Ivy Barley's 'Developers in Vogue' is creating a relevant community of female developers

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Ivy Barley is a determined young Ghanaian woman passionate about empowering African women to pursue careers in technology. She is the co-founder of Developers in Vogue, an organisation that trains females in the latest technologies to prepare them for the future of work. Developers in Vogue aims to create a relevant community of highly skilled female developers who are passionate about using technology to revolutionise Africa and beyond.Ivy made the front pages of some German newspapers with her initiative in 2017 after winning the prestigious ‘E skills for Girls competition’ award in Berlin, Germany. As the overall winner in the competition, she was awarded €15,000, a mentorship programme from Google, and support from Impact Hub Accra.Ivy is also a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

While growing up, I always had a strong aptitude for Mathematics and Technology, and that has pretty much shaped my career path. I recently completed my MPhil. in Mathematical Statistics. My first degree was however in Actuarial Science and secondary education in Business. All my life, up till now, people call me the "Unassuming Champion". More often than not, my abilities are underestimated, but I would always find myself over-delivering. I believe in underpromising and over-delivering. When I’m not busy on social media, you may find me taking selfies.

 

• What inspired Developers in Vogue?

"About a year ago, I was working at an all-girls pre-university where my role included assisting the girls with Mathematics, Statistics and Physics. I also taught the girls Programming. Before working in this school, I’d been hearing people say that women don’t like coding. However, I realised the contrary! The girls were very enthusiastic about coding; they also had so many great ideas! My stay in the school was cut short but all the while after that, what never left me were the memories of the girls! It dawned on me to start a sustainable initiative that will create the ideal environment for females to code, connect and collaborate. That’s how Developers in Vogue was born."

• What are some of the important activities you run at Developers In Vogue?

"At Developers in Vogue, we train females in the latest technologies and connect them to real-time projects and jobs to enable them apply their skills and earn an income. What we seek to solve is simple; the problem of under-representation of African women in technology. At our coding bootcamps, females are taught how to code using a practical and project-oriented curriculum. Aside assigning dedicated mentors to them, ladies also build their portfolios by getting experience in the job market. However, what is most important to us is the community we’re building; a sisterhood of amazing women who support each other."

• What have been some of the challenges you’ve had to face as a young woman in tech?

"I think my main challenge has been the underestimation factor; but that really isn’t a problem for me. Generally, there is still a lot more work to be done to make the tech ecosystem in Africa world-class. If we really want to build disruptive global tech businesses, stakeholders need to invest in infrastructure primarily. Cost of internet access in most African countries is still on the high side."

• Why is the concept and model of social entrepreneurship significant to how you run your enterprise?

"I believe social entrepreneurship is going to revolutionise how businesses will be done in the world. This is extremely important here in Africa, as we have so many challenges. Entrepreneurs are now finding solutions to our numerous problems and then crafting good business models around their solutions. In my organisation, though we receive donor funding, we have also worked on our business model so that we can generate revenue on our own to scale our work. Sustainability is very important to us."

• You are a member of the Global Shapers community, a multi stakeholder initiative of the World Economic Forum. What does this mean to you and your country?

"If there is any decision I don’t regret making few months ago, it is joining the Global Shapers community. Being part of this community literally opens doors for you! Aside being able to significantly contribute to pressing issues locally, continentally and globally, I have had the opportunity to showcase my work to stakeholders. Also being in a community of like-minded game changers, who are also shaping their communities with the work they do, is truly satisfying."

• What one advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in technology?

"To be on top of your game, you need to work hard. You must make it a priority to keep improving upon your skills. Though it may get difficult at some points, think about the big picture. Also make time to network with people in the industry to learn best practices that can make you world-class. If coding is truly your passion, then you definitely need a lot of diligence and determination. In case you need some support with this, you can get in touch with me." [/spb_text_block]

Ghana's Nancy Abu-Bonsrah is Johns Hopkins' first black female neurosurgeon resident

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Nancy Abu-Bonsrah is making waves and history as the first black female neurosurgeon resident at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

On Match Day, a medical tradition in the US where graduating (fourth year) medical students get to find out which schools they have been matched to to pursue further medical residency training, Ghanaian Nancy Abu-Bonsrah was matched with Johns Hopkins School of Hospital to specialize in neurological surgery.

