ciero past Phase one now is in phase to
need two hundred bags of cement to build the foundation.
The land is already there, you know. And many times
you may hear of organizations saying they're gonna build something,
but they don't have the land. That's not that's not
the situation here.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
The land is there.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Phase one is done, the sign is already up. I've
now seen officially that in Fondu Village the vocational center.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Will be built.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
Because now we need support around getting the cement to
start on the actual building of the foundation.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
So we're putting a call out.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
There two individuals, to business owners, to thought leaders in
the community.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Uh, you said twenty can get two bags.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yes, So we're we're you know, we're saying, we know
there's individuals that's listening to this episode, and we know,
you know, people that want to help. I think we
can make this happen, you know, within the next week
or so.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Honestly, yes, it is possible.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Now, after you get that part accomplished, what's going to
be the next thing?
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Okay, and so the next thing, and it's very important
that I share that right now in Sterir Leone. The
rainy season is still continuing and it'll taper off by October.
So that's why it's important that we do what's necessary
so that when that rainy season ends, we're our contractors
and his team is just ready and available to go
ahead and get all the stuff that we've been able
(16:38):
to purchase and get right to the building. And so
we have the designs in place. Like I said, all
those things are in place right now. We just really
want to get the tools that we purchase to the
village site and our team. Of course that involves you know,
transportation and the labor calls.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
But the labor, transportation and tools those are the key.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Those are the three key areas that will allow us
to successfully get this foundation built. And it's important again
once the rainy season is ended is the best time
to build.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
So that's going to be in October.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
Yes, and so our goal is to use August to
really get yes August and September to complete the purchase
of these tools and materials. It would really be our help.
So if you're listening out there, again, we are a
grass organization and we are doing something amazing by building
(17:39):
something that is not even existing in many of the
area villages and this will be the first of this kind.
So it's some history making going on. But when you
think about women who don't have a safe space right
now to learn and grow, this is something that's going
to transform their whole community, creating a marketplace. But not
only that, things that are going to be created there
(18:01):
we want to bring here to the States. We want
to be that bridge. We want impact civilians to be
a bridge of impact. So business owners that may want
to be a part and partner, we want to build
that opportunity for you to connect that global market trade.
In fact, ci leone is here to create that opportunity
(18:24):
as well.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
And you kind of give us a sneak preview.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Once the building is built, what type of impact is
it going to have in funding village?
Speaker 4 (18:34):
So anything from education to personal development. Right now, like
I said, there are no infrastructures of this nature there,
So if you have something like this created, you're going
to have women who now only learn a skill, but
there's going to be people that's going to have a career,
all right, So you're going to have women who become
(18:57):
market traders.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
We're going to have development. Can you imagine developing a.
Speaker 4 (19:03):
Center where they're going to have dresses created from fabrics
of Si leone viused with American culture. Just get that
visual of the different things are going to be birthed
from this vocational center. It is for me, I feel
like it's going to be a powerhouse. The jewelry, the
beads that are homegrown and serile ooned to create things
(19:26):
that people may want to buy here and be a
part of the culture. This is a cultural exchange center,
and I am so filled with joy because I feel
like as you become a part of it, you're part
of the cultural exchange. So we're inviting to that tape.
So it's really going to be a monumental center, basket
(19:46):
weaving everything, and it's also going to allow people to learn,
because we want this to have a virtual learning component.
So not only is it going to have sewing machines,
which if you are out there and you have the
access to help us with a sewing, we have our
first old machines. I'll putting the plug out there that
we want so machines with each of the forty women
who want them to each to have a machine.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
But jewelry making again.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Colony Arts a wellness We want to teach different things
on wellness, mental health. I think it's going to transform
them from just being a regular village to a thriving,
sustainable community, and we hope that it's going to plant
(20:33):
seeds in other countries other communities as well. So I
am so excited because I know somebody's listening out there
who's a business owner, who's a jewelry maker, who is
excited to sit and teach and share their skill and
also receive the different skills as well.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
So listen, I know something else is coming up. You've
got to plug really quick. Christmas Day of Hope.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
Yeah, this Christmas Day.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
So I want to say that we started in this
community by I would say, serving them and providing them
with an festive occasion event that they've never had. Christmas
Day of Hope. This started in I want to say,
twenty twenty. Again, this community never really had a time
to celebrate because of the increased poverty. No one really celebrated,
(21:26):
and so my first visit to them, I realized they
don't celebrate Christmas. That next year when I returned, I
came with food, I came with music, and I gave
them an opportunity to enjoy the festive season. So Christmas
Day of Hope this year is our fourth year, and
we always make sure that they have something that we leave.
