In 2019, the Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN) organized a groundbreaking intergenerational event in Nairobi, in collaboration with the African Union and UN Women. I had the honor of being one of four individuals recommended by the Global Shapers Community to participate. Little did I know that this gathering would provide me with the extraordinary opportunity to meet and connect with Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the 6th and First Female President of the Republic of Mauritius, a figure I had long admired and followed closely across various social media platforms. Meeting her in person was nothing short of surreal. We then met in Addis Ababa in February of 2020 affording me the privilege of sharing yet another profound heart-to-heart moment with Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, as well as with H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda of Malawi, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, and Jaha Dukureh

These experiences were priceless, and I felt a strong desire to pay them forward. The unexpected gift of time that the COVID-19 lockdowns provided enabled me to dedicate myself to advancing the African Women Leaders Network in Kenya, which we launched in March with the unwavering support of the UN Women Country Office. Our vision was simple: to ensure that every woman, regardless of her location in the country, could experience the same transformational encounters that I had with Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.

My next mission involved establishing the African Women Leaders Network – Young Women Caucus (AWLN), which we successfully launched in December 2020. This initiative was a testament to my commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and providing them with opportunities to thrive.

Just a few evenings ago, I had the privilege of witnessing my dream come to life. I attended the “Women Leading in Climate Change and Sustainable Financing Dinner Event,” meticulously organized by The African Women Leaders Network – Young Caucus (AWLN) in collaboration with the UN Women Kenya Country Office. The event was a delightful blend of dance, meaningful connections, and thought-provoking conversations. It served as a platform to meet remarkable women dedicated to making a positive impact in the realms of Climate Change and Sustainable Financing.

I want to take this moment to celebrate the outstanding leadership of the African Women Leaders Network – Young Women Caucus (AWLN). A heartfelt thank you goes out to the UN Women Kenya Country Office for their unwavering support and dedication to the success of the African Women Leaders Network in Kenya.

As we continue to forge ahead, I am reminded of the words of John Maxwell: “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts; it is about one life influencing another.”