Presentation of the FKF Volunteer of the Year Award 2024
An economist, student leader and gender-equality advocate at 21 — Catherine embodies the spirit of leadership and social change that the award exists to recognise.

As a volunteer of the Francis Koroma Foundation, Catherine embodies the spirit of leadership and social change, and strives to promote SDG 4 on quality education. She is a young leader passionate about SDGs 4 and 5 and about policy analysis. At just 21 years old, Catherine graduated with a BSc in Economics from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
Throughout her undergraduate years, Catherine has been a force for positive change on campus. From actively participating in student activities to holding leadership positions within the student body, she has demonstrated her commitment to advocating for students' rights and fighting against academic injustices.
In her role as Minister of Finance for the Students' Union Government at Fourah Bay College, Catherine spearheaded financial literacy campaigns and seminars, empowering her peers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of personal finance.
Her dedication extends beyond campus walls. As a gender-egalitarian, she believes in equal rights and equal entitlements for all genders. As a member of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone, Catherine has been at the forefront of the fight against gender inequality, striving to create a more equitable society for all. She currently interns with UN Women, where she is promoting women's empowerment and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing leadership roles and economic opportunities.
A talented public speaker and writer, Catherine has won numerous essay writing competitions and accolades, including Second Best Public Speaker in her college's Inter-Departmental Public Speaking Competition. Her ability to articulate complex issues and inspire change through words is a testament to her leadership and her dedication to making a difference.
Her favourite quote is Aristotle's: “Man is by nature a political animal.”