MEET THE STAFF

My name is Unice Ernest Karmue, but I

prefer to be called Ernest. I am currently

entering my 5th Years at Northeastern

University in Boston, MA. I am acquiring

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology,

concentrating on going to Medical School.

I was born in Bong County Liberia, but

spent most of my time in Ivory Coast due

to the civil war in Liberia. From traveling to

numerous countries in Africa, and Central

America, I strongly believe that Healthcare

and Education are the two vital basic

needs of developing countries. I am proud

to see young Liberians like my colleagues

doing so well, and hopefully we can all help

with the improvement of Liberia.

Petheree Norman is a Registered Nurse

and recent graduate of the University of

Virginia. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia

at Snapper Hill Clinic and moved to the

United States in 1998. She currently lives

in Charlottesville, Virginia. Petheree will

begin working as a Registered Nurse in

August for the University of Virginia Medical

Center. The connection she has always felt

to Liberia was strengthened after her recent

visit in December 2010, 14 years after

leaving her home. She spent her 4 weeks

in Liberia volunteering at the J.F.K. Medical

Center’s Maternity Hospital. Petheree hopes

to use her experience with this magazine to

highlight life, culture, health and all things

Liberian

My name is Patience Landford and i am a current graduate

student at Clark University, I earned my B.A in sociology from

the University of Texas and I am currently pursuing a Masters

of Arts Degree in International Development & Social Change

with a concentration in Sub-Saharan Africa and after that

I am looking to attain a PhD in Conflict Resolution. I hope

to one-day work for the United Nations as an Ambassador

or a foreign diplomat and help my country in any way that

I can. I currently work as a Public Relations Specialist for

the Unforgotten Fund a non-profit organization that does

work in India and Zambia by helping villagers in the poorest

regions of the world gain access to Safe Drinking Water |&

Education. I am also the creator and founder of Positive

Liberia a face book page and blog that highlights the current

and latest news in and about Liberia. It is a positive outlet

that shines light on the human rights issues in Liberia and

work along with those who are advocates of the cause.

My Philosophy is “We must be the change we want to see

in the world.” In order to change the world one must be

able to elevate themselves and their outlook on life through

Education. Being a young Liberian in the U.S, i greatly

understand the significance of Education and the impacts it

has on an individual life and a country success. Education

has been the core reason for social change, democracy,

economic growth and political empowerment for many

nations around the world. I strongly believe that the future

of our country lies in the hands of the youth of Liberia. To

educate them is to emancipate them from mental slavery and

various oppressions. Liberation and academic stimulation of

the mind is the key to success.

My name is Winston Smith. I recently graduated

from Roger Williams University, Bristol Rhode

Island with bachelors in Legal Studies and

Psychology and a minor in International Relations.

I also studied at the University of Edinburgh in

Scotland. I played four years of varsity soccer

at Roger Williams University, while also serving

as president for the university’s Student Athletes

Advisory Committee. My goal is to someday work

for the IMF or the World Bank. My participation

in this group is to unite young Liberians and

also enhance their knowledge on our culture

and success. I don’t think I can live with my

accomplishments if I am not able to help someone

else elevate their life. Our country needs to unite

and I think the best way to accomplish that is

through the youth. One day Liberia shall rise

again and it’s up to us to make that possible,

we are the next generation of leaders. Marianne

Williamson’s said, our deepest fear is not that we

are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are

powerful beyond measure.

My name is Maseta Dubar. I am 24 years old and

reside in Maryland. I was born in Monrovia, Liberia,

lived in Cote D’Ivoire for 4 years and moved to the

United States at the age of 7. I graduated from

the University of Maryland in 2010 with a Bachelor

of Arts in Government and Politics and a Minor

in International Development. I plan to start my

Masters in International Development in spring of

2012. Currently, I intern as the Executive Assistant

for UNESCO, United Nations Educational Scientific

and Cultural Organization and work part-time as a

Home Health Aid Nurse in Frederick, MD.

