Who we are
A foundation built on a simple belief
Empower young people with support, opportunity and mentorship — and they will rise to lead. Since 2023, that belief has guided everything we do.
The founder
From Sierra Leone to a global mission
Born in Sierra Leone and now based in New York, Francis Koroma is a social entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker and student whose work sits at the intersection of innovation, policy and community impact. He founded the Francis Koroma Foundation to support the next generation of global leaders and changemakers — providing the academic support and mentorship that helped him find his own way forward.
A student at Columbia University studying political science and statistics, Francis is a member of the Forbes Council, Youth Ambassador for Sierra Leone's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and the newly appointed Secretary General for the Organization of African Youth. As a UN speaker, he has addressed the High-Level Political Forum, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the General Assembly, championing young people and the Sustainable Development Goals.
His work has been recognised with the African Pacesetter for Development Award at the United Nations (2022) and the 25 Under 25 Global Legacy Award from Common Purpose UK (2023). Through the foundation, he is building an international network of young people who lead — today, not someday.
- 2022African Pacesetter for Development Award, UN
- 202325 Under 25 Global Legacy Award, Common Purpose UK
Our mission
To support the next generation of global leaders and changemakers from Africa through academic support, mentorship, and pathways that move young people from students to leaders.
Our vision
A world where every young person — wherever they start — has the support, opportunity and mentorship to lead, and never has to do it alone.
Impact
We measure success in lives changed — students who grow into leaders.
Legacy
We build lasting change that outlives any single programme or year.
Excellence
We hold our work to the highest standard, in everything we do.
Community
We invest close to home and give back to the places that shaped us.
Leadership & board
Guided by people who have led on the world stage
Francis Koroma
Founder & President
Social entrepreneur and UN Youth Ambassador for Sierra Leone.
Hawa T. K. Diallo
Board Director
30+ years at the United Nations in public information and community development.
Dr. Andrise Bass
Board Director
President of the Humanitarian Focus Foundation and SDG Impact Awards advisor.
Dr. G. D. Chidubem
Board Director
Founder of Team54Project and a global voice on climate and youth leadership.
Governance & transparency
Trust is earned in the open
The Francis Koroma Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) U.S. non-profit. We publish our annual report in full, name the young people our work reaches, and welcome any question about how we operate.