Our Story

Salone Rising began not from a desire to rescue, but from a shared dream of partnership.

After spending time with Dorcas and Ali Kamanda in Sierra Leone, Devin felt deeply moved to return and work alongside the Kamanda family to spark economic hope and independence in Sierra Leone—starting with small business loans for local women.

As a businessman, Devin believed in the power of opportunity over charity. The idea was simple but transformative: “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” By providing small loans, Devin saw a path to teach the most vulnerable in rural Sierra Leone “to fish”. Building small businesses became a means to build sustainable livelihoods, care for their families, and uplift their communities.

As a businessman, Devin believed in the power of opportunity over charity. The idea was simple but transformative: “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” By providing small loans, Dede saw a path to teach the most vulnerable in rural Sierra Leone “to fish”. Building small businesses became a means to build sustainable livelihoods, care for their families, and uplift their communities.

Ali Kamanda, born in Sierra Leone but raised in the United States during the country’s brutal civil war, shared that same passion. Deeply rooted in both cultures, Ali understood firsthand the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people and their determination to rebuild. Inspired by his parents—who have long invested in schools and clinics to serve their homeland—Ali dreamed of a Sierra Leone where opportunity was accessible to all.

When Devin and Ali met, their shared vision and complementary strengths created an immediate bond. Together, they founded Salone Rising in 2012—a partnership grounded in respect, collaboration, and hope. Today, more than 300 local entrepreneurs are part of our small business loan program, growing enterprises that feed families, employ neighbors, and transform communities. Salone Rising isn’t about giving handouts—it’s about standing beside one another to create lasting change, one entrepreneur at a time.

Harwell Family Foundation Programs

Mamaland

Raising orphaned and destitute children to become the next leaders

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Salone Rising

Granting small loans to community members to build businesses

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