- info@seirti.ca
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Special Envoy May-Marie Duwai-Sowa was appointed by the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio on February 6, 2023, as the country’s first Special Envoy, International Relations, Trade, and Investment representing the Government of Sierra Leone in Canada and internationally.
Recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, Special Envoy Duwai-Sowa is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and social change. Renowned for a legacy of firsts, she has been a trailblazer serving as the first in various roles across diverse sectors including Employment Equity Specialist at McMaster University, Accessibility and Equity Specialist with the City of Hamilton, Economic Development Adviser with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Community Developer with Hamilton’s Centre for Civic Inclusion.
An expert Consultant, she is the Principal Consultant at SierraCan Consulting, SalPro Consulting, Founder and President of SierraCan Institute, CEO of Juvèm Hospitality Inc., Founder and Publisher of Illuminessence Magazine, and Founding Member and Mentor of Illuminating Ladies.
Special Envoy Duwai-Sowa holds a Bachelors with honours degree in Sociology, Masters degree in Sociology and International Development, Executive Leadership Certificates and is currently completing her PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership. She is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including Miss Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone), the Sociological Award for Social Commitment (Rider University), Diversity Champion Award (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion), City Manager Award Nominee for Public Service Excellence (City of Hamilton) and Bravo Excellence Award (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs). With her achievements and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Special Envoy May-Marie Duwai-Sowa brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role.