In the 30 years that Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's neurosurgical department has accepted residents, there has never been a black woman in the ranks. The prestigious program accepts just two to five residents, and is ranked second in the country. Among its most notable alumni is Dr. Ben Carson, who is now the United States secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (Source: CNN)

Congratulations to Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, she matched at @HopkinsMedicine! #Match2017 pic.twitter.com/Pjv7hC8hSr

— Hopkins Med News (@HopkinsMedNews) March 17, 2017

Nancy was born in Ghana, but in 2005 she moved to Maryland, USA with her family when her father was offered a job with the international branch of a non-profit organisation. She attended Hammond High School in Columbia, MD (class of 2008) and moved on to Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry. In August 2012, Nancy began medical training at John Hopkins. 

My decision to pursue medicine stemmed from a desire to be of service to others, particularly knowing that there were a significant number of people in my home country who could not receive essential medical services. My family and teachers encouraged and nurtured this goal and it is exciting to see it come to fruition.

• Why Neurosurgery?

"My desire to pursue neurosurgery was actually borne out of shadowing experiences in Ghana. During the winter break in my junior year at Mount St. Mary’s University, I had an opportunity to spend some time in one of the teaching hospitals in Ghana; the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. It was there that I experienced the uniqueness of neurosurgery as well as the general lack of access to care. Not only was I impressed by the surgical skill and fascinated by anatomy, I was also stunned by how overwhelmed the surgeons were. Ultimately, I felt that this field would help me marry a love for the field with a desire to serve. This is why I cannot wait to go back and serve, not only in Ghana, but in other low resource settings."

• You made history as the first black woman to join the neurosurgery program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where the medical discipline of neurological surgery was founded. How did you do it?

"I made it thus far through hard work and receiving a lot of mentorship and support from those around me. However, in a lot of ways, I believe I was at the right place, at the right time. I am very fortunate and I hope to use this platform to ensure that other students are likewise fortunate."

• What keeps you motivated?

"My family, my hope to be able to provide effective neurosurgical care for those in need, and the opportunity to mentor others, particularly minorities who are interested in the field."

• Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

"I hope to join the dedicated group of neurosurgeons who seek to provide neurosurgical care to those most at need but with few resources."

• Any final words for the young girls looking up to you right now?

"Know the reason behind your goals and aspirations, work hard for it and always reach out to others for help when you need it. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it."[/spb_text_block]

Rwandan genocide survivor - Claudine Humure on changing prosthetics for the developing world

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Claudine Humure is a remarkable Rwandan genocide survivor whose story includes losing a leg to cancer and falling in love with prosthetic design.Claudine attended Sonrise School in Rwanda for her primary and part of her secondary education. She moved to the U.S.  for the rest of her education thanks to the support of an organization called Partners In Health (PIH) and its worldwide mission "to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair." In June 2013, she graduated from Dana Hall High School in Wellesley, MA.

"During my senior year of high school, I did a senior project with a prosthetic company called Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics. My time with Next Step introduced me to a different side of prosthesis that I had never seen before as an amputee who used a prosthetic leg on a daily basis. While at Next Step, I was able to observe how the prosthetists interacted with amputees, how they made prosthetic sockets in their workshop and I was even given a chance to build a below the knee prosthetic socket under supervision. With this amazing experience, I left Next Step inspired."

Claudine started looking into programs that would help teach her more about prosthetic limbs and how they work. She was offered an internship at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital where she worked as a comprehensive rehabilitation intern.

"While there I interacted with different new amputees, especially those who were victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing."

During her second year at Wheaton College, Claudine was offered another internship with the Biomechatronics group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s Media Lab through the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP). While at MIT, she came up with the idea of designing an adjustable prosthetic socket for above the knee amputees using Autodesk software, Fusion 360, and Autodesk took interest.Claudine is currently a senior at Wheaton College in Norton Massachusetts studying biology and business.

• Tell us about your desire for designing prosthetics for the developing world and what this means for you.

