Founder and President

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Francis Koroma is a founder, president, speaker, and advocate striving to empower young leaders and foster global development. He is an official member of the Forbes Council, selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

As a member of the Council, Francis has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected leaders in a private forum. Francis will also have the opportunity to share his expert insights in original articles and contribute to published Expert Panels alongside other experts on Forbes.com.

He leads the Francis Koroma Foundation, a 501©(3) U.S.-based non-profit organization that supports the next generation of global leaders and changemakers by providing necessary academic support and mentorship programs. The foundation helps guide young adults in their transition to becoming better leaders for society.

The foundation’s programs have expanded beyond academic support and mentoring to include youth empowerment, professional development for young people, community service, advocacy, diplomacy in high-level meetings, representation, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to turn ideas into workable solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The foundation also hosts a speaker series with notable guests and an online forum where mentees and the public can ask these leaders questions about their journeys.

Established around nineteen months ago, the foundation obtained IRS 501©(3) status four months ago. It has since expanded its reach to include volunteers and mentees from eight distinct nations on four continents, impacting the lives of 2,500 young people. The foundation has awarded scholarships to three college students to cover their full tuition for the year, eight high school students to cover their books and meals for the academic year, and helped students secure fully funded scholarships to universities such as Berea College (USA) and Asian Pacific University (Japan). 

Additionally, mentees have had the opportunity of getting accepted and attending summer programs like Yale Young Global Scholars, offered internships to two college students for the summer of 2024, and grown to include 300 volunteers worldwide.

His remarkable contributions earned him the African Pacesetter for Development Award in 2022 at the UN, the 25 Under 25 Global Legacy Award in 2023 from Common Purpose UK, the Youth Ambassador for Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and the newly appointed Secretary General for the Organization of African Youth, a testament to his dedication to Africa’s progress.

Francis is also a seasoned advocate on the international stage. Serving as a UN Speaker, he addresses high-level events like the High Political Forum, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, and the General Assembly, championing the cause of young people and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

During the summer of 2018, he worked on his company FranTech3D at Yale University to address Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (water and sanitation) by using modern technology to create safe, affordable 10,000-liter water tanks for areas lacking access to water in Africa and South America. He has won awards worldwide, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology chose him as one of the four best entrepreneurs for the New Business Model Challenge 2020. With his background in 3D printing, he hosted numerous information sessions in Sierra Leone, teaching kids how to use a 3D printer to create their favorite toys.

With a vast knowledge of database administration and computer science, Francis brings a unique blend of technical expertise and humanitarian focus to his work. His experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator at Poshem Technologies Institute attests to his proficiency in managing complex data systems and ensuring their reliability. He also served as a volunteer instructor, teaching Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals and SQL Server Administration.

In addition to his professional achievements, Francis has a rich educational background, including Microsoft Certified AI and pursuing an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Small Business Administration/Management from Borough of Manhattan Community College. His studies in computer science at Elmhurst University have equipped him with the technical understanding to tackle complex challenges.

With a passion for fashion, Francis is a runway model and has worked with many brands. He recently walked at New York Fashion Week in September 2023.

In addition to his foundation work, Francis is an active member of esteemed organizations such as ForbesBLK, Vogue’s first fashion global community, and The Recording Academy. He works with young professionals and college students who want to pursue careers in music or entertainment, teaching them how to navigate the industry. These affiliations demonstrate his commitment to fostering connections and driving positive change in various sectors.

To further his impact, Francis started the Decade Goal Podcast during the pandemic. This podcast discusses how we can prepare and take action in the next decade, inviting guests with decades of experience in their fields to share their knowledge. The Decade Goal Podcast has a global reach, with listeners from 54 countries and 308 cities worldwide.

Email: fkoroma@franciskoromafoundation.org 

Website: www.franciskoroma.com