About Ib
From a young age, I was nicknamed “The Pa”—a name that hinted at the roles I was stepping into long before I understood their weight. Whether it was losing my father at three or navigating the challenges of becoming a refugee, I learned early that life is shaped by how we respond to adversity.
Even as a child, I sought out wisdom by deliberately connecting with adults, asking questions, and learning from their experiences. While other kids played, I found myself drawn to conversations that shaped my perspective and fueled my curiosity.
A Journey of Resilience
When I arrived in The Gambia as a refugee after fleeing my country, Sierra Leone, by boat through the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean, uncertainty and loss surrounded me.
But instead of surrendering to despair, I asked myself: What gifts do I have, and how can I use them to change my reality?
My love for soccer began to grow as I saw firsthand its ability to bring people together—helping refugees heal and find hope, regardless of background, culture, or language.
That passion for storytelling, combined with my gift for writing, led me to dream of using journalism as a platform—not just to report on the game, but to highlight its power to unite people and shed light on pressing global issues. I applied for positions at major soccer websites, facing rejection after rejection.
But I refused to give up.
After being appointed Africa Correspondent for the world’s largest multilingual soccer website at just 17—an unexpected outcome that taught me the power of faith, perseverance, purpose, and believing in yourself even when the odds seem impossible—I went on to become Africa Editor.
This experience further honed my leadership skills and deepened my passion for using storytelling to unite people and raise awareness of critical issues.
Leading Through Challenges
At the same time, my friends recognized something in me I didn’t yet see in myself. They made me their soccer coach—not because I was the most skilled player (in fact, I didn’t even play), but because they saw my ability to lead and inspire. That experience—coaching my friends and stepping into journalism without formal training—planted the first seeds of leadership in my life.
Yet, behind these achievements was a silent struggle. I experienced bilateral sensorineural hearing loss that went undiagnosed for at least 15 years. During that time, I persevered through challenges in school, work, and leadership—learning how to adapt, communicate, and thrive despite the obstacles. This journey strengthened my resilience and deepened my understanding of what it truly means to overcome adversity.
Inspiring and Equipping Others
Today, I have led high-performing global teams across Strategic Communications and IT in various global organizations, including serving as an IT leader for one of the top 10 most trusted nonprofit organizations in the world.
I am also a governor-appointed commissioner for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Beyond my work, I am a husband to Joy, my best friend of 20+ years, and a proud father to three beautiful children—Gloria, Nyakeh, and Joshua. I’m a competitive Scrabble player and love unwinding to contemporary Christian music.
Through my work, I mentor young people and help leaders find strength in their struggles, align their actions with their purpose, and lead with heart. My journey—from refugee to global leader—is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of self-care, and the transformative impact of compassion.
Because I believe that no matter where you start, your story can become a source of inspiration and impact for others.
Ib, you’ve been such a kind, wise leader to all of us on the [HLAA] board and beyond. You’ve inspired me and so many others to take a higher look at what we do. Your impact on behalf of people with hearing loss will endure for years to come.
I enjoyed meeting you and hearing your story. I was truly inspired by all that you have done and I know that this is only the beginning for you!