As one of the founding members of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Michaella Jane George worked as the Policy Lead from 2018 to 2021 leading the policy team and steering DSTI’s legal strategies and framework in administration, projects, service delivery and informing data-driven policies in government.

With a background as a solicitor and legal consultant who has practiced with two the most reputable firms in Sierra Leone, Michaella is versatile and multi-talented, and this manifested in her delivery on projects such as; Digital Governance, development of the National Innovation and Digital Strategy, National Youth Digital forum, Open Government 2 Public, Education Innovation Challenge, Education Outcome Fund, Ease of Doing Business, Ecosystems Mapping, Grid 3 to name a few.

Michaella served on DSTI leadership and from October 2019 to May 2020, was the acting Director and COO of DSTI, making her the first female to lead a technology and Innovation government institution in Sierra Leone.

Michaella created the social groups (#team fun) and also the DSTI Women group (#DSTIwomen), these groups drive equality, empathy, culture and unwinding necessities.

Before her departure from DSTI, Michaella championed the DSTI by Legislation consultation process that would lead to the establishment of DSTI by an Act of Parliament and leaving the legacy and blueprint of the first technology and Innovation Agency in Sierra Leone.

“As a woman in the professional world, I have learnt that we have to work twice as hard to be at par with our Male counterparts. Our personal life, our style, preferences and sexual orientation are constantly under scrutiny. People judge your level of intelligence by your fashion style or what you chose to do to your body. When young women rise, it’s always associated with a sexual exchange for growth. It’s a tough world, yet that’s what makes us unique. Our greatest challenge is our greatest opportunity. Prove them wrong! and hen all is said and done, one thing that should be undeniable is; your capacity, integrity, consistency, confidence, drive and empathy…stay true, stay you, and as you rise, lift other women.”