Entrepreneurial Parent Spotlight: Checago Bright-Sawo

As a business-owner and Parent, I have come to know and respect a number of individuals I count in the ranks of "Entrepreneurial Parents." As we head into the holiday season and the New Year, I have decided to pay homage to some of these every day "heroes" and "she-roes" that show up to build their families through vision, passion, business enterprise and of course a desire to make life better for their communities.

So in this first spotlight I introduce you to Mr. Checago Bright-Sawo, parent and visionary behind The Checago Bright Foundation.

Saba, Ink: Mr. Sawo, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me about your business and your vision. So why do you do what you do?

Checago Bright -Sawo: The world needs people who are devoted to the needs of others. I believe I am one of those people."

Saba, Ink: Give us a little background on yourself and the things that have influenced your decision to go into this line of business.

Checago Bright-Sawo: Well, I have had a long and difficult journey, but my life's experience helped in honing my professional focus and determination "to improve people's lives, empower the youth, the discouraged, the poor and bring about social change for justice and human dignity within the Liberian community."

Saba, Ink: Where are you originally from? Where were you born?

Checago Bright-Sawo: I was born and raised in Sinkor 9th St., Monrovia, Liberia where I spent most of my childhood and adult life. Both of my parents hail from Lofa County, Liberia. My Mother is a self-made entrepreneur who has never been to school and my father is a former school teacher. I have been blessed with wonderful and loving brothers and sisters who have supported me throughout my journey.

Saba, Ink: How have your personal experiences affected your current world view?

Mr. Bright-Sawo: Well, I've experienced poverty and starvation during the 15 year civil war in Liberia, witnessing the killing of pregnant women and the shooting of innocent people. Children were missing from their parents and families. People were traumatized and running helter skelter. This experience gave me the motivation to learn and the desire to help people who are desperately in need of the basics in life: food, shelter, clothing, adequate health care, safe and secure communities and nurturing, intact families. Driven by my passion and experience from the devastation of the dehumanizing war and its impact on the various communities and after an intensive tour assessing Monrovia and its environs; I firmly believe that Liberia is a rich and wonderful country and we Liberians, can make our country better and livable again for all of its citizens in the future, if we all work together; resolved to enhance and implement humanitarian relief activities that would promote the quality of life of the Liberian people.

Saba, Ink: So is that what propelled you to your current non-profit business?

Checago Bright-Sawo: Yes, I founded the Checago Bright Foundation non-profit organization to address the basic life necessities such as healthcare and education initiatives to empower the underprivileged through community development.

Saba, Ink: What qualifies you to do what you are doing now?

Checago Bright-Sawo: Well, I completed my high school education at B. W. Harris Episcopal High School, Monrovia, Liberia in 1998. Due to the Liberian civil war, I moved into exile in Buduburam, Ghana for several years, and later migrated to the United States of America as a refugee from Liberia in 2003. Upon my arrival in the United States, I enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2004, where I received a dual degree in Social Work (B.S.W.) and International Studies (B.A.) with a minor in Political Science and concentration in Global Affairs and International development in 2007. In 2008, I obtained my Master of Science in International Social Work from Columbia University, New York.

Saba, Ink: Wow! That is a really impressive background. Truly amazing.

Saba, Ink: Since it is the holiday season, what is a special holiday tradition you will be sharing with family and friends?

Checago Bright-Sawo: Well, generally just looking to share Christmas gifts and get ready for X-Mas celebration with food, friends and family.

Saba Ink: What is your holiday wish?

Checago Bright- Sawo: My holiday wish would be for a prosperous Liberia!