"It means prosperity, a growing economy, a rebirth both for the individual and his/her family and most importantly a chance at a better life. Sadly, many people with disabilities in developing countries are looked down on and considered incapable of accomplishing various important tasks such as attending school or holding jobs at certain organizations. Designing prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing countries is about creating awareness in the society. It is not only about providing the individuals with the independence they deserve, but it is also about healing them and educating the communities in which they live. In many developing countries, people with disabilities are most often discriminated against and are forced to live in isolated areas. With great technology that can allow us to digitally design assistive devices like prosthetic limbs, amputees and other physically handicapped people will be able to regain their independence which will hopefully help reduce the stigma surrounding disability."

• What are some of the challenges you have had to face as an African woman in STEM, and how did you deal with them?

"My days as an African woman in STEM are mostly spent on the Wheaton College, MA campus. As a scientist, I have also worked with many engineers. The more I dive into science and engineering, the more I realize how there are very few African Women who pursue these fields. Fortunately, I have not met many challenges in terms of finding an internship or finding the resources I need to get my work done as an African woman. However, not seeing many people in this field who share the same background as me is a bit discouraging and at the same time a driving factor to work hard and show the world that although not often seen, African women can excel in any STEM field."

• What was it like working for Autodesk?

"Working for Autodesk was an enriching experience. I learned a lot and made many wonderful connections that I believe will last a lifetime. It’s been a great way for me to be exposed to the best and new technology in the world. Sitting in an office at Autodesk feels like sitting in the future. There are many amazing things that are being created at this company and I am not sure if the world is ready for what’s coming next."

• How do you think the field of prosthetics can transform Rwanda?

"As a person who grew up in Rwanda where prostheses are almost nonexistent, to say that the field of prosthetics is needed in the country would be an understatement. The field of prosthetics has a great potential to transform Rwanda in a positive way both economically and socially. With prosthetic limbs, the country can gain more independent people which for Rwanda will mean more individuals who can easily go to school and therefore help contribute to the economic development of the country. Considering the 1994 Genocide that left a large number of the Rwandan population handicapped, the country has many amputees and handicapped people in general who spend their days on the streets begging for a living. For a continued prosperous future, Rwanda needs prosthetic limbs now more than ever before as one way to support their handicapped population. Rwanda’s amputee population continues to increase today due to accidents and infectious diseases that lead to amputations and various other tragedies. In addition, the field of prosthetics can transform Rwanda by creating awareness and helping the current leaders of the country realize the importance of investing in their handicapped communities."

• What is the most important thing you are working on right now, and how are you making this happen?

"Right now, I am working on developing an adjustable prosthetic socket for above the knee amputees in developing countries. I am doing this with the support from Autodesk and MIT Media Lab."

• There are many young women looking up to you right now. What’s your advice for them?

"Find what you love to do and give it all you can give. This might require some changes in your life style and prioritizing. You might have to give up time for one habit so you can adapt another. Perhaps, my other greatest advice would be to not let your socioeconomic status or the failures in your life keep you from dreaming and working towards your goals. Dreams can come true, and I believe that in dreaming our passions reveal themselves."[/spb_text_block]

Nneile Nkholise on leading South Africa's prosthetic industry

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At just 27, Nneile Sandra Alexandrina Nkholise is founder and director of iMED Tech Group, a South African company which uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) to design breast and facial prostheses for cancer and burn victims. Her company only employs African women under the age of 30 with research backgrounds in mechanical engineering.

Nneile was born in Roma, Lesotho and grew up in Thaba Nchu, South Africa.

"I was raised by a single parent being my mom. I am a firm believer in the omnipotent God, and I believe in love and everything in between that makes life worth living blissfully. I'm a mechanical engineer by profession, a sport activist by passion and a social entrepreneur by devotion."

She had her primary school education at Tlotlanang Combined School in South Africa, which paved her path into innovation, entrepreneurship and understanding African renaissance and African development.

"At primary school, I loved participating in science fairs because I loved innovation and designing new things."

Post primary school, Nneile attended high school at Mariasdal High School and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, both in South Africa. She is currently completing her Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, with her research focus on the applications of additive manufacturing in fabricating medical prosthesis.

Nneile has been recognized as Africa’s top female innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa held in Rwanda. She was among five winners from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda who were selected from the Forum's challenge to find Africa's top women’s innovation.

Nneile is also one of Tony Elumelu Foundation's top 1000 entrepreneurs in Africa, which recognizes social entrepreneurs leading impactful social ventures. She has also been selected as a top entrepreneur to represent her country at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in San Francisco, USA.