(21:47):
We always give the kids a new book bag filled
with school supplies and it transforms them. They know that
they're going to start off their school year with at
least something new and it boost their education. We provide
hiding kids to the older adults. But not only that,
we allow them to perform. We have spelling be but
(22:07):
the kids and the women get to cook, cook their
favorite dishes as well as dress and feel like a
part of something. And so we do it every year
and it's something that I believe has allowed the community
to really feel like that somebody cares. And so this
is our compassion project and it's our way of giving
back to this community that we're building with. So we
(22:30):
invite people to help us spread a little hope to
a community that needs that hope and help.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
And Christmas Day of Hope, that's that's what it's all about.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
And how can people contribute and when what's the time
frame when it's going to happen.
Speaker 4 (22:45):
So the date this year, Christmas Day of Hope is Friday,
December thirteenth, and I will be traveling taking you guys
with me on the journey in Serily on West Africa.
We also give away the supplies the next day. We
call it the Donation and Drive Day of Hope. And
to make it easier ship we ship items so that
(23:06):
it's easy for us to get them through the airport.
And so September is our power month. September is when
we ship the items the school supplies. This year we
want to give toys and we made it easy by
creating an Amazon wishless So all you have to do
is just go on to the Amazon site, click on
the item, and we you know, mail directly to our
(23:30):
home address and include it in the barrel. And so
we need just a little We need some support. We
need people to go and purchase a school item. Our
target number is five hundred and as I said, every
child walks away with a new school book bag. And
you may not seem as much to some people, but
it does wonders for a lot of children who don't
(23:53):
benefit from the best quality education. So we are using
the month of September. Well, we're using the remainder of
August and up until the second week of September for
people to go onto the wish list. We're going to
include that and this and this posting as well, and
they can also donate. You don't have to go, so
(24:15):
you can donate and that can be used towards purchasing
the barrel and shipping it all the way miles away
to siri Lean, West Africa.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
And listen before we wind down this episode. You are
an author and yes, recently released a book. Yes, tell
all of our listeners the name of your book and
give like a quick highlight of what's what's the book about.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yes, So the name of the book is Crown of Victory,
and I have some books. The book is called Crown
of Victory and it was published April twenty twenty five.
It is a book that really pulls together my journey
(25:00):
as a descendant of serily On West Africa, and I
just really tell the story of my experiences but also
how I found my voice, you know, growing up in
the DMV in the DC area, you know, not really
knowing my identity, not knowing if I was African or American,
(25:25):
and you know, being influenced by one thing or another
and not finding myself. But it was not until I
traveled to Sceerily in West Africa. I embraced my roots,
I embraced who I was I was, I embraced my heritage.
That I found myself and I found my voice. I
found my purpose and I found my victory. And it's
(25:47):
a really good motivational book for you know, anyone who's
just trying to really learn about their identity.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
But also it pulls together.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
How I turned my experiences that were not as positive
into something positive, into my purpose. There's so much inspiration.
So I feel like the stories that I captured here
is helpful for anyone male or female, young or old.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
And not only that. I do my best to include
my culture. Cultural exchange.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
Cultural education is so important, and I include recipes in
Serial Leone because I feel like we need that continuous
effort and opportunity to tell our story and to exchange
our culture. So the good thing about this book is
it also supports Impact Serial Leone. As you buy this book,
(26:41):
the proceeds go right back into Impact Serialleone, and I
think that that's a win win. So one of the
things that I love is I have a part where
I include my favorite quotes, the posts that helped me
in my journey. I think it's important for people to
know what leads you to your greatest self. So this
book is my greatest self book, and I feel like
(27:02):
it will be a good food for thought for you
if you want to learn more about Africa and Ciri
Leone and just the growth that a lot of folks
who may not be born in the country that they
come from. It's a good book self. Please join the
Victory Circle and you know, purchase this book, Crown and Victory,
because it's amazing and I think it will be a
(27:25):
book that you can pass on to others.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
Crown and Victory. It's on Amazon, It's on Marns and Noble.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
But if you're in the D and D guess what
I can get you an autograph copy, a personal message
for me and again on behalf of impact, Seri Leon.
As you purchase this book, you know you're pouring right
back into our community.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
And what words would you speak to another nonprofit leader?
Speaker 2 (27:50):
There's maybe they're in their beginning phases of just starting out,
or maybe they've been operating for.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Some years and they just need a word of encarriagement.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
What word of.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Encouragement would you say to another one founded to the next.
Speaker 4 (28:03):
I always go back to the beginning. I always tell
people who are in the nonprofit entity, it can be hard.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
There can be.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Days where you feel like you don't have the resources,
you don't feel like you have enough to go on.
