–Honored for Global Leadership, Philanthropy, Women’s Empowerment, and Community Development
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Liberian-born professional, philanthropist, and community leader Saya Doe Sio has received a prestigious international community award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, humanitarian work, and contributions to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment both in the United States and Liberia.
Saya, a native of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, was honored during the 28th Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA) hosted by the City of Charlotte. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening communities through leadership, service, cultural engagement, and international impact.
The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades earned by the Liberian-born executive, who has become widely respected for combining corporate excellence with humanitarian service and community empowerment initiatives.
A Career Built on Excellence
Saya Sio migrated to the United States in 1998 and has since built an impressive professional career spanning finance, risk management, compliance, governance, and business leadership.
She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Control Expert, and Project Management Professional (PMP). She currently serves as Senior Director of Business Unit Risk and Control at TIAA, where she is recognized for her strategic leadership, ethical standards, and commitment to operational excellence.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Saya has become an influential voice in women’s leadership and empowerment.
She is the visionary behind the Global Women’s Empowerment High Tea, a signature event in Charlotte that creates opportunities for women to connect, mentor one another, share experiences, and inspire purpose-driven leadership.
Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation Expanding Its Impact in Liberia
While Saya is widely celebrated for her professional achievements in the United States, many Liberians know her for the growing humanitarian footprint of the Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation (ATDOEMF), a nonprofit organization she co-founded in honor of her late mother, Annie T. Doe.
Over the years, the foundation has emerged as one of the most active diaspora-led charitable organizations supporting vulnerable communities in Liberia, particularly in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where several of its flagship programs are being implemented.
According to information highlighted during the award presentation and on the foundation’s official platforms, the organization currently provides free Christian-based education to more than 600 students while also supporting healthcare services, women’s empowerment initiatives, and community development programs. The foundation estimates that its interventions have impacted more than 30,000 people since its establishment.
One of the foundation’s most notable achievements has been the establishment of the Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy in Buchanan. The school provides educational opportunities for children from underprivileged families and has become a major source of hope for many parents who struggle to afford quality education for their children.
The organization has also invested heavily in women’s empowerment and adult literacy initiatives aimed at helping women acquire skills, confidence, and economic opportunities to support their families and communities. Through various training and mentorship programs, the foundation continues to promote entrepreneurship, leadership development, and self-reliance among women.
In the healthcare sector, the foundation has been working toward expanding access to basic medical services in underserved communities. Information published by the organization indicates that the Annie T. Doe Memorial Academy and Family Health Center project is being developed on land connected to Saya’s family heritage in Buchanan, reflecting a long-term commitment to improving community welfare.
Community members and development advocates in Grand Bassa County have frequently praised the foundation’s grassroots approach, noting that its interventions focus not only on charity but on long-term empowerment and sustainable development.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Saya’s personal story continues to inspire many Liberians both at home and abroad.
Born into humble circumstances in Buchanan, she often recounts walking long distances to school and studying under candlelight because her family lacked electricity. Despite those challenges, she pursued education with determination and eventually built a successful professional career in the United States.
Today, she remains committed to helping others overcome similar obstacles through education, mentorship, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Many observers believe it is this unique combination of professional achievement, philanthropy, faith, and community service that contributed to her receiving the prestigious international recognition in Charlotte.
Supporters say the award not only celebrates Saya Sio’s accomplishments but also shines a spotlight on the positive contributions being made by Liberians in the diaspora to communities both in the United States and Liberia.
For many in Buchanan and beyond, Saya’s journey represents a powerful example of how resilience, education, and a commitment to giving back can transform lives and create lasting impact across generations.
Saya is married to Francis Sio, and together they are blessed with three children. The couple continues to play a leading role in advancing the mission of the Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation while inspiring others through leadership, faith, and service.
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