In this exclusive interview with Sia Annie, she shares her story
Personal Life:
Can you tell us about yourself, your background, and upbringing?
I am Sia Annie Fangawa Missah Barrie, a proud Sierra Leonean, born and raised in Freetown. My upbringing was deeply influenced by my Christian faith, and my parents instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and community service. From an early age, I had a passion for helping others, especially children. This passion eventually led me to pursue a career in accounting and finance, as well as dedicate myself to various charitable endeavors aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
What motivates you to wake up every morning?
The drive to create positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable—especially children and young women—motivates me every day. Knowing that I can make a difference, no matter how small, in empowering others and helping them break barriers gives me purpose. Whether it's through the work I do with Annie Wonderland Children Foundation or the empowerment efforts at Annie's Chatroom, I find fulfillment in creating opportunities for others to thrive.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Balancing personal and professional life requires discipline and setting boundaries. I've learned to prioritize, whether it's making sure I'm there for my family or ensuring I meet my work responsibilities. I also make time for my hobbies, like reading and singing, which help me stay grounded. My role as a Budget Officer at the Ministry of Finance has also taught me to be strategic with my time, ensuring that I can dedicate enough to both my career and personal commitments.
What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
While I work in finance and accounting, I have a creative side as well. Before starting the foundation, I was actively involved in scriptwriting and acting for Sierra Movie Production. I find that this blend of creativity and analytical skills has helped me approach problems from different perspectives. 5. Who are your role models, and why? My biggest role models are those who are making a tangible difference in the world, particularly women who lead with compassion and drive. People like Oprah Winfrey for her leadership in media and women's empowerment, and Wangari Maathai, who inspired me with her environmental activism and commitment to women's rights. I admire their courage, resilience, and ability to transform lives. Passion and Work: 6. What sparked your passion for women's empowerment and development? Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges that many women and girls face, especially in Sierra Leone. The lack of access to education and opportunities for women drove me to focus on empowering them. Through Annie's Chatroom, I aim to provide a platform where young girls can learn, grow, and find their voice, enabling them to achieve their full potential. 7. Can you share your experience working with women and girls in Sierra Leone? My work with Annie's Chatroom has been incredibly rewarding. I've had the privilege of working with many young girls who are determined to change their circumstances. We provide empowerment programs and counseling that help them deal with societal pressures, navigate personal challenges, and build confidence. I've witnessed firsthand how these initiatives change lives and uplift communities, and that motivates me to continue this work.
8. How did you come about starting Annie's Chatroom? Annie's Inspirational Chatroom was born out of the need to create a space where girls could connect, share experiences, and receive counseling in a safe and supportive environment. I realized that many young girls lacked access to mentorship and emotional support, so I decided to create this platform to help them grow, both mentally and emotionally, in a world that often marginalizes their voices. 9. What are some of the most significant challenges you've faced in your work at Annie's Chatroom, and how have you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding and support for the programs we run. As a nonprofit, this is an ongoing challenge. However, I've learned to leverage partnerships and build strong networks of individuals and organizations that share the same vision. Through perseverance and dedication, we continue to expand our reach and impact. 10. How do you measure success in your work? Success for me isn't just about numbers; it's about the tangible impact we have on the lives of the girls and women we work with. I measure success by seeing the personal growth and achievements of the girls we support—whether they complete their education, start their own businesses, or simply gain the confidence to believe in themselves. Their success is my success. Sierra Leone Women Summit: 11. What inspired you towards planning the 2025 Sierra Leone Women Summit? The idea for the 2025 Sierra Leone Women Summit came from the need to create a national platform where women can share their challenges, learn from one another, and discuss solutions for common issues. I saw an opportunity to bring women from different walks of life together to discuss leadership, economic empowerment, and social change.
What are the main objectives of the summit, and what do you hope attendees will take away?
The summit's main objectives are to provide women with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive personally and professionally. I hope attendees leave the summit with practical skills, a stronger network, and a renewed sense of empowerment to make a difference in their communities. 13. Who is the target audience for the summit, and what can they expect? The summit is aimed at women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions in Sierra Leone. Whether you're a young professional, an entrepreneur, or a community leader, there will be something valuable for everyone. Expect a dynamic program of workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.
Can you share some of the exciting speakers, panels, or sessions planned for the summit?
We are excited to feature a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, including women leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for women's rights. There will be sessions on financial independence, leadership development, and mental health awareness, as well as inspiring talks from women who have successfully overcome significant challenges. 15. How do you plan to engage attendees and encourage meaningful discussions at the Summit? We plan to engage attendees through interactive workshops, discussion panels, and real-world case studies. The summit will also include breakout sessions where attendees can collaborate and share experiences, ensuring that every voice is heard. Plans for Attendees: 16. What opportunities will attendees have to network and connect with each other? Attendees will have plenty of networking opportunities throughout the summit, including designated networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and a special networking mixer event. This will allow women to connect, share resources, and build long-lasting professional relationships. 17. Are there any special events, workshops, or activities planned for attendees? Yes, we have a range of exciting workshops, including practical sessions on entrepreneurship, career development, and wellness. We're also planning a mentorship program where experienced professionals can guide younger women in their careers and personal development.
How will the summit address the specific needs and concerns of women in Sierra Leone?
The summit will address the unique challenges faced by women in Sierra Leone, such as access to education, healthcare, and financial independence. We'll provide practical solutions and discussions on how women can overcome these barriers and create lasting change.
What follow-up activities or initiatives are planned to sustain the momentum after the summit?
We plan to establish ongoing mentorship programs, as well as create a platform for continued discussions and collaboration between attendees. Post-summit workshops and online forums will also keep the conversation alive and ensure that the lessons and connections made continue to have an impact.
What's your final message to attendees, and why should they not miss this summit?
This summit is an incredible opportunity for women to come together, learn, and support one another in creating positive change. If you are looking for inspiration, empowerment, and a community of like-minded women, you cannot afford to miss this summit. We are stronger together, and this is your chance to be part of something that will shape the future of women in Sierra Leone.