Remember your and why, remember your voice, Remember who you
are helping. And I believe that that is the engine,
that is the fuel that keeps you going.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
Have fun. There's something that we all have.
Speaker 4 (28:32):
I am so in love with the agricultural space, working
with farmers, and I believe that everyone has been placed
in them seeds of greatness, something within them that may
be unique to others.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
You have to pull that out of yourself.
Speaker 4 (28:46):
You have to pull out the best in you every
day and continuously learn and turn, not compete with anyone
but yourself, and know that you were placed in that
position for a reason. Remember your why, remember your why,
and remember the legacy because you know you're going to
you're creating a legacy by your work. What is something
(29:08):
that you want to be remembered by? You know you
want to continue on and.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Listen, You're going to be featured on September twenty seventh,
Speak Life to the Nation, and what are you looking
forward to about that digital experience.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (29:21):
I am always a lover of connections.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Someone I love to connect with other people and connect
with their stories as well. I'm looking towards continuing the story.
I am a walking storybook. Every opportunity I have to
tell my story and to shed light on the impact.
Why impact serily one even matters. I love to be
a part of it. So I'm looking forward to taking
(29:45):
along our journey how we started, but how we are
here building our first infrastructure, and you know, if we
can do it, anyone can do it. I'm looking forward
to exchange, learning, exchange and being a part of the solution.
I think that if we continuously look for ways to
be a light in the world where they be the
(30:05):
virtual platform in person, it will make this world a
better place.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
So I am excited.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
I am excited because I know every time I'm a
part of a platform where I can use my voice
on my platform, there's someone else that can learn from that.
So I'm really really excited about that because not only
is my voice helping people here, I am standing for
people that don't have a voice in the communities that
I serve, and that is something that I am very
(30:31):
intentional about. So I'm looking forward to being part of
the Speak Life because guess what I have, Voices matter.
Speaker 1 (30:37):
Absolutely listen.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
It's all going down on Saturday, September twenty seven, Speak
Lives to the nation. So if you're not following Speak
Life too on Facebook, you definitely want to follow us
on Facebook because that is the digital platform that we're
going to be streaming live. You're going to see doctor
Adamahasaire and so many other community leaders locally in the
States and globally. That's going to be a part of
(30:59):
that digital global community. Before we close out, please share
social media handles and how can a person get in
contact with you and Impact Serial Leon.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
Yes, we are so proud of being on many of
the social media platforms. You can find us on LinkedIn,
Impact Serial Leone. You can find us on Facebook, it's
Impact Sterileoned. You can also find us on Instagram, Impact Sterileon,
and we want you to be a part of that journey.
If you go onto YouTube, you can see many of
(31:31):
the videos from many of my journeys. If you just
want to see the communities that we're serving, you're welcome
to do that. Our website is Impact Sierra Leone dot
org and again you can find out and learn more
about our program, the Seeds of Flight program, our project,
the Impact Vocational Training Center, the communities that we serve,
(31:53):
and how you can be a part. We have an
opportunity that we created this year called.
Speaker 3 (31:58):
The Champion of Impact.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
You can become a chair, you can be an advocate,
you can help learn about grants that can support us,
anything that will help us grow. We invite people to
be a Champion of Impact and you can learn more
right on our website how to become and join our mission.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
With that being said, listen, speak like family. We're about
to wind down this episode, but what we want you
to do is share this link with your family, your friends,
other business owners that you know.
Speaker 1 (32:27):
Let them know what's coming up.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
Phase one is done with Impacts early on and Phase
two is up now again. As a quick recap, two
hundred bags of cement to build the.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Foundation the ground.
Speaker 2 (32:41):
The land is already purchased, the sign is already posted,
the train has taken off. Yes, but we need you
and we need your support and tune in on Saturday,
September twenty seventh, where you'll hear more about impact heierar
lyone to learn more about Speak Life Tour so to
Speak Life Tour dot org on Facebook and Instagram is
(33:02):
speak like to And with that being said, stand and
walk in your victory
So to talk.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Listen, we have a phenomenal guest with us today, doctor Adama.
She is the founder of Impact Sierra Leone, and they
are making an impact indeed in Sierra Leone, and they
are making ripples of impact in the States as well.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Without further ado, let's welcome Doctor Adama.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
Hello, Hello everyone.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
It is such a pleasure to be here using my
voice and my platform or Impact. I am doctor Adamcaloco.
You're founder and director of Impact Si Leon Organization, and
I'm so pleased because we are doing amazing work not
only in Sierrelyon, but also right here in the US.
