Sierra Leonean author, biotech leader and advocate, Ndidi Rickert has launched her debut memoir, SOAR: From Freetown to Freedom Memoirs of Transition and Transformation, a powerful story of identity, resilience and reinvention. 

The book was officially unveiled on October 2, 2026. At that time,  Rickert shared an emotional unboxing video describing the moment as “the day truly that the Lord has made.” In addition, she  called the publication an act of faith and manifestation as a christian. 

What The Book Is About

Author Ndidi Rickert(middle) poses with guests who attended the launch of her debut memoir.

SOAR chronicles Rickert’s life from  Freetown to building a life in the United Kingdom and later the West Coast of the United States. She finds herself caught between cultures and expectations. Also, she must navigate life, loss, womanhood and the loneliness of sickle cell. However, it is a journey about courage. Therefore,  it  shows how to rewrite inherited narratives and own your voice.

She describes each life change  as a dissolution and restart. She says it is “like a butterfly that melts away from egg to worm,  to cocoon, to rebirth.”

One of the most quoted lines from the memoir reads:

“Home isn’t a place you arrive at, it’s a wound you learn to live inside, to make peace with its ache.”

The memoir explores themes of belonging, womanhood, migration, faith and transformation.

Sold-Out Launch in Berkeley

Rickert celebrated with a sold-out launch at the Book Society, 2945 College Ave, on Saturday , October 17, 2026. 

The evening brought together a diverse crowd for an intimate reading, Q7A and book signing. Photos from the night show Rickert in a blue one-shoulder dress, celebrating with guests at the Society Books Wine Lounge.

Author Ndidi Rickert  signing her memoir

Guests at the sold-out launch of SOAR: From Freetown to Freedom

Who Is Ndidi Rickert?

Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Rickert is a descendant of the Creole people. They were liberated African slaves who settled in Freetown from the Americas and the Caribbean.

She is an experienced leader with over 24 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries. Recognized as a thought leader in Data Integrity and Vendor Oversight. She brings expertise to her field.  Currently, she  leads the X2 Women in Biotech Employee Research Group at Ultragenyx and is a founding member of the UltraMosaic ERG for BIPOC employees. 

 Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and has often said: “I intentionally inject laughter and authenticity into everything I do.” 

Sierra Leonean-born author Ndidi Rickert poses with a copy of her debut memoir ‘SOAR: From Freetown to Freedom 

Where To Get The Book

SOAR: From Freetown to Freedom is now available for purchase on Xlibris at: xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/876852-soar

In fact, for many Sierra Leonean readers at home and in the diaspora, Rickert’s story is more than a memoir.  Indeed,  it is a reminder that you can start in Freetown and still soar to freedom.