Hawa Barry-Diallo, former West African model, is from the Republic of Guinea. Since stepping down from modeling to start her own family, she utilized her fame as a former model to bring attention to her place of birth and women’s issues. In order to bring attention to the beautiful culture of her country, promote tourism, and encourage leadership, she created NIMBA Entertainment Inc., an event production company with a primary focus on promoting West African cultures in general and Guinean cultures in particular. As a philanthropist who believes in the spirit of giving and helping others, she founded “The NIMBA Foundation.” Mrs. Barry-Diallo is also the business manager of EZ REHAB Solutions, an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The NIMBA Foundation produces the Miss Guinea North America scholarship pageant, to promote education among young Guinean girls in North America. The foundation has a comprehensive program called “The Guinean Girls and Women Empowerment & Leadership Program” (GGWELP). GWELP helps guide and contribute to the education of young Guinean girls in Guinea, provide scholarship funds and opportunities for the title winner of Miss Guinea North America, as well as create sustainable micro-economic projects for underserved women in various parts of Guinea.