(00:55):
So I want to say thank you for having me
on and I look forward to sharing amazing inspiration from
the work that we're doing for the people in our community.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Absolutely, now listen, take us through the story Impact sire Leone.
What is the mission? Well, first of all, what birth
the mission? And what year did y'all get started?
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yes, and so I always say that I am a
walking story book. My wife actually started from my parents.
My parents are natives of Siri Leone, West Africa. I
was born in the US and growing up I've always
had a curiosity by Africa, but never yearned to go
(01:36):
to Africa until we lost our father, James Eyicontein. So
Impact SyRI Leone really started the seed of the desire
to go back and help communities and Ciri Leone started
with my father, and in two thousand and three I
traveled to Siri Leon for the very first time. That
(01:56):
was my discovery year because I was never the same
from that, I continued on doing any and everything I
can to collect clothes, shoes, school supplies, anything, and it
actually came out of a need to help people. Service
has always been a nucleus of my character. I've always
(02:17):
left to serve. I've served as an America Corps Fellow
in DC, mobilizing people to serve in soup kitchens, shelters, schools.
Speaker 3 (02:27):
You name it.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
I served in the United States Air Force and I
learned and had a passion for public health and dietetics.
So service really is the start of Impact serialleone. Fast forward,
as time would have it, I continue on serving in
serrial Leone in different capacities, and I decided it was
(02:50):
time for us to take it a step further so
we can do more. And in twenty nineteen, Impact serialleone
was officially launched as an NGO.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Was a pivotal year, Yes, turning point.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Yes, wow, yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So you've been operating for some time since twenty nineteen,
we're in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
To take us through some of like some success moments.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Of impact, yes, and so impact cerileone drives on helping
communities that are not getting help or getting support from
other groups. And we were fortunate to adopt a community.
I believe that that was a beginning success. To connect
with the community and make them a partner.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
That is a success story.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
And so we were able to connect with the community
in twenty twenty right in the middle of I would
say the year the year that no one will forget,
when Covid was running ranket around the world. We actually
took that to an opportunity to connect with the community,
adopt the community, and bring sustainability. And one of the
(04:05):
success that we were able to do is to launch
a program and that program is still existing today. It's
called the Seeds of Life and it was birth because
we were working with the community that are farmers. It's
a farming community, and to start a program in a
community that does not have any kind of development going on,
(04:25):
I believe that is a huge success, not only because
I am not from originally serially owned, but as a
woman coming from another country, it is monumental working with
volunteers from another country.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
That is a success.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
And so I pride my experiences in the military for
being able to work with so many different individuals, not
necessarily in the same culture. That is a success and
we're continuing that's success.
Speaker 3 (04:58):
Today.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
We went from one farm development project to four and
this community has four farm farming activities going on where
we've been able to help them grow cassava, ground nuts, okrah,
so many different crops that have helped boost their development,
(05:22):
and that is a huge success. We take pride in
and we are continuing to work with again under the
Seeds of Life. And not only that, Seeds of Life expanded.
It's not only just establishing a program, but having it
to expand is another level of success.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
You mentioned, you know, the word expansion as you were
sharing about expansion, share with us how do women in
the village feel about this expansion project.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
So the women, first of all, have a special place
in my heart because culturally they weren't always at the
same level of support in becoming their best selves, and
because of that, I tried to create opportunities for different
times of the year for them to have their own
activities or events, and we had one event during Women's
(06:16):
History Month where all the women were given opportunity to
share what they want to see in the community, what
they want to see in their community, to better themselves,
to better their families, and in that I was able
to hear them their voices express just me taking the
time to see them, to want them to be better
(06:38):
and to encourage them, whether it be do visuals, graphics,
or just giving them seeds. And so they have expressed
to me that I make them feel like people. When
you hear something like that, it really does hit a
point for you to know that you know you're doing something.
There's something that you're planting and is growing, and as
(06:58):
we think about agriculture, there's something about that harvest. When
you see the seed that your planet grow, it is
a blessing. When I first came.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
To this community, the women were not as vocal.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
In fact, they were most of them quiet because they
did not know what my intention was. But as I
continue to engage with them and let them know I'm
here to help you be your best. It did change
their mindset, it didn't make them smile more. I was
welcome with songs of praise when I went this past year,
(07:29):
and it made me realize that anyone can become their
best if you believe in them and they feel that
you believe in them.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
And so the women today.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Have their own program, they have their own project and
it's called the Women's Agrobusiness Collective and it was birth
in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
And for that, the women.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Have access to tools, they have access to seeds, but
they have a safe space to learn and be better.
