In Liberia, chasing big dreams as a girl isn’t always easy, but these four teenage girls are proving that nothing can hold them back! Abigail, Benkies, Janet, and Mira are showing up, standing out, and making waves—whether it’s dominating the chessboard, leading their schools, creating music, or crushing their studies.
They’re proving that passion, confidence, and hard work can take you anywhere, no matter the challenges. If you’ve ever doubted yourself or felt like the odds were against you, let their stories remind you: you are powerful, your dreams matter, and you can achieve anything.
So, what’s your next big move?
Abigail Karyah – The Chess Champion
A passionate chess player who started young and has competed in international tournaments, inspiring other girls to take up the game.
When did you start playing chess, and what inspired you to want to play?
I started playing chess at the age of six. I think I really improved or started playing more seriously around seven or eight. I was taught by my dad during the Ebola crisis when we were all stuck in the house—me, my cousins—so he decided to use the time to teach us all chess.
I think the main reason I learned chess was because most of the girls in the house didn’t want to learn. So, for me, it was more about competition. If you’re in a house learning something and you’re always at the bottom, you don’t feel good about it. That was what pushed me forward—I didn’t want to be last among the boys.
That’s great! So that’s what inspired you to want to get better, right? How many of you used to play together?
It used to be me, my brother, two of my cousins, and I think three of our neighbors. So about seven or eight of us.
Interviewer: Oh, wow!
Interviewee: Yeah, it was vacation time, no school, just sitting at home. My dad would teach us, and we’d have competitions among ourselves. But the girls weren’t really interested. The only reason I joined the practice sessions was because the guys thought that since I was in a higher class than most of them, I was supposed to be better. But when they started winning, it didn’t sit well with me. So, I just decided to learn, just for the sake of beating them.
Interviewer: That’s nice! How do you stay focused during competitions? I know chess requires a lot of attentiveness.
One key thing to staying focused during competitions is limiting interactions—whether in person or digitally. Even if you’re in the same country or traveling, it’s best to distance yourself from friends, family, and even competitors. You need to minimize distractions and have a clear headspace.
Another thing I learned is that chess requires a lot of energy. You sit for hours, so you have to conserve your mental stamina. I usually shut off my senses whenever I get the chance—not necessarily by sleeping but by lying down, closing my eyes, and staying still. No singing, no moving, no distractions. It helps a lot in preparing for a tournament.
Interviewer: That’s great advice! So, what is your proudest achievement in chess so far? I know you’re destined for great things, but for now, what stands out as your proudest moment?
Well, I have a couple of achievements that are dear to me. One of them is from a recent tournament I participated in. I was fortunate enough to win all seven out of seven games at the Waters Olympic. That’s something that isn’t easily done, especially by African players, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Another significant achievement was from early on in my chess journey. After my late brother’s passing, I lost my passion for the game and really struggled to perform in tournaments. But my dad continued signing me up anyway. There was a specific tournament held at SKD, and I really wanted to perform well—not just for myself but so that my dad wouldn’t feel bad about it.
Since they didn’t have separate female or youth sections, it was an open tournament where everyone competed against each other. I honestly don’t even know how I did it, but I managed to finish in the top 10, placing sixth. The top 10 players were invited to the then Minister of Finance’s house for a special event. It was an incredible experience, and winning felt amazing. That was the moment I realized, “Wow, this is something I truly love.”
Interviewer: What’s really great. And I’m very sorry about your little brother.
What is one lesson you would like to share with girls who may be reading this article and want to follow a similar path? What advice do you have for them?
A lesson I would like to share—now, not necessarily for those taking a similar path, but for anyone seriously considering it—is that there are a couple of things to remember: resilience, consistency, and hard work. Because, like in all areas of life, you cannot achieve or get into anything without hard work—that’s a given. And resilience is key.
Chess is almost like school, or even like a career on its own, because you have to dedicate the same eight hours. You have to practice constantly. It’s just like learning—if you learn a skill and don’t use it or don’t build on that knowledge, it fades. That’s exactly how chess is. You have to be consistent in practicing and have a strong desire to learn more.
With the involvement of AI technology in chess, the game has improved a lot. So, improvement should always be on your mind. Resilience is also crucial because there will be times when you get beaten badly—not just in one tournament, but in several tournaments in a row. You have to take everything you’ve got and push forward. You can’t give up halfway.
And this isn’t just about international competitions—it applies to our competitions in the country as well. In our playing environment, there aren’t a lot of female players. So usually, we are placed among older, middle-aged men and strong youth players. Both groups are equally skilled. You have to be really strong to survive—not just in terms of skill but also in handling the taunting and everything that comes with it.
Yeah, so that’s the main thing—resilience, hard work, and consistency.
That is absolutely amazing! Thank you so much. I have one more question for you: What other amazing things are you involved in besides chess? I know this interview is focus on your chess achievements, but is there anything else you’re doing that you would like to share with us?