I am an altruist, whose goal is to establish

a Non-profit or NGO, focusing on solutions to

challenges of development, poverty alleviation

and gender inequality; primarily targeting issues

that women and youths face within Liberia and

neighboring African countries. I believe that “It is

important to nurture any new ideas and initiatives

which can make a difference for Africa” - Wangari

Maathai

I am Jones M. Harris. I graduated from

Wentworth Institute of Technology in

2010 majoring in Architecture: Design and

Culture. Currently I run an Architecture

& Design Services firm that focuses on

Development in Liberia. My goal is to one

day

design and develop every county in Liberia.

I believe that what happens to us in

this life is only a small part of our story;

how we react to it determines the rest.

Unfortunately civil war is part of Liberia’s

story but the work that this generation of

Liberians is doing will determine the rest.

It is an honor to be among the generation

that will make Liberia’s story a great one.

I currently reside in Providence, Rhode

Island.

My name is Sidney Richmond Divine. I was born in

Liberia and migrated here because of the unfavorable

conditions at the time. When things appeared to be

better, my family and I went back and I was able to do

some schooling in Liberia for a couple of years before

returning to the States due to conditions worsening back

home. Since the inception of those conditions, I’ve been

here completing high school at Green Pastures Christian

Academy where I won a state championship in basketball

and became the school’s first McDonald’s All American

nominee as well as Valedictorian of my graduating class

of 2006 at the age of seventeen.

Upon graduating from high school, I enrolled in a

small local college (Atlanta Christian College, now Point

University) before transferring to LaGrange College to

complete my undergraduate degree in General Studies

with a double minor in Business Management and

Coaching. At LaGrange College, I held various leadership

positions such as Resident Advisor, Social Council

Member, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Member,

and Captain of the Men’s Basketball Team. In addition, I

was a member of the college’s French Club, Chess Club,

and Black College Student Union.

Currently, I’m working on becoming a Financial

Advisor with a company that has been helping individuals,

businesses, and families with their financial security for

over 100 years. I’m in the process of getting licensed to

be able to better serve my (prospective) clients. My focus,

this early in my career, will be on business development

(attracting and retaining clients). In 2 years I’d like to take

my GMAT to get my MBA in Personal Financial Planning

and eventually sit for my Certified Financial Planner

exam and earn other designations that will enable me to

better help people (most of whom will be Liberians) plan

for retirement, sending their kids/grandkids to college,

protecting assets in the event of an untimely death/

disability of a primary income earner and any other

dreams they would like to realize.

Pamela Dehcontee Manneh is a senior

student majoring in political science (Public

Administration) minoring in international

communications at Winston Salem State

University. Despite the fact that Miss Manneh

was born in the US she has profound love

and devotion for Africa. In 2007at only 17, she

developed her own nonprofit African Youth

Empowerment, geared towards enhancing and

bettering the lives of youth in Liberia and Sierra

Leone. Other than running an international

nonprofit, Pamela was selected to be the Youth

Advocate for the Unity Party USA, a political

party supporting Her Exellency Madame Ellen

Johnson Sirleaf in her re-election. Mrs. Manneh

as for seen her future and is confident that her

calling is to aid and empower the voiceless

people of Africa.

My name is Ellen Witherspoon. I am a senior

double majoring in Accounting and Finance at Pace

University in New York City. I am currently an audit

intern at JP Morgan Chase. It is my goal to one-

day work as a Financial Consultant/ Auditor for a

500-fortune company on Wall St. I am also the Vice

President of the Pace University NABA chapter

(National Association of Black Accountants). The goal

of NABA is to uplift young African Americans and

prepare them for the professional world. I strongly

believe in the model of “Lifting as we climb” as I feel

that everyone eventually needs a helping hand. As

young Liberians who are bettering ourselves, we

should not forget about our other brethrens out there

who might need a push or some assistance in life.

As we learn and grow we should be eager to help

others so that they can in turn help someone else.

Being able to add to the progression of my country

and to help out young Liberians is definitely one of

my future goals and I hope this magazine will be a

steppingstone in that direction.

My name is Randell Dauda, and I recently

graduated from Northeastern University in

Boston, Massachusetts. While at Northeastern

University, I Majored in Psychology and

Anthropology. I am currently working full time as

an Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator at the

Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. It is

my intention to start my Masters in Education

this fall. I hope to one day become a professor in

one of the social sciences. I am passionate about

teaching and community outreach. In my current

position I work with youths and give presentations

on violence prevention, alcohol/drugs prevention

and try to promote safe and healthy lifestyles. I

strongly believe in Margaret Mead’s quote “never

doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed

people can change the World”. I look forward to

making great changes along with all these young,

energetic, thoughtful and committed Liberians.