And I'm very excited about that about these tools.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
I know that there's going to be a sewing program.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yes, what does that look like? How is it going
to take on shape? How is it going to impact
the women? And do you need any.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Further Yes, So, as you see, I'm here fan of
this fan. This is a cultural item made right in
Serily on West Africa.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
With the hands. And there's something about the hands. The
same hands that.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Go to the farm all day and toil, those are
the same hands that can actually create something beautiful. And
so as you talked about sewing, we from that time
of listening to the women, hearing their voices, hearing what
they want to see. A lot of the women express
they want us to learn how to make dresses. They
wanted to learn how to make something that would make
(08:44):
them be able to support their families. They all want
to be better in their community, see their communities thrive.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
And as you can see, there's.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
A lot of things that are surrounding me right now.
And as you talk about sewing, we are bringing as
want of the classes that it's going to be part
of a skill center. And so as you think about it,
we started this women's group forty women who decided we
want to be a part of something that will make
them become better.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Women in their communities.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
This Women's Agabasms Collective has led us to believe that,
you know what, we need a structure, a purpose center
somewhere that they can be empowered to learn a skill.
And one of those skills is sewing. Some of the
other skills is culinary arts, learning how to make different foods,
learning how to create art, learning how to make a
(09:36):
quilte so that they can tell the stories that need
to be told. This is something that the Impact Vocational
Skill Center is definitely going to be able to do
and we can't do it alone. So I'm so happy
that you mentioned about the sewing. We are so excited
and we are going to you know, include everyone on
(09:57):
this journey, the journey of Impact.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Well, the Impact Vocational Center.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
A little bit more about the Vocational Center. I know
there's different wings.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
You just kind of touched on that, but kind of
expound on the Vocational Center.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
I know you already have the land.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Yes, right, you've gone through phase one, So share with
the listeners for those that don't know what was involved
in phase one, and then talk about phase two.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
So the Impact Vocational Center was officially kicked off in
the month of April. I was fortunate to travel to
cyri leone February twenty twenty five, and in that particular trip,
not only did we do outreach, but we were introduced
officially to the land. And doing any kind of project
(10:44):
in a lot of these rural villages, you need the
support of the people, but you also need the support
of the chief. And so this started the journey started
by Impact Serrileon being officially provided land by the second
Chief and the stakehodered. This is a very important part
of any kind of development project, you must need to
(11:07):
have that buy in from their leadership, and they felt impact.
Cere Leone has shown themselves to really be committed to
this community, and so once we were able to have
the land officially blessed, we basically had the groundbreaking in February.
At the return into the States in April, you know,
we got right into it and got ready for the
(11:29):
site visit. And at that time we had identified a
construction engineer company which is called Warrigent Tech right in
cyrily In, a reputable company who have built so many
different amazing modern structures, which is what we want, and
we identify the site surveyor. We were able to in April.
They went to go to the land to measure the land,
(11:51):
to get all the necessary information so that we can
put together architectural drawings, and at that point we decided
we're going to have the two level structure, We're going
to have the classes. We identified the program the project manager.
So much happened in the month of April. It was
a definitely an impactful time. And not only that we
(12:15):
were able to connect the dots with business owners here
in the States to start announcing that this center this
workforce center, this empowerment building is not only going to
still teach skills, but it's going to create careers that
can connect with our communities here in the diaspora. And
so fast forward to July is when we officially continued
(12:41):
with Phase one and we basically started buying tools. I'm sorry, okay,
So in July and August, it's really when we continue
with phase one and kicked off into phase two. And
(13:04):
so what we've done so far as we started buying tools,
we started buying the nails, we started buying the wire,
we started buying the initial things that were in place
so that we can begin the foundation. So right now
where we are currently is building the foundation. And you know,
to build an amazing structure, the foundation is key. And
so right now that is what we're heavy we focus on,
(13:25):
is getting the cements, getting the blocks, getting the other
different things that are needed to build and begin the
foundation of that.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And for those that's listening to slt to talk, listen
you as you hear doctor Adama share her passion, her
heart for the startup and the implementation of a phenomenal
organization right and find.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
The village in Sierra Leone when you.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Started talking about the nails, I started thinking about when
a person is building a business from scratch, that's really
what it is. That's what you feel like.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
You feel like.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
You're taking the nails, you're taking the wood, You're you're
building the walls. You know, you're.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Building the foundation.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
And literally that's what's actually going on in impacts there alones.
I want everyone as listening. They've already passed phase one,
they're now in phase two. What does phase two encompass?
Speaker 4 (14:20):
So phase two is involving a lot of buying the materials.
