Mariyam Lorba Konneh: Celebrating a Global Beauty Queen and CEO
Mariyam has inspired a generation and united a country towards a common purpose - a United Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone couldn’t ask for more. Mariyam has made huge sacrifices and gave her all. Well done!
Mariyam departed the shores of Sierra Leone on 9th, August 2026, with pride and gratitude, taking on the responsibility of representing Sierra Leone on one of the world’s biggest international platforms for young women leaders and Beauty with a Purpose Queens.
Miss World 2026 in Vietnam has concluded, but Mariyam’s business ventures and Beauty with a Purpose journey continue.
Mariyam has stated that her participation at Miss World was about more than winning a crown. She travelled to Vietnam to reaffirm her belief in Sierra Leone and promote the values of Beauty With a Purpose, using her platform to amplify issues affecting young people, women and communities.
Mariyam’s Miss World journey produced several notable achievements, moments of national pride and making history:
- Mariyam represented Sierra Leone with dignity and pride at Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, carrying the Green, White and Blue national flag onto a prestigious global platform.
- Out of 111 contestants worldwide, Mariyam was ranked among the top 6 for Beauty with a Purpose in Africa, ranked top 24 semifinalists globally. Overall, she was ranked among the top contestants for the People's Choice award.
- Mariyam led her team that won the Miss World Head Chef Beauty Competition, giving Sierra Leone a notable achievement during the competition.
- Mariyam promoted Sierra Leone’s rich culture, heritage, beautiful designs, music, ‘Salone food’ (Sierra Leone cuisine) and national identity throughout her international engagements. She promoted greater international visibility to Sierra Leone, using her platform to tell the country’s story and showcase its people, culture and tourism potentials to the world.
- Mariyam used the Miss World platform to raise awareness about global challenges including Sierra Leone’s drug and poverty challenges and the need for stronger action to address the issue, and advocated for economic empowerment, health, education and skills development for young people and women.
- Mariyam promoted the Beauty With a Purpose philosophy, connecting her journey with local and global impact. She participated in several Miss World activities and events in Vietnam, engaging with contestants and audiences from across the world.
Reflecting on her experience, Mariyam has acknowledged the support of her loving family, management team, volunteers at the Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, the Miss Sierra Leone Ltd Board, various institutions, media organisations, bloggers, the Government of Sierra Leone and supporters both at home and abroad.
Mariyam Lorba Konneh has thanked God and expressed profound gratitude to Sierra Leone, Miss Sierra Leone Organisation, Miss World Organisation, her supporters and people around the world for standing behind her throughout her global Beauty with a Purpose journey.
Mariyam appreciated the support provided as an important part of her journey and expressed hope that Sierra Leone and the world will continue to support her beyond Miss World in her role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Mariyam’s Ways company and the Mariyam’s Ways Foundation.
Mariyam said she remains proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone. Her journey in Vietnam has ultimately provided her with an international platform to showcase Sierra Leone, champion issues affecting young people and women, and promote the values she believes in.
Mariyam expressed her gratitude to God, Sierra Leone, the world, her team, and everyone who supported her throughout her journey.
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