Sia M. Finoh
~ Candidate for Prince George's County District 3 ~
|
Copa: Where are you from?
Sia: I was born in the eastern provinces of Sierre Leone, West Africa in the Kono District to Ahmed Yomba Finoh and Alice Isatu M'brewa. My mother passed away when I was very young. Therefore, I was in the care of my uncle, Dr. Tamba Yarjah and his wife, Sia Mary Sam Sumana. Meanwhile, due to the ten years of horrific civil war crisis in Sierra Leone, my father sought refuge in the United States of America, a land of opportunities and possibilities for all. My father was granted asylum in the United States of America and sent for me to join him in the states. I have lived in Prince Georges County since I was 13 years old. |
|
Copa: Which schools have you attended and degrees you have earned?
Sia: I attended the International (Elementary) School at Njala University. I graduated from High-Point High School in Prince George County in 1996 – I started my college journey at Prince George's Community College in 2003. A couple of years later, I transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park. While studying at this University, I realized that the school was not a good fit for me because I was a young mother of two children to look after and groom. Therefore, in 2008, I decided to transfer to the University of Maryland University College, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2010. In 2013, I decided to further my professional education by attending the American University School of International Service in Washington, DC. |
Flag of Sierra Leone
|
Copa: At what time in your life did you realize you had a special way with people to resolve problems?
Sia: During my teenage years, I began to gain a sense of aspiration; ambition, and compassion. I learned valuable lessons from my father and was determined to become a community person that would make a positive difference in society as a whole. I soon developed a sense of emotional, social, economic and entrepreneurial support to people of all backgrounds.
Sia: During my teenage years, I began to gain a sense of aspiration; ambition, and compassion. I learned valuable lessons from my father and was determined to become a community person that would make a positive difference in society as a whole. I soon developed a sense of emotional, social, economic and entrepreneurial support to people of all backgrounds.
Copa: In your personal opinion, why is communication essential to solving problems and bringing people together?
Sia: Whether the issue is professional or personal, there is no way to solve simple or complex problems or issues without communication first. So many problems arise in our community because of the lack of communication and the lack of empathy towards a situation. Bringing people together takes not just any type of communication but positive, effective and empathetic communication that will touch the souls of those we are trying to reach.
Sia: Whether the issue is professional or personal, there is no way to solve simple or complex problems or issues without communication first. So many problems arise in our community because of the lack of communication and the lack of empathy towards a situation. Bringing people together takes not just any type of communication but positive, effective and empathetic communication that will touch the souls of those we are trying to reach.
Copa: Who were the most influential people in your life?
Sia: Many people have been a major influence to my life and to my Campaign. My Father, Ahmed Yomba Finoh, my Uncle Tamba Yarjah, and his wife Sia; my three children, especially my son who served in the US Military; Janet Carsey, a very important woman who served as a great mentor; and former Maryland Senator Nathaniel Exum.
Sia: Many people have been a major influence to my life and to my Campaign. My Father, Ahmed Yomba Finoh, my Uncle Tamba Yarjah, and his wife Sia; my three children, especially my son who served in the US Military; Janet Carsey, a very important woman who served as a great mentor; and former Maryland Senator Nathaniel Exum.
Young Sia with her parents
|
Sia's Son
|
Sia with Senator Exum
|
Sia with her Father & Daughter
|
Sia with her Son
|
Copa: What other skills do you bring to your candidacy to fill the District 3 Office of Prince George's County?
Sia: I bring a leadership style that is rooted in tenacity, empathy and accountability. I founded the Education for Africans, a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization, which gave me an extensive outlook on human rights, which impacts communities worldwide. Running my non-profit organization gave me the experience necessary to balance a budget, communicate with stockholders. Running my nonprofit organization has given me the experience necessary to balance a budget, communicate with key stakeholders as well as negotiating with people to solve complex problems. In addition, I was a legislative aide to former Maryland State Senator, Nathaniel Exum, where my legislative work experience included communicating and interacting with lawmakers, hands-on experience in research as well as writing and testifying on house bills. I also corresponded to the constituents in my district and was responsible for planning the Student Legislative Week, which often happens every legislative session.
Sia: I bring a leadership style that is rooted in tenacity, empathy and accountability. I founded the Education for Africans, a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization, which gave me an extensive outlook on human rights, which impacts communities worldwide. Running my non-profit organization gave me the experience necessary to balance a budget, communicate with stockholders. Running my nonprofit organization has given me the experience necessary to balance a budget, communicate with key stakeholders as well as negotiating with people to solve complex problems. In addition, I was a legislative aide to former Maryland State Senator, Nathaniel Exum, where my legislative work experience included communicating and interacting with lawmakers, hands-on experience in research as well as writing and testifying on house bills. I also corresponded to the constituents in my district and was responsible for planning the Student Legislative Week, which often happens every legislative session.
Copa: What are some important issues you wish to focus on after you take office?
Sia: After taking office, I will work with my colleagues to position Prince George’s County to build a 21st century government, business and technology system in the county. This includes ensuring that our senior citizens are safe by improving our public safety, rooting out corruption in county zoning and other county business as well as reinforcing an educational system that empowers students to go into skilled trades and skilled tech trades for high paying jobs.