• What motivated you to study mechanical engineering?

"My mom insisted that I should study mechanical engineering at first, but with time, I realized that my motivation to stay was the endless opportunities there were in engineering."

• Tell us about iMed Tech. What inspired this?

"iMed Tech was birthed from my master's research on the application of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of external maxillofacial prostheses. I realized how the demand for prostheses is so high while the current methods for manufacturing them couldn't meet these demands. Hence, I decided to start a company to meet this challenge. I believe that there is a huge gap between academics and business because many of our research findings are never exposed for commercialization. I saw the need to take my research findings to the market."

• It is interesting to know iMed Tech hires young female mechanical engineers only. Can you tell us why you insist on this and how it has been of benefit to the company and what you do as a whole?

"I believe that the biggest development of the 4th Industrial Revolution is going to be led by women and it is important that we empower them and give them endless opportunities so that they can be skilled enough to push Africa forward."

• You were selected as Africa's top innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa in Rwanda. How did that make you feel?

"I felt that I had finally created a footprint of my work for the continental and global landscape. It was great to be rewarded for my good work."

• What is the prosthetics industry in South Africa like? Has there been any significant growth? And is it here to stay?

"The industry is growing at a slow pace. We need to start fast-tracking processes of making prostheses accessible to people all over South Africa."

• What do you suggest can be done to help advance the industry in Africa?

"We first need to educate people on prosthetic rehabilitation and also the processes of using additive manufacturing to manufacture them."

• What excites you most about what you do?

"The ability to change people's lives for the better. The ability to make someone feel good."

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Judith Adem Owigar on inspiring Kenyan women in Tech

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Although women still remain largely underrepresented in Kenya’s flourishing tech scene, there appears to be a handful of extraordinary females paving the way for more women in the space.

As American President Barack Obama officially launched the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, tech shero, Judith Adem Owigar, stunned her audience with her journey and the story of her organization, Akirachix.

"Technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in Kenya, yet women are greatly under-represented. I am working to nurture generations of women who use technology to impact their communities and create solutions."

Judith Owigar is Co-founder and Operations Director of Akirachix, a revolution for African women and technology. Through Akirachix' activities, Judith and her team seek to increase the number of women who create technological solutions, and in effect, change the perception of technology by women.

She has also founded a second company called JuaKali Workforce, an online micro-jobs platform that links skilled manual laborers in Kenya’s informal sector (commonly referred to as Jua Kali workers) with employers.

Judith holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and a Master's degree in Applied Computing, both from the University of Nairobi.

• What inspired Akirachix?

"AkiraChix provides training, mentorship and outreach programs to increase the number of skilled women in technology while positively impacting their communities. Our programs are developed to reach young women at different levels, those in primary school, high school and university, those working in technology and those who wish to have a career in technology, making it an effectively wholesome program. We were inspired to create Akirachix to address the challenge of the dearth of women in the field of technology. Many young women are either not aware of the possibilities a career in technology offers them, or are discouraged from choosing a career in STEM due to the perception that it is not a comfortable field to be in for a woman, owing to the fact that STEM work areas are male dominated."

• There are other African organizations helping to groom more women in tech. What does your organization do differently?

"As one of the pioneering African organizations working to increase the number of women represented in the field of technology, we seek to partner with other organizations that share our vision. Our differentiator is that we are based in Nairobi and we have a wide network of members and supporters. Our programs target girls and young women from primary school, high school, university all the way up to early careers. We are effectively building a pipeline of women going into STEM careers. Therefore we always look for ways to find synergies among organizations that seek to nurture the growth of women's representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math."

• What has the experience been like meeting world leaders and global change makers who have noticed your work?

"It has been a great honor and privilege to be recognized by world leaders. It shows that no cause is too small so long as it is impacting the life of another human being positively. I hope that my interactions with these world leaders inspire young women all over Africa to take up positions of leadership and be change agents within their communities."

• Do you feel supported enough in Kenya’s tech scene?

"We have a lot of goodwill from the tech hubs and corporate companies in the Kenyan tech space. There is definitely a space for improvement in the types of support we receive.We seek not only moral support, but financial and corporate support in the form of internships and jobs for our graduates."

