The Kono Bui’ Story

Karin Esselstrom, Chair of the Kono Bui’ Foundation, is a compassionate leader and devoted woman of faith whose life’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to healing, service, and spiritual transformation. As a seasoned Trauma Healing Facilitator with World Impact, Karin brings extensive experience in training diverse communities, cultivating leadership, and creating safe spaces for healing and restoration. Her unique ability to guide individuals through their spiritual journeys, especially in times of hardship, speaks to her gift for merging faith with trauma-informed care. Driven by an unwavering belief in the power of healing, Karin dedicates her efforts to empowering individuals to find strength, hope, and renewal through faith-based practices. In her role as Chair of the Kono Bui’ Foundation, Karin provides visionary leadership, spiritual grounding, and a nurturing presence. She brings a strategic yet empathetic approach to advancing the Foundation’s mission, offering invaluable expertise in trauma healing, capacity-building, and cross-cultural ministry. Her dedication to fostering resilience and community empowerment is instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s initiatives across Sierra Leone and beyond. Karin’s leadership exemplifies grace in action—deeply aligned with the Foundation’s values of compassion, transformation, and hope. Through her service, she continues to inspire and uplift, ensuring that every effort is rooted in love, purpose, and faith.

Kazemba Wisniewski is a dynamic social entrepreneur and data engineer, recognized for his dedication to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. As the co-founder of World Possible – Sierra Leone, he has played a pivotal role in expanding access to educational resources by bringing the world’s knowledge to rural areas across Sierra Leone. With a strong foundation in Information Science and Data Analytics, Kaisamba combines technical proficiency with a global perspective and a deep commitment to community-driven innovation. Fluent in three languages, he brings exceptional communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills to every initiative he leads. Kaisamba’s professional experience spans diverse sectors—from software in healthcare to biomedical research at UC San Francisco—where he has consistently demonstrated adaptability, leadership, and a passion for impactful solutions. He is also the founder of Bridge the World With Soccer, a youth-centered initiative that harnesses the power of sport to foster global connection and empowerment. Kaisamba currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Kono Bui’ Foundation,in this role, he brings strategic insight, technical innovation, and a passion for youth empowerment to the Foundation’s mission. His experience in building scalable, tech-driven solutions and leading grassroots initiatives positions him as a vital contributor to the organization’s growth, sustainability, and impact both locally and globally. A natural leader and lifelong learner, Kaisamba is committed to using his expertise to create sustainable, positive change. In his leadership roles, he offers dependable, forward-thinking guidance and stands fully prepared to support or step into executive responsibilities as needed.

Latoya Sutton, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of the Kono Bui’ Foundation, is a visionary leader with a strong commitment to organizational excellence, people development, and mission-driven strategy. As the Founder of Sutton Elevation and Consulting, Latoya brings extensive experience in leadership development, business consulting, and human capital management across both startup environments and Fortune 500 companies. With advanced degrees in Communication, Business Administration, and Human Resource Management, and as an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), she blends academic rigor with practical expertise to build sustainable, inclusive, and high-performing organizations. Her passion lies in empowering individuals, cultivating talent, and creating workplace cultures where people and purpose align. A woman of deep faith and compassion, Latoya is driven by the belief that every person holds untapped potential. Her strategic approach to human resources focuses on unlocking that potential by developing pathways for personal and professional growth, confidence-building, and meaningful impact. In her role as CHRO, Latoya brings a critical leadership lens to the Kono Bui’ Foundation, helping to align its organizational structure with its mission of promoting mental health recovery and resilience in Sierra Leone. She leads with empathy, integrity, and innovation—ensuring the Foundation attracts, supports, and retains diverse, purpose-driven talent. Through her expertise, she strengthens the internal capacity of the organization, fosters a thriving team culture, and supports the Foundation’s long-term vision for transformational change in the communities it serves.

Finda Moiwa, Treasurer of the Kono Bui’ Foundation, is a deeply respected leader whose life is marked by integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to service. A proud Sierra Leonean, Finda brings a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural dynamics that shape the lives of Sierra Leoneans both within the country and across the diaspora. Her perspective offers vital context and clarity to the Foundation’s work on the ground. With a strong background in ministry and financial stewardship, Finda has faithfully served in numerous leadership roles where she has upheld the highest standards of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and ethical oversight. Her proven track record as a trusted treasurer is rooted in her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to accountability. Finda is also widely known for her ability to provide thoughtful counsel and spiritual encouragement. Often regarded as a nurturing, motherly presence, she offers more than just technical skill—she brings compassion, discernment, and a grounding presence that uplifts those around her. As Treasurer of the Kono Bui’ Foundation, Finda plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. Her leadership helps safeguard the Foundation’s resources while advancing its mission of healing, empowerment, and mental health awareness in Sierra Leone. With her guidance, the Foundation remains rooted in stewardship, driven by purpose, and positioned for long-term impact in the communities it serves.