Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, president of Liberia and Africa's first elected woman head of state, received another honor this year: the United States’ Presidential Medal of Freedom – our nation’s highest civil honor.

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She is the second elected Black woman head of state in the world and also second female leader of Liberia after Ruth Perry (who assumed leadership after an overthrow), and the third such head of government after Eugenia Charles of Dominica and Sylvie Kinigi of Burundi.

She is often referred to as the "Iron Lady".

Johnson-Sirleaf's courage and commitment to her country are an inspiration around the world.

As president, she says she wants to bring motherly sensitivity and emotion to her position as a way to bring healing to the country.