Sia: After taking office, I will work with my colleagues to position Prince George’s County to build a 21st century government, business and technology system in the county. This includes ensuring that our senior citizens are safe by improving our public safety, rooting out corruption in county zoning and other county business as well as reinforcing an educational system that empowers students to go into skilled trades and skilled tech trades for high paying jobs.
|
|
|
Copa: Has COVID-19 affected your district in a huge way? If so, what do you plan to do to alleviate some of the problems?
Sia: In Prince George’s County and across the nation, we have seen the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. So many small business owners saw their dreams cripple simply because they could not stay afloat. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, food insecurity has become a reality for many families and hospitals and clinics suffering from staff shortages. Covid-19 has exposed many inequalities within our healthcare system. While the virus has infected individuals and communities across the world and across the country, we have seen significant differences in rates of infection among communities experiencing challenging health, economic, and environmental determinants. I will add that despite the challenges Covid-19 has brought on, the availability for the Covid-19 vaccine free of charge has reduced the number of cases and deaths. This would not be possible without science and technology for which I am extremely passionate.
To alleviate some of the challenges from the pandemic, I will work with our policymakers to do the following:
* Increase coalitions between public-private partnerships
* Develop additional partnerships with organizations as well as provide funding so that families in need can access healthy free food
* Utilize informatics to ensure the citizens of my district are kept well informed about the latest public health news, tips, and facilities
* Support local small businesses with resources and funding for them to thrive and succeed
* Encourage residents to get vaccinated or protect themselves from the virus
Sia: In Prince George’s County and across the nation, we have seen the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. So many small business owners saw their dreams cripple simply because they could not stay afloat. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, food insecurity has become a reality for many families and hospitals and clinics suffering from staff shortages. Covid-19 has exposed many inequalities within our healthcare system. While the virus has infected individuals and communities across the world and across the country, we have seen significant differences in rates of infection among communities experiencing challenging health, economic, and environmental determinants. I will add that despite the challenges Covid-19 has brought on, the availability for the Covid-19 vaccine free of charge has reduced the number of cases and deaths. This would not be possible without science and technology for which I am extremely passionate.
To alleviate some of the challenges from the pandemic, I will work with our policymakers to do the following:
* Increase coalitions between public-private partnerships
* Develop additional partnerships with organizations as well as provide funding so that families in need can access healthy free food
* Utilize informatics to ensure the citizens of my district are kept well informed about the latest public health news, tips, and facilities
* Support local small businesses with resources and funding for them to thrive and succeed
* Encourage residents to get vaccinated or protect themselves from the virus
Copa: What are some of your views on Education, Business, and helping seniors in District 3?
Sia: I will start with Education. As I previously stated, we must reinforce an educational system that empowers students to go into skilled trades and skilled tech trades for high paying jobs. The reason for this is because the world is becoming technological and advanced, and we cannot leave our next generation behind. Additionally, many skilled laborers are retiring from the profession, and we need new young adults to fill in these positions. Even returning citizens should receive a second chance with skilled trades not only to better themselves but also to impact their families long-term.
When we look at the business climate in our county, it can improve, especially with minority women businesses. I will work to develop a pool of resources for our minority women owned businesses to access. Additionally, we must leverage economic development to empower constituents in the district as well as eliminating corruption in county zoning and other county business.
Lastly, our seniors are counting on us as county leaders to protect not just their residences but their lives as well. Therefore, I will continue to work on improving public safety as well as ensuring our seniors have access to me 24 hours a day via cell phone or e-mail. Our seniors must continue to feel safe and secure in our District.
Sia: I will start with Education. As I previously stated, we must reinforce an educational system that empowers students to go into skilled trades and skilled tech trades for high paying jobs. The reason for this is because the world is becoming technological and advanced, and we cannot leave our next generation behind. Additionally, many skilled laborers are retiring from the profession, and we need new young adults to fill in these positions. Even returning citizens should receive a second chance with skilled trades not only to better themselves but also to impact their families long-term.
When we look at the business climate in our county, it can improve, especially with minority women businesses. I will work to develop a pool of resources for our minority women owned businesses to access. Additionally, we must leverage economic development to empower constituents in the district as well as eliminating corruption in county zoning and other county business.
Lastly, our seniors are counting on us as county leaders to protect not just their residences but their lives as well. Therefore, I will continue to work on improving public safety as well as ensuring our seniors have access to me 24 hours a day via cell phone or e-mail. Our seniors must continue to feel safe and secure in our District.
Copa: What does the future hold for the next 9 months to Election Day?
Sia: We have already started our campaign in full force and my team and I are in the streets every week connecting with constituents about the issues we are facing in District 3. We are still asking volunteers to help with phone banking and door knocking to share our message of solutions for the district. We will continue to connect with our faith based leaders, grassroots leaders and business leaders as well as touch every soul in the district whether they are African American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, White, LGBT or military. We want everyone hearing our message of why I am the solution for Prince George’s County District 3.
Sia: We have already started our campaign in full force and my team and I are in the streets every week connecting with constituents about the issues we are facing in District 3. We are still asking volunteers to help with phone banking and door knocking to share our message of solutions for the district. We will continue to connect with our faith based leaders, grassroots leaders and business leaders as well as touch every soul in the district whether they are African American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, White, LGBT or military. We want everyone hearing our message of why I am the solution for Prince George’s County District 3.
|
|
|
