In the latest episode of Atypical Journey, I had the privilege of sitting down with Madam Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Our conversation was not only about her journey, but also about courage, resilience, and the bold vision it takes to lead change in Africa today.

A Journey rooted in service

Before becoming mayor in 2018, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr built a successful career in the UK’s financial sector. But her story has always been tied to service. From her student days campaigning against conflict diamonds, to founding a nonprofit that has supported young people for over two decades, she has consistently used her skills and voice to uplift others.

Her defining moment came during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, when she left London to return home and volunteer on the frontlines. That choice reshaped her trajectory and eventually set her on the path to public office.

Transform Freetown: a bold vision

As mayor, she launched the Transform Freetown agenda, a plan that gained international attention for its ambitious approach to climate action, sanitation, housing, and youth employment. Under her leadership, the city planted 1.2 million trees, built its first wastewater treatment facility, digitized property tax systems, and created thousands of jobs for young people.

These are not small achievements. They represent a vision of leadership that is both practical and transformational, proving that local government can deliver real impact when driven by passion and accountability.

Breaking barriers for women in leadership

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr is also one of the few female mayors on the African continent. She spoke candidly about the stereotypes and barriers women face in politics, and how representation matters. Her example shows that leadership is not about gender. It’s about capacity, integrity, and vision. Through the YAS Leadership Foundation, she is now mentoring teenage girls in Sierra Leone to step into leadership with confidence.

A bold new chapter

During our conversation, she shared news that goes beyond her role as mayor: Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has officially announced her intention to run for President of Sierra Leone. Inspired by trailblazers like  H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,  H.E Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, she is stepping into history with the same determination that has defined her career.

Why this matters

Our exchange reminded me why Atypical Journey exists: to shine a light on leaders who are rewriting the narrative and daring to break barriers. Madam Mayor’s story is not only about Freetown or Sierra Leone. It is about what is possible when vision meets courage.

As she joins other women leaders in New York this week for the High-Level Forum on Women’s Political Leadership, organized by AWLN on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, her message is clear: “These platforms give women the courage to step forward, because someone has done it before. And when we see that, we know it’s possible.”