Editor’s spotlight — updated daily
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first woman elected head of state of an African country when she won the Liberian presidency in 2005. She took office on January 16, 2006, and was re-elected in 2011. In the same year, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in promoting women's participation in peacebuilding. She previously served as Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert and held positions at the World Bank, Citibank, and Equator Bank.