Meet the Co-Hosts of the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference

Every great conference needs skilled hosts to steer the conversation, spark meaningful dialogue, and keep the energy high. At the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference, two DMV-based Sierra Leonean-American community leaders will welcome guests offering their insights and expertise as they help navigate the day’s theme.

With a mix of expertise in business, fintech, and civic engagement, these hosts will guide attendees through a day of insightful panels, strategic networking, and powerful storytelling all aimed at shaping Sierra Leone’s economic future. 

Let’s meet the hosts: 

1. Mariama Jalloh-Heyward, Founder, Fintech with MJ

Mariama Jalloh-Heyward is a strategic leader working at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and African tech. As Program Director at the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), she leads cutting-edge initiatives on digital fraud, generative AI, and financial inclusion, working alongside regulators, financial institutions, and tech firms to future-proof global financial systems. She is also the visionary behind FinTech with MJ and FinTech Leader in Heels, platforms dedicated to accelerating African startups and reshaping investment narratives for the continent.

A proud Sierra Leonean born in America and Howard alumna, Mariama brings over 20 years of experience across the private and public sectors, including leadership roles at KPMG and Bazilio Cobb Associates. At the heart of her work is a commitment to helping Africa build for itself, by investing in its people, its ideas, and its future.

2.Daniel Koroma, Vice President, Montgomery County Board of Elections

Daniel Koroma is an advocate, organizer, and serves as Vice President of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. He became an American citizen, a voter registrar, and organized voter registration events to activate our community. He was the lead community advocate who testified at both the County and State Board of Elections and the Maryland General Assembly in favor of a new early voting site in White Oak. 

He helped persuade lawmakers to establish the new site. In 2009, he became the first African appointed by then-County Executive Ike Leggett as Community Liaison for the African and Caribbean communities. 

During the pandemic, he hosted multiple virtual information sessions on access to grants, financial capital, and ways for nonprofits and small businesses to access resources to survive the pandemic. Mr. Koroma earned a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, James A. Clark School of Engineering and graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership program.

About the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference

The Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) is back bigger, bolder, and even more impactful. On Friday, August 8th, 2025, over 300 influential leaders across various fields will converge at the Silver Spring Civic Centre in Maryland. 

Now in its third year, SLDIC is the premier platform for Sierra Leonean and American professionals, investors, and changemakers to align on one goal: driving inclusive and sustainable growth in Sierra Leone. 

This year’s theme, “Preparing Diaspora Investors for Success Amidst Political and Economic Flux,” will focus on equipping participants with practical tools, investment-ready insights, and clear pathways to navigate complex markets and turn opportunities into impact. 

How You Can Be a Part of the Movement!

Registration is officially open for the 2025 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference. Whether you are attending in person or tuning in virtually, there is a ticket option tailored for you. 

• VIP Executive Business Leaders- $225
• Early Bird General Admission- $85
• Livestream Pass- $35

To Bring your business to the conference here are the options: 

Showcase your small business – $1,200

This allows you to attend as a vendor and a small-and-medium-sized business showcase to sell or market your goods and services. Position your business as a key player in Sierra Leone’s development. This premium package includes:

• One dedicated vendor space.
• Two VIP Business Leaders Conference tickets
• Two invitations to the VIP Networking cocktail
• A VIP conference tag for elevated access
• A half-page feature in the official conference programme
• One promotional article published on SwitSalone
• One social media spotlight post
• One-minute video ad spot to be aired during the conference (Must be submitted in advance)
• And more

Book a Vending Booth – $350

This ticket is ideal for solo vendors or small brands ready to make an impression. This includes: 

• A vendor table at the conference showcase
• One VIP Networking Cocktail
• One bonus general admission ticket
• A feature in our “Sierra Leone Business Leaders Directory” within the conference programme
• And more

All these tickets are available now at www.MakeSierraLeoneFamous.com.

Spaces are limited! Secure your spot at the 2025 SLDIC today.