• What excites you the most about nurturing the talents of young women in technology?

"Knowing that by sharpening women's talents using technology we are effectively empowering not just the individual, but their communities as well."

• Do you plan on expanding Akirachix to other countries?

"Yes we are seeking partnerships with people and organizations who are interested in setting up our programs in their countries. Please contact us if you are interested in such a form of relationship."

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Esther Ngumbi - Education is the gateway to ending poverty

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According to the World Bank, the quality of education offered within a country is a strong indicator of its economic growth. More African children are being enrolled in schools. However, the quality of education is questionable; day by day being compromised by a deficit of trained teachers and mentors.

Our interview with one of Kenya's brightest scientists and New Voices Fellow, Dr. Esther Ngumbi, takes us on a journey on the importance of mentorship and education in community development.

In 2011, Dr. Esther Ngumbi graduated from Auburn University in Alabama, USA, with a PhD in Entomology. Since then, she continues to be a global leader, motivational speaker and is passionate about issues related to hunger, gender, education, youth activism and sustainability.

Dr. Ngumbi was a recipient for the highly sought-after American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship in 2007. She has been featured on AAUW's highly acclaimed national research report: Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and was named by One World Action as one of the 100 powerful women who change the world.  

Passionate about education, Dr. Ngumbi has served as a mentor with the Clinton Global University Initiative and the MasterCard Foundation. She has also established the Dr. Ndumi Faulu Academy in Kenya to ensure that every child has a solid chance at getting a quality education.

"I come from a family of seven including my father and mother. I was raised in a small rural village called Mabafweni, in Kwale County, Coast Province, Kenya. Both my parents were Primary School teachers and practiced small scale farming to supplement their small teaching salaries. Because of the meager salaries paid to teachers, my parents had to sacrifice almost everything to keep us in school. I still remember vividly how they would go to collect their pay checks, but eat nothing before coming back in the evening, hungry and tired. I wondered at their ability to be in town, in the midst of all the best foods, with money to purchase that food, but choosing not to spend it on themselves so that we could go to school. This had a powerful effect on me and continues to inspire me and gives me the strength to pursue my goals and persevere against challenges however daunting they seem. I went through high school and eventually college and attained a Bachelor of Science at Kenyatta University. As I was growing up, there were many years in which we almost lost our crops like maize, beans to insects and plant diseases. We also never knew the health of our soils. I therefore felt an interest to pursue a career that would permit me to study these insects, the diseases they cause and discover how we can use knowledge about their behavior to manipulate insect-plant systems in order to reduce their depredations. I wanted specifically to be able to make a contribution to food security in Kenya and our world. After my graduation with a Bachelor of Science, I made another step towards the actualization of my dream by pursuing a Master of Science degree. After graduating with a Master of Science degree, I received a two-year scholarship in the State of Israel, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO). Finally, I pursued my doctoral studies in the United States of America. On a beautiful summer day of August, 6, 2011, I graduated from Auburn University with a PhD in Entomology."

• What about Entomology fascinates you?

"Everything about entomology fascinates me. Entomology is the study of insects, and so insects fascinate me. But it is also a science subject where there is a lot to discover. With entomology, and science in general, you never know what you are up to. You see it firsthand. You witness it first before everyone else. The adrenaline is real. You can never get bored. Every day, you have the opportunity to discover something new."

• What is your research about, and how do you see it being translated to solve global problems?

"My research is on beneficial soil bacteria. I am specifically working with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. These bacteria occur naturally in the soil. The cool thing about them is that they form mutual beneficial associations with plants such as maize, tomatoes and peppers. Some of the benefits they are associated with include making soils more fertile and fending off plant stressors such as insects and diseases. Beneficial soil bacteria enable plants to better tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations and other challenges that come with a changing climate. Furthermore, they help plants grow better thus boosting crop yields. My research is about understanding the mechanisms by which these soil bacteria impart all these benefits to plants.  

For farmers struggling to adapt to climate change, especially small-scale farmers with limited resources, an increase in yield can open fresh opportunities for the simple reason that crop sales generate cash, including money that can be invested in a range of “climate-smart” farming techniques that further conserve water and soil, and sustainably increase production on small plots of land. As concerns about food security increase with the global temperatures, beneficial soil bacteria could be the next key tool for food security, helping farmers around the world conserve water, increase yields and improve nutrition under the changing climate."