Phase one ended with us. A very important part was
getting the signpost that is the official announcement to the
village and other villages that infrastructure is being built.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
And so.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
After that is right now is we need support in
two hundred backs of cement. There's so much involved people,
how many two hundred bags of cement and two backs
of cement? A donation of twenty dollars can buy two
bags of cement, and so for the foundation piece two,
(15:03):
that's what's.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Needed for the foundation.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
So let's rewind real quick for those that's listening to
the episode.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Now, I know you want to hit that forward button.
You want to share this link right now.
Speaker 2 (15:13):
Impact Ciero past Phase one now is in phase to
need two hundred bags of cement to build the foundation.
The land is already there, you know. And many times
you may hear of organizations saying they're gonna build something,
but they don't have the land. That's not that's not
the situation here.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
The land is there.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Phase one is done, the sign is already up. I've
now seen officially that in Fondu Village the vocational center.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Will be built.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
Because now we need support around getting the cement to
start on the actual building of the foundation.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
So we're putting a call out.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
There two individuals, to business owners, to thought leaders in
the community.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Uh, you said twenty can get two bags.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yes, So we're we're you know, we're saying, we know
there's individuals that's listening to this episode, and we know,
you know, people that want to help. I think we
can make this happen, you know, within the next week
or so.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Honestly, yes, it is possible.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Now, after you get that part accomplished, what's going to
be the next thing?
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Okay, and so the next thing, and it's very important
that I share that right now in Sterir Leone. The
rainy season is still continuing and it'll taper off by October.
So that's why it's important that we do what's necessary
so that when that rainy season ends, we're our contractors
and his team is just ready and available to go
ahead and get all the stuff that we've been able
(16:38):
to purchase and get right to the building. And so
we have the designs in place. Like I said, all
those things are in place right now. We just really
want to get the tools that we purchase to the
village site and our team. Of course that involves you know,
transportation and the labor calls.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
But the labor, transportation and tools those are the key.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Those are the three key areas that will allow us
to successfully get this foundation built. And it's important again
once the rainy season is ended is the best time
to build.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
So that's going to be in October.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
Yes, and so our goal is to use August to
really get yes August and September to complete the purchase
of these tools and materials. It would really be our help.
So if you're listening out there, again, we are a
grass organization and we are doing something amazing by building
(17:39):
something that is not even existing in many of the
area villages and this will be the first of this kind.
So it's some history making going on. But when you
think about women who don't have a safe space right
now to learn and grow, this is something that's going
to transform their whole community, creating a marketplace. But not
only that, things that are going to be created there
(18:01):
we want to bring here to the States. We want
to be that bridge. We want impact civilians to be
a bridge of impact. So business owners that may want
to be a part and partner, we want to build
that opportunity for you to connect that global market trade.
In fact, ci leone is here to create that opportunity
(18:24):
as well.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
And you kind of give us a sneak preview.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Once the building is built, what type of impact is
it going to have in funding village?
Speaker 4 (18:34):
So anything from education to personal development. Right now, like
I said, there are no infrastructures of this nature there,
So if you have something like this created, you're going
to have women who now only learn a skill, but
there's going to be people that's going to have a career,
all right, So you're going to have women who become
(18:57):
market traders.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
We're going to have development. Can you imagine developing a.
Speaker 4 (19:03):
Center where they're going to have dresses created from fabrics
of Si leone viused with American culture. Just get that
visual of the different things are going to be birthed
from this vocational center. It is for me, I feel
like it's going to be a powerhouse. The jewelry, the
beads that are homegrown and serile ooned to create things
(19:26):
that people may want to buy here and be a
part of the culture. This is a cultural exchange center,
and I am so filled with joy because I feel
like as you become a part of it, you're part
of the cultural exchange. So we're inviting to that tape.
So it's really going to be a monumental center, basket
(19:46):
weaving everything, and it's also going to allow people to learn,
because we want this to have a virtual learning component.
So not only is it going to have sewing machines,
which if you are out there and you have the
access to help us with a sewing, we have our
first old machines. I'll putting the plug out there that
we want so machines with each of the forty women
who want them to each to have a machine.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
But jewelry making again.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Colony Arts a wellness We want to teach different things
on wellness, mental health. I think it's going to transform
them from just being a regular village to a thriving,
sustainable community, and we hope that it's going to plant
(20:33):
seeds in other countries other communities as well. So I
am so excited because I know somebody's listening out there
who's a business owner, who's a jewelry maker, who is
excited to sit and teach and share their skill and
also receive the different skills as well.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
So listen, I know something else is coming up. You've
got to plug really quick. Christmas Day of Hope.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
Yeah, this Christmas Day.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
So I want to say that we started in this
community by I would say, serving them and providing them
with an festive occasion event that they've never had. Christmas
Day of Hope. This started in I want to say,
twenty twenty. Again, this community never really had a time
to celebrate because of the increased poverty. No one really celebrated,
(21:26):
and so my first visit to them, I realized they
don't celebrate Christmas. That next year when I returned, I
came with food, I came with music, and I gave
them an opportunity to enjoy the festive season. So Christmas
Day of Hope this year is our fourth year, and
we always make sure that they have something that we leave.
