Welcome to the HOIMA Initiative!

The HOIMA Initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement

Born out of a vision to prepare and nurture emerging leaders in the United States and across Africa, HOIMA is creating bold new pathways for young professionals and entrepreneurs to rise, thrive, and lead.

We believe the future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth. That’s why we’re investing in human potential—opening doors to entrepreneurship, leadership, and high-quality employment across both the private and public sectors.

HOIMA: Investing In The Next Generation of Leaders

Whether it’s launching a business, leading a team, or designing the next tech innovation, HOIMA equips young minds with the tools, networks, and confidence to succeed.

Through mentorship, hands-on training, and strategic partnerships, we are helping students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals turn ambition into action—and passion into purpose.

This is more than an opportunity. This is HOIMA: HowIMakeADifference. Where vision meets possibility, and purpose turns into impact. We are building something bold, and we want you to be part of it.

Our Next Stop: Liberia

A spark is igniting in Monrovia—You Are invited to be part of it

From June 18–20, 2025, we’re bringing together 40 dynamic young professionals and entrepreneurs for an invitation-only, in-person professional and workforce development workshop.

A powerful three-day knowledge-building experience is designed to shape futures, sharpen leadership visions, and fuel success with confidence. Key takeaways:

The confidence to navigate the school-to-career transition
The practical tools to launch business ventures or elevate professional journeys
Personalized strategies for crafting standout resumes and cover letters—with the help of AI tools
A powerful network of peers and mentors across Liberia and beyond that supports securing quality job opportunities

Space is limited. Seize this moment to invest in your future and lead the change you want to see.

Apply Now

Want to be part of this cohort?

Selected participants will be notified by May 31, 2025.

Hoima Form

Personal Information

Full Name

Email Address

Phone Number

City

Date of Birth

Gender

Current City

Country of Residence Nationality (Liberian citizen required)

Professional Information

Current occupation status or title?

What is the highest level of education you have achieved?

What is your sector/industry area of professional interest and experience)?

How many years of professional or entrepreneurial experience do you have?

Entrepreneurship Section (if applicable)

Name of Business/Initiative

Year Established

Business Website or Social Media Links

Short Description of Your Business or Initiative and the problem you are trying to solve

Motivation Statement (Required)

Why do you want to participate in the HOIMA workshop and what do you hope to learn and gain from this experience?

Upload Your Most Recent Resume or CV

Choose File

Meet the Team

2024 Alumna – The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

Esther G.I. Javillie’s is a civil engineer whose professional journey is anchored in the pursuit of poverty eradication, sustainable development, and women’s economic empowerment. With over five years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects, she brings expertise in water and sanitation, construction management, project planning, and technical and vocational skills training.

Currently serving as Assistant Manager for Engineering Projects Planning and Construction Implementation at the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). Esther plays a key role in advancing national infrastructure. She previously worked as a TVET Facilitator at the National TVET Centre for Professional Training, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI) under Liberia’s Ministry of Education, where she taught Carpentry & Joinery and championed economic empowerment through skills development.

Esther holds a Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management from the University of East London (UK) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Liberia. As a founding member of the Liberia Society of Women in Engineering (L-SWE), she committed to mentoring the next generation of women in STEM.

Driven, detail-oriented, and purpose-led, Esther is a passionate advocate for engineering solutions that uplift communities and advance equitable growth across Africa and beyond.

Education

MSc. Construction Engineering Management, University of East London, UK
BSc. in Civil Engineering, University of Liberia
Certificate in Leadership in Public Management, University of Minnesota, USA
Certificate in Carpentry & Joinery, Furniture Technology Institute (FURNTECH), Cape Town, South Africa

Esther is a highly motivated and detail-oriented civil engineer with over five years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects. Her expertise and passion for sustainable development make her a valuable asset to initiatives focused on global civil engineering and inclusive growth.

U.S. Based Partners

Mariama Keita-Thiero, an award-winning strategic communication executive, former development diplomat for USAID, and senior consultant, remained a long-standing partner of IREX, peer collaborator, and mentor to many alumni of the YALI fellowship program since its inception. In complex emergencies and emerging markets, she has over 15 years of experience managing the public facing of flagship multi-sectoral programs for multilateral and bilateral organizations with a regional focus on Africa. This includes USAID, UNICEF, the World Bank, and UNAIDS, and is the first alumna of her graduate studies program to secure the White House Internship program under the Obama administration. As a Guinean-American she is truly a global citizen with field experience in over 25 countries across the African continent, India, and Haiti. Mariama has earned a Master of Science degree in Global Affairs from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Maryland at College Park, and is a Columbia University community scholar. She is committed to a lifelong journey of service over self as the founder of the HOIMA (HowIMakeDifference) initiative and influencing humanity with style!

Sedem Adiabu is a global health consultant committed to health justice and quality education. She possesses expertise in global health advocacy, research, operations management, and strategic stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, she has led key projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of global health professionals to contribute to positive health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. Her work has focused on Global Health Integrity, infectious disease prevention, nutrition, and capacity building for global health field programs. Sedem is a passionate global health professional who continues to advocate for ethically managed and locally led solutions to international development challenges. Her interest in the YALI program stems from her desire to share the knowledge she has gained through similar transformative programs. As a Ghanaian native who has successfully navigated the American education system and leveraged her core competencies across diverse industries, she is passionate about inspiring and mentoring others on a similar path.