Well, I wouldn’t necessarily call them amazing, but I ran for student council president at my school this year and won. I will be having my inauguration soon.
Interviewer: Amazing. That’s actually absolutely amazing.
Yeah, and I also dabble a little in computers and technology. Last year, when I was in the 11th grade, I won the quizzing tournament hosted by Afritex—I won it for my school.
Yeah, and I also won a team chess tournament for my school, representing our chess club in the first edition of the inter-school championships. These are just some of the things I’ve done. I’m still pushing forward, trying to do more and keep improving.
That is—that’s very, very great. I’m really, really proud of you. Being from Liberia and knowing how our system makes it harder for people to really, achieve their full potential and to be able to do your thing as. That is amazing and I’m rooting for you.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Benkies Dolo – The Musician
A passionate singer who has overcome setbacks to pursue her musical dreams
What inspired you to pursue music?What inspired me to pursue music is failure. Strange right? But yeah. I’ve failed too many times coming up as a singer and whenever I participated in any competition and I don’t win, it tells me that I wasn’t prepared/ready for that particular competition and I put all I learned throughout that competition to better myself for the next one.
So from the critiques from the judges of the Y’ello star competition season 2 and 4 and the master classes teachings, I buckled up everything in preparing myself for the just ended edition.
What was your biggest turning point? After I dropped out of the competition in Season 2, I had a couple of people in my inbox offering to sponsor me for a period of time. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to start something I couldn’t finish. But when I was announced as the winner that night, I felt like, yeah, now I’m ready—and indeed, I am.
What is your vision for your music? My vision for my music isn’t just national or international—it’s global. I don’t want to say too much and have things not work out, but all I can say is that God is leading the way. Y’all better watch out for Benkies!
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Some will say, keep going and don’t give up on your dreams. But I will say, seek God first and always listen to His voice when he speaks. Don’t stop even when you fail cuz failure serves as a motivation to persevere more and more. Always know that no one can be you so keep branding yourself(in a good way na🤭), keep practicing cuz it makes perfect and moving forward.
What else are you involved in? Oh, and for the record, I’m a public speaker, an upcoming actress, a painter, and, of course, an eater! 😂
Janet Brooks – The Student Leader
Janet is A determined class president who advocates for her peers and fosters unity among students.
What inspired you to run as class president? It wasn’t planned at first, but when it was announced by the class sponsor at the time (11th grade), I saw my strengths—I was capable of bringing people together and advocating for my fellow students. That’s what pushed and encouraged me to run for class president, and I was successful!
How do you balance academics and leadership? Balancing academics and leadership wasn’t easy for me at first. There were complaints from fellow students, but I realized that no matter what you do, there will always be people on the opposite side. I then created a mindset to follow what is right—advocating for fellow students and focusing on my academics. My main purpose was to create a better environment for every member of the class, with the help of other leaders alongside me.
What changes have you made or hope to make for your class? The changes I made during my time as class president were fostering togetherness, making everyone feel equal, advocating for students, and strengthening class unity.
What is one lesson you would like to share with girls reading this who may be interested in following a similar path? As a girl, when you are inspired or plan to achieve a goal, always set your mind to it and work hard to reach it. During that journey, listen and surround yourself with people who are heading in the same direction as you. The more time you spend around negative people, the more likely you are to deviate from your planned goals and mindset.
Mira Mapederun – The Academic Star
Mir, A 14 year old high school senior who scored 1100 on the SAT and is on her way to a successful path.
What inspired you to take the SAT and what was your study routine?
- My desire for academic challenge, coupled with the encouragement of my mentor and my own intellectual curiosity, inspired me to take the SAT. My study routine involved dedicated work throughout the summer using the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide (Blue Book) and proprietary software provided by my mentor. This included independent practice and weekly practice tests.
Can you share any specific resources that were most helpful in preparing for the SAT and applying to schools?
- The College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide (Blue Book) and the proprietary software provided by my college prep mentor were invaluable resources.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the SAT and how did you overcome them?
- Time management and maintaining motivation were my biggest challenges. I overcame these by creating a structured study schedule and staying focused on my long-term goals.
What are your future educational or career aspirations?
- I aspire to study business at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an Ivy League institution. My goal is to grow and scale my small business, Sade Cosmetics, and empower more women and girls through my brand and its message.
What are other amazing things that you have done or are currently doing that weren’t mentioned in this interview but you would like to share with us?
- I am currently serve as my student body Vice President. I’ve also written a book to help teens start their own businesses, titled Money Moves.
What is one lesson or advice you would like to share with girls reading this who may be interested in following a similar path?
- You can achieve anything you set your mind to. You belong in every room. You are more powerful than you think. You are unique and one of a kind.
Author
Etta Brooks
Director, Gal’s Guidance
