#WLICONF2016
Speakers
​The conference theme and featured speakers are guided by three key ideas – community, potential, and empowerment.
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Community – WLI is intentional about creating a community of women whose cooperation will foster an environment that allows self-growth and a welcoming peer-to-peer atmosphere.
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Potential– This theme emphasizes the need for introspection and self-awareness. The focus will be on effective strategic planning, traits of effective leaders, and how to overcome self-defeating patterns that hinder potential.