(21:47):
We always give the kids a new book bag filled
with school supplies and it transforms them. They know that
they're going to start off their school year with at
least something new and it boost their education. We provide
hiding kids to the older adults. But not only that,
we allow them to perform. We have spelling be but
(22:07):
the kids and the women get to cook, cook their
favorite dishes as well as dress and feel like a
part of something. And so we do it every year
and it's something that I believe has allowed the community
to really feel like that somebody cares. And so this
is our compassion project and it's our way of giving
back to this community that we're building with. So we
(22:30):
invite people to help us spread a little hope to
a community that needs that hope and help.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
And Christmas Day of Hope, that's that's what it's all about.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
And how can people contribute and when what's the time
frame when it's going to happen.
Speaker 4 (22:45):
So the date this year, Christmas Day of Hope is Friday,
December thirteenth, and I will be traveling taking you guys
with me on the journey in Serily on West Africa.
We also give away the supplies the next day. We
call it the Donation and Drive Day of Hope. And
to make it easier ship we ship items so that
(23:06):
it's easy for us to get them through the airport.
And so September is our power month. September is when
we ship the items the school supplies. This year we
want to give toys and we made it easy by
creating an Amazon wishless So all you have to do
is just go on to the Amazon site, click on
the item, and we you know, mail directly to our
(23:30):
home address and include it in the barrel. And so
we need just a little We need some support. We
need people to go and purchase a school item. Our
target number is five hundred and as I said, every
child walks away with a new school book bag. And
you may not seem as much to some people, but
it does wonders for a lot of children who don't
(23:53):
benefit from the best quality education. So we are using
the month of September. Well, we're using the remainder of
August and up until the second week of September for
people to go onto the wish list. We're going to
include that and this and this posting as well, and
they can also donate. You don't have to go, so
(24:15):
you can donate and that can be used towards purchasing
the barrel and shipping it all the way miles away
to siri Lean, West Africa.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
And listen before we wind down this episode. You are
an author and yes, recently released a book. Yes, tell
all of our listeners the name of your book and
give like a quick highlight of what's what's the book about.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yes, So the name of the book is Crown of Victory,
and I have some books. The book is called Crown
of Victory and it was published April twenty twenty five.
It is a book that really pulls together my journey
(25:00):
as a descendant of serily On West Africa, and I
just really tell the story of my experiences but also
how I found my voice, you know, growing up in
the DMV in the DC area, you know, not really
knowing my identity, not knowing if I was African or American,
(25:25):
and you know, being influenced by one thing or another
and not finding myself. But it was not until I
traveled to Sceerily in West Africa. I embraced my roots,
I embraced who I was I was, I embraced my heritage.
That I found myself and I found my voice. I
found my purpose and I found my victory. And it's
(25:47):
a really good motivational book for you know, anyone who's
just trying to really learn about their identity.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
But also it pulls together.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
How I turned my experiences that were not as positive
into something positive, into my purpose. There's so much inspiration.
So I feel like the stories that I captured here
is helpful for anyone male or female, young or old.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
And not only that. I do my best to include
my culture. Cultural exchange.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
Cultural education is so important, and I include recipes in
Serial Leone because I feel like we need that continuous
effort and opportunity to tell our story and to exchange
our culture. So the good thing about this book is
it also supports Impact Serial Leone. As you buy this book,
(26:41):
the proceeds go right back into Impact Serialleone, and I
think that that's a win win. So one of the
things that I love is I have a part where
I include my favorite quotes, the posts that helped me
in my journey. I think it's important for people to
know what leads you to your greatest self. So this
book is my greatest self book, and I feel like
(27:02):
it will be a good food for thought for you
if you want to learn more about Africa and Ciri
Leone and just the growth that a lot of folks
who may not be born in the country that they
come from. It's a good book self. Please join the
Victory Circle and you know, purchase this book, Crown and Victory,
because it's amazing and I think it will be a
(27:25):
book that you can pass on to others.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
Crown and Victory. It's on Amazon, It's on Marns and Noble.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
But if you're in the D and D guess what
I can get you an autograph copy, a personal message
for me and again on behalf of impact, Seri Leon.
