Born Elvis Jacob Hallowell, Gbanabom is a poet and novelist. He has edited "Leoneanthology: Contemporary Short Stories & Poems from Sierra Leone" (SLWS) and "In the Belly of the Lion: An Anthology of New Sierra Leonean Short Stories" (SLWS). His novel, "The Road to Kaibara" was published by SLWS in 2015. Hallowell holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Social Sciences from The Union Institute & University, Ohio, an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Vermont College, USA, an Executive Education in Global Leadership & Public Policy Harvard University, USA, and a Higher Teachers Certificate from the then Milton Margai Teachers College, Sierra Leone. He has taught at universities in the United States and in Sierra Leone. A 2006 recipient of the Young Global Leadership Award from the World Economic Forum, Hallowell is a member of the Poro Society Sierra Leone (MPSSL).