The MacDella Cooper Foundation has concluded its day-long “She’s the Way” Summit for Girls Mentorship, bringing together women leaders and young girls for discussions focused on mentorship, confidence-building, education and leadership development.
The summit aimed to create opportunities for girls to connect with women leaders, learn from their experiences and discover pathways to leadership.
Addressing the young women, Ecobank Liberia Managing Director Salamata Diallo encouraged the girls to develop courage, believe in their abilities and prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunities. She emphasized that leadership requires the willingness to move forward despite fear and uncertainty, urging the young participants not to allow self-doubt to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
Diallo stressed the importance of education and preparation, reminding the girls that opportunities become more meaningful when they have developed the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make use of them. Her address encouraged them to take their personal development seriously and recognize that becoming a leader requires commitment, continuous learning and the courage to accept responsibility.
She also highlighted the importance of women supporting other women and helping to create opportunities for the next generation. Through mentorship and the sharing of experiences, she encouraged the girls to understand that women’s achievements can serve as examples of what is possible and that established women leaders have an important role to play in encouraging younger girls to pursue their goals.
For her part, Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, urged the girls to believe in themselves and remain determined in the face of rejection and other challenges. Reflecting on her personal experiences, she encouraged them not to regard setbacks as the end of their ambitions, but to continue learning, growing and identifying opportunities to move forward.
Dr. Jallah emphasized the importance of positive self-belief, encouraging the young participants to affirm their own worth and abilities. “I am beautiful. I am smart. I am capable,” she said, underscoring the importance of confidence in helping girls recognize their potential and develop the courage to pursue their aspirations.
The Education Minister also stressed that success requires discipline, patience and a willingness to invest in personal development. Reiterating the word “discipline,” she encouraged the girls to remain focused, work consistently toward their goals and understand that meaningful progress requires sustained effort rather than relying on inspiration alone.
She further highlighted the importance of support from families, communities and mentors in helping young people navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their futures. Her message emphasized that girls need encouragement and guidance as they pursue their education, build confidence and prepare to take on leadership responsibilities.
