Jewel Howard-Taylor

Chief Dr Jewel Howard -Taylor, an astute Female Politician, a Lawyer, a Gender Advocate, a Public Servant , an Educator, a Humanitarian; the First Female Vice President of Liberia; and a positive Role model for Liberian women in particular and African women in general. Before becoming the Nationʼs second citizen, she previously served as Senior Senator for the Nations third most populous County – Bong County; a post to which she was elected twice, in a highly challenging electoral process. She has served for more than 20 years in various Public and Private Institutions with distinction; including being the 21st First Lady of the Republic, Deputy Governor of the National Bank( now called the Central Bank of Liberia), and President of the Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank amongst others. As a result of her deep understanding of the value of education as a basis for success, she has obtained the following degrees; BSc (Economics), BSc (Banking, with Honors), MBA(Finance, with Honors), BSc in Law(with Honors), Post Graduate Degree in International Relations(with Honors); a Master Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership; and 2 Honorary Doctorate Degrees, one in Leadership and Governance and the other in Public Administration. Dr Taylor is an active and impactful statesperson. On account of her Service to her Nation and her international engagements, she has received many National and International Awards; of note are the following – The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Award for Humanitarian Services and contribution to Youth Empowerment in 2011; the African Women Achievers Award as African mentor and Role Model 2013; the African Leadership Award as outstanding African Female Leader in 2017 and an Award for currently being the most influential female public figure in West Africa in 2018. She is a well sought after Mentor and Inspirational speaker, both at home and abroad. As a result of her national and international engagements, her name has become a household one. In spite of her busy schedule, She is a Humanitarian at heart, especially as it relates to Empowerment of Women and Girls. She has used her status in the Nation as a springboard to contribute to many causes. Some of which are to The Rural Women Association, scholarships for disadvantaged youth and to organizations which provide mentorship and training for girls across the Nation. She has also established an NGO, THE JEWEL STARFISH FOUNDATION; which for the past 15 years has provided support to thousands of girls, for mentoring, empowerment and support to victims of Gender and Sexual based violence. She is a strong voice of advocacy for gender equality, respect for the rule of law, national equality and good governance amongst others. Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand with me, as we welcome, our Guest Speaker for today; Her. Excellency Chief Dr Jewel Howard Taylor, the First Female Vice President of Liberia; an astute Politician, an advocate, a lawyer, a mentor, an inspirational speaker, a public servant, a Humanitarian, a Female African Icon and a Positive Role Model.