God bless.

Lorece Shaw is the 25 years old daughter of

Roland and Loretta Shaw. Although born in the

United States, she had her first visit to Liberia

at the tender age of 3, and she has always felt

great sense of pride in her Liberian heritage.

She completed high school at Michael E.

DeBakey High School for Health Professions in

Houston, TX. She then matriculated to Xavier

University of Louisiana where she studied pre-

pharmacy. Lorece obtained her Bachelor of

Science dual degree in Science and Pedagogy

at Houston Baptist University. She holds teacher

certifications in Composite Sciences 4-12.

Currently, she is finishing the requirements for the

Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas Southern

University. Ms. Shaw’s hobbies include writing

poetry, traveling, and social networking. She

is an active member of the Fountain of Praise

in Houston where she serves as a young adult

ministry leader. Additionally, Lorece is a member

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity,

Incorporated. She looks forward to her next visit

to Liberia and making contributions to Liberia’s

future.

Garmai- Korto Matthew is a young up

and coming African inspired designer. Her line goes

by the name of Guwala da Nele meaning “Beautiful

and Strong” in Kpelle, a Liberian language. This

line includes African inspired garments to eccentric

pieces. Garmai- Korto Matthew is a 19 yr old

innovator making her mark on the fashion industry

and the world as a whole in a huge way. Her fashion

journey all began at a very young age. In elementary

Garmai- Korto drew thumbnails and sketches of

phenomenal garments she would someday pursue

to create. She always had an artistic gift and was

motivated to achieve her goal of being a Fashion

Designer. Garmai- Korto was born in Cleveland,

OH and was raised in a rich African Culture. Her

parents are from a country in West Africa by the

name of Liberia. Her family always encouraged her

to embrace her culture. Through this, Garmai- Korto

was inspired to create modern traditional wear that

were more fitting and fashionable than temporary

tradition attire. She is currently studying Public

Relations and Fashion Design and plans on making

Liberia one of Africa’s fashion capitals and providing

jobs and services of philanthropy to her people.

My name is Natasha Kennedy, but people often

call me Tasha. I am currently a Senior at Rhode

Island College majoring in Communication:

Speech, Language and the Hearing Sciences.

Throughout my High School and College trek

I’ve been privileged to work intimately with

the Liberian Community Association of Rhode

Island, even finding myself as Youth President

in my early High School years. Working along

with the community gave me an opportunity to

exchange ideas with my elders as well as my

peers. I learned while working with both people

my Senior and equal that giving everyone a

voice goes a long way. We as youth are not

only able to help each other come up with

creative ideas but we can also teach are elders.

Currently working in the human services area

with people who are physically and mentally

incapable has taught me a lot about myself

as well as the people around. I’m not only

excited to work on this project, but even more

enthralled to be in the company of so many

talented and motivated young people.

My name is Grace Moore. I believe we live in

an ever changing society and if one wants to

facilitate change in this world one must have

a transforming mind. Being able to adapt to

surroundings, time and situation is the ultimate

skill we need as humans. My name is Grace

Moore, I aspire to bring about change to this

world in the way I am able to using the skills I

have naturally and the ones I am acquiring in

my educational endeavors. I earned my BA

in psychology and I am currently a student

in a Non-profit management and Leadership

Certificate program at Rhode Island College.

I am going to be enrolling in my Master’s

program in fall 2012. I have an innate passion

for Africa, especially Liberia. My ultimate goal is

to be able to service my fellow Africans in the

near future. Another passion of mine is health,

mental health that is, I believe that physical

health and mental health are codependent

but due to the stigmatization of the topic of

mental health most people care only about

the physical aspect of their health. Awareness

is the key: and I want to help bring that to the

communities that are in desperate need.

My career path is to earn my Master’s in

Social Work with concentration on mental

health focusing on the refugee and immigrant

populations. And later on in the future earn my

PhD in Psychology and ultimately work with

organizations like WHO or IHO.