Mining Engineer and Earth Advocate Ruby B. Johnson: About Queen Ruby

Ruby B. Johnson is a proud advocate for Mother Earth. Her lifelong platform is "Bridging The Gap: Miners and Environmentalists Must Work Together for Mother Earth!" Queen Ruby is Miss Eco Sierra Leone 2016, promoting ecotourism, green economy, and environmental awareness. She is Miss Earth Maryland 2015, and was awarded Miss Beauties for a Cause USA 2015 for her work in the mining industry and advocating for a sustainable futue. Ruby also advocates for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. While serving as Miss Sierra Leone USA, her platform was advocating for SHERO (Service, Health, Education, Rights, Opportunities).

Queen Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by Prince Zamira Photography

Ruby B. Johnson
Octea Mining Kimberlite Mine in Kono District, Sierra Leone

Ruby received her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech in Mining and Minerals Engineering, with a minor in Women’s Studies Leadership. She is an active feminist who enjoys writing poems, blogging, dancing, acting, and exploring technology. She started her non-profit organization, When You Believe Foundation, Inc., in November 2010. WYBF has hosted food drives, created various mission-oriented workshops, activities, and events that address topics such as empowerment, eating disorders, health, academics, leadership, etc.

Ruby B. Johnson with students of African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation 2014 Summer Camp

Founder/CEO, When You Believe Foundation, Inc.
Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby serves as the Media Magician for Gift of Wells, an organization that aims to build water wells in Sierra Leone and providing safe and sanitary drinking water. Additionally, she is an advocate for autism awareness, and has made it a lifelong platform of hers since high school. She will like to be remembered as a voice for those that are not heard, a provider for those with no assistance, and the highlighter for girls and women who are oppressed and not seen.