As you purchase this book, you know you're pouring right
back into our community.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
And what words would you speak to another nonprofit leader?
Speaker 2 (27:50):
There's maybe they're in their beginning phases of just starting out,
or maybe they've been operating for.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Some years and they just need a word of encarriagement.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
What word of.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Encouragement would you say to another one founded to the next.
Speaker 4 (28:03):
I always go back to the beginning. I always tell
people who are in the nonprofit entity, it can be hard.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
There can be.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Days where you feel like you don't have the resources,
you don't feel like you have enough to go on.
Remember your and why, remember your voice, Remember who you
are helping. And I believe that that is the engine,
that is the fuel that keeps you going.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
Have fun. There's something that we all have.
Speaker 4 (28:32):
I am so in love with the agricultural space, working
with farmers, and I believe that everyone has been placed
in them seeds of greatness, something within them that may
be unique to others.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
You have to pull that out of yourself.
Speaker 4 (28:46):
You have to pull out the best in you every
day and continuously learn and turn, not compete with anyone
but yourself, and know that you were placed in that
position for a reason. Remember your why, remember your why,
and remember the legacy because you know you're going to
you're creating a legacy by your work. What is something
(29:08):
that you want to be remembered by? You know you
want to continue on and.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Listen, You're going to be featured on September twenty seventh,
Speak Life to the Nation, and what are you looking
forward to about that digital experience.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (29:21):
I am always a lover of connections.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Someone I love to connect with other people and connect
with their stories as well. I'm looking towards continuing the story.
I am a walking storybook. Every opportunity I have to
tell my story and to shed light on the impact.
Why impact serily one even matters. I love to be
a part of it. So I'm looking forward to taking
(29:45):
along our journey how we started, but how we are
here building our first infrastructure, and you know, if we
can do it, anyone can do it. I'm looking forward
to exchange, learning, exchange and being a part of the solution.
I think that if we continuously look for ways to
be a light in the world where they be the
(30:05):
virtual platform in person, it will make this world a
better place.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
So I am excited.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
I am excited because I know every time I'm a
part of a platform where I can use my voice
on my platform, there's someone else that can learn from that.
So I'm really really excited about that because not only
is my voice helping people here, I am standing for
people that don't have a voice in the communities that
I serve, and that is something that I am very
(30:31):
intentional about. So I'm looking forward to being part of
the Speak Life because guess what I have, Voices matter.
Speaker 1 (30:37):
Absolutely listen.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
It's all going down on Saturday, September twenty seven, Speak
Lives to the nation. So if you're not following Speak
Life too on Facebook, you definitely want to follow us
on Facebook because that is the digital platform that we're
going to be streaming live. You're going to see doctor
Adamahasaire and so many other community leaders locally in the
States and globally. That's going to be a part of
(30:59):
that digital global community. Before we close out, please share
social media handles and how can a person get in
contact with you and Impact Serial Leon.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
Yes, we are so proud of being on many of
the social media platforms. You can find us on LinkedIn,
Impact Serial Leone. You can find us on Facebook, it's
Impact Sterileoned. You can also find us on Instagram, Impact Sterileon,
and we want you to be a part of that journey.
If you go onto YouTube, you can see many of
(31:31):
the videos from many of my journeys. If you just
want to see the communities that we're serving, you're welcome
to do that. Our website is Impact Sierra Leone dot
org and again you can find out and learn more
about our program, the Seeds of Flight program, our project,
the Impact Vocational Training Center, the communities that we serve,
(31:53):
and how you can be a part. We have an
opportunity that we created this year called.
Speaker 3 (31:58):
The Champion of Impact.
Speaker 4 (31:59):
You can become a chair, you can be an advocate,
you can help learn about grants that can support us,
anything that will help us grow. We invite people to
be a Champion of Impact and you can learn more
right on our website how to become and join our mission.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
With that being said, listen, speak like family. We're about
to wind down this episode, but what we want you
to do is share this link with your family, your friends,
other business owners that you know.
Speaker 1 (32:27):
Let them know what's coming up.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
Phase one is done with Impacts early on and Phase
two is up now again. As a quick recap, two
hundred bags of cement to build the.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Foundation the ground.
Speaker 2 (32:41):
The land is already purchased, the sign is already posted,
the train has taken off. Yes, but we need you
and we need your support and tune in on Saturday,
September twenty seventh, where you'll hear more about impact heierar
lyone to learn more about Speak Life Tour so to
Speak Life Tour dot org on Facebook and Instagram is
(33:02):
speak like to And with that being said, stand and
walk in your victory
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.