In April 2013, a group of Liberian women founded the Organization of Liberian Women in Minnesota (OLWMN). Early that year, the Liberian community in the Twin Cities area mourned the loss of one of its prominent sons. During his homegoing, the women of the community were deeply moved by the massive outpouring of support and collective coordination from the Liberian men. Inspired by this unity, the women decided to come together to support and empower Liberian women within the community.
By June 2013, this inspiration led to action. The women established themselves as a group with the goal of addressing the needs and aspirations of Liberian women in the Twin Cities. After several meetings to determine their objectives and organizational structure, the group formally registered as a women's organization on August 23, 2013. A year later, they achieved recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization's first president, Mrs. Beatrice Wilson Diabe (2013-2015) was appointed, and subsequent presidents, Mrs. Phebe Koha Jallah (2016-2018), Mrs. Doris Weamah Wright (2018-2020), Mrs. Christiana Hannah Gandah (2021-2023) and Mrs. Famatta Veronica Zeon (2024-2026) have been elected by the general membership.
Over the years, OLWMN has carried out numerous projects both within and beyond the community, even extending efforts outside the USA. The organization's initiatives have inspired the creation of other active women's organizations in the Twin Cities.
Highlights:
Eleven years and five presidents later, OLWMN remains firmly committed to its core values, which form the fundamental basis of its existence. The organization continues to promote charitable endeavors, cultural improvements, civic pride, partnerships with other groups, and unity among Liberian women in Minnesota and the surrounding areas.
Miracles happen when women believe and work together in harmony. We are not in competition with the community; the community is our common goal. OLWMN will continue its efforts to ensure an empowered, nurtured, inspired, and enriched community that progresses and thrives.