• What are some of the challenges you have had to face as an African woman in Science?

"I would say finding women of color to mentor me along the way."

• We can see how passion driven you are as a mentor. Tell us about this experience.

"The future and prosperity of our world depends on the skillful mentoring of each new generation by the one that precedes it. Yes, I do enjoy mentoring. I love giving back through mentoring. I have had amazing experiences mentoring students under both the Clinton Global University Initiative and MasterCard Foundation. My mentees are AMAZING! They are genuinely solving our World’s pressing challenges and they are doing it with GREAT humility. I have honestly learned so much from my mentees that I sometimes think; they are the ones mentoring me.

There is something remarkable about mentoring our future leaders.  Through it all, I strive to be a role model and encourage my mentees to work hard so that they can succeed professionally and positively impact their communities. Having grown up in a community where there were no role models to encourage me to have high aspirations, I am strongly motivated to serve as a role model and mentor and help influence as many young people to strive for whatever their hearts can dream. I am committed to devoting my energy as a professional to making this kind of impact. I also believe that, once empowered, our young people will grow to be great men and women of tomorrow who will come back to our communities and help develop them."

• You are founder of Spring Break Kenya. Tell us a bit more about this.

"Spring Break Kenya is an organization that aims at community integration through the linking of students in institutions of higher learning with the rural communities of the Republic of Kenya in order to build partnerships and develop young Kenyans with the spirit of community and public service. The purpose of our organization is to foster community development through an active approach that engages young university students and professionals in “creating the change they want to see”. We promote the fundamental values of community, public service, responsibility and compassion amongst our young students."

• Does Kenya support Science education?

"Yes, Kenya does support Science education. However, women still face several barriers. Right from childhood, girls are considered to be less intelligent, and thus never expected to out-compete boys. For those that shatter the stereotypes and decide to pursue science, they are faced with other challenges which include; poor quality of Science training, lack of modern laboratories, limited access to computers and internet, inadequate funds to sustain a good Science program, lack of senior women scientist mentors and network of female peers, making it hard to survive in a work place that is characterised by minority dynamics. When Kenya and the rest of Africa have the facilities, calmness, and the right environment to facilitate science, I believe we will make great strides and contributions to science."

• Tell us about the school you have established in Kenya. What do you seek to achieve?

"On a beautiful summer day of August, 6, 2011, I attained what at times seemed to be an elusive dream. On that day, I received my doctorate degree in Entomology and became the first woman in my community to obtain a PhD degree. As I walked to get my degree, I began to cry. My thoughts meandered back to my community in Kenya. I thought of the many children in my community who had the potential to be a scientist like me but lacked the opportunity. It is during that day, I told myself that I would do whatever it would take to give the children in my community, the children from other poor communities, the children in Africa the opportunities so that they can break the poverty barrier, get an education and go out to attain whatever it is that they want to become. Since then, I have dedicated all my passion, efforts, heart, and resources to bring sustainable change in my community beginning with education.

In early, 2012, my parents and I pulled together our meagre resources and established the Dr. Ndumi Faulu Academy. As a family, we believe that education is the gateway to ending poverty. Those who have it have a sure hope of a better future. The school opened doors to 14 children. They studied in a mud class but we were happy to know that we had started giving back. Across four years, we have built eight more classrooms, enrolled 100 more students, built a library and are building a science lab to inspire a generation of scientists. The ultimate goal is to build Africa’s future Harvard and empower as many girls so that they too can break the ceiling and become presidents, lawyers, accountants and scientists."

• What keeps you going?

"The genuine infectious smiles from students attending our school. Every time I go to Kenya and spend time with them, I am inspired to do more. Our motto is BE STRONG and every time I spend time with students they ask me over and over again to BE STRONG! At the same time, the progress we have made from taking small steps inspires me to do more. Every time I go to my hometown, Mabafweni, Kenya, I remember the journey. I look at where we began and where we are. This is the inspiration that drives me to look for more resources to give our young people all they need to reach for their stars and launch to a BRIGHTER FUTURE! Their success is my success! In them, I see a future. For them, I am determined to do anything and go an extra mile!”"

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