Saturday, April 20, 2024

MS. STEPHENE AUDREY KPOTO – A YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AMBASSADOR

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto (also recognized as Stefañol) is a young Liberian who was born on January 28, 1998. She is the granddaughter of one of Liberia’s most prominent leaders. Late: Kerkula B. Kpoto, who is popularly known for saying, “I hang my clothes where the wind blows and carry my bread where the butter is.”

You can say that Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto is a triple threat. Not only does she consult and write her own publications, but as a bonus, this talented woman work as a lobbyist, illustrator, and youth advocate too! There isn’t anything this woman can’t do; she is an entrepreneur and undoubtedly endowed with a multiplicity of creative talents. 

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto is a very versatile and influential figure in the world of business, art, and philanthropy. With her many creative talents and her drive to help others, she has become a force to be reckoned with. Ms. Kpoto envisions a world where no young person will have to fail because of the lack of opportunities or mentorship. And it is her soul’s urge to create avenues and opportunities that will undoubtedly shape a brighter and more secure future for young people. Through her work with various foundations and charities, she has provided countless youths with the resources and support they need to succeed. Ms. Kpoto’s work is an inspiration to us all, and her impact on the world is immeasurable. 

Ms. Kpoto holds degrees in software engineering as well as International Relations and Security Studies. Ms. Kpoto is currently an apprentice of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies. Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto had the opportunity to visit the OSCE, Europe’s regional security center, to learn more about global security issues. Ms. Kpoto was one of the youngest Liberians chosen by the United States, State Department in 2016 to explore how Congress works in terms of communication, the electoral process, and other aspects that make America great. 

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto Inspiring Work

She has worked on numerous projects with young people to empower them, including writing books for publication and establishing her own business where she can combine these passions- it just doesn’t get much more empowering than this amazing accomplishment.

The diversity of her youth empowerment programs ranges from food security to health and maintenance of peace to help Liberians improve their living conditions. Ms. Kpoto has worked with the Local Government of Liberia (PCC-M) and the Chinese government to give scholarships to aid in developing Liberia’s Human Capacity level. 

Ms. Kpoto is well-known among Liberian youths for her work as the National Youth Coordinator of ABIC’s WSR program and the organizer of Liberia’s first teenager’s gang summit involving disadvantaged and disgruntled youth in the peace process. The conceptualizer behind the biggest platform of Building a world where our stories direct our Generation is none other than Ms. Stephene; it’s a local youth mentorship initiative that provides young Liberians with the inspiration they need by listening to and learning from the great minds of societal models and game-changers. Y. Maggie Kilo, Country Representative of the African Development Bank to Liberia (2016), Hon. B. Elias Shinonyin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Liberia (2016), and others are among those featured in the show.

The Establishment of RISE

This year, in Liberia, Ms. Kpoto will be launching her first historic entertainment and Tech academy called RISE, which promotes economic growth through arts, entertainment, as well as Tech-startups. She dreams of creating  a “Silicon Valley” in the African continent by providing millions of jobs that talented people want here at home in their own country instead of moving abroad as most do today due to lack of opportunity. RISE will assist in reducing the high rate of unemployment in Liberia caused by the 14 years of civil war, which ended in 2003, and the Ebola crisis of 2014-2016. In addition to being an; entrepreneur, Ms. Kpoto is also a social activist, working to promote peace and reconciliation in Liberia through art and music. She believes that by providing opportunities for creativity and self-expression, young people will be less likely to turn to violence. Ms. Kpoto is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination, and she is proof that one person can make a difference. 

The Rise app is designed to promote the sale of arts, fashion, books, music, and other creative products. The online marketplace feature will allow users to showcase and sell their products to a global audience. Soon after the marketplace launch, the additional features of the app will be unveiled, including an online academy, RISE TV, user-friendly games, and a messaging portal with African emojis and features. The marketplace will provide a platform for artists, designers, and other creatives to reach a wider audience and sell their products. The online academy will offer courses on various topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and Creativity. RISE TV will be a platform for African filmmakers, actors, and actresses to showcase their work. The messaging portal will allow users to communicate with each other using African emojis and features.

The app will also offer a variety of beautiful games that reflect African culture. Ms. Kpoto believes that the wrapped mentality in Africa  this could change for the better if the continent begins to reflect on mistakes and address them to lead a better life. She believes that “If we don’t learn from our mistakes, we are destined to repeat them.” Through her work with RISE, she hopes to produce more educational stories that will help people learn about different cultures and histories and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. By increasing understanding and empathy, she believes we can begin to heal the divisions that have led to so much anger, hatred, rage, and violence in Africa. Only by coming together and learning from our past can we hope to create a better future for all. In addition to this, she is currently working on publishing a collection of 5 stories that she believes will educate and empower readers to mentally exhibit the conviction that they can achieve anything they believe. Ms. Kpoto wants her readers to know that no force, be it evil or good, has the power to stop anyone from achieving their dreams if they pick themselves up and go for what they want. She feels that this is an important message for people to hear, and she hopes that her stories will help people to realize their full potential. 

Stephene’s Book “The Mark of Destiny”

Ms. Stephene Audrey Kpoto’s book “The Mark of Destiny” will soon be available on Amazon, Apple, Barnes, and Nobles, and the RISE app. Ms. Kpoto believes that attitudinal changes need to be made in the current generation in order to prevent a future where the generation will be lost in disappointment, regret, and the lack of energy to achieve their dreams. Ms. Kpoto’s book focuses on helping readers understand their personal destiny and how to use it to achieve their dreams. “The Mark of Destiny” is an essential read for anyone who wants to create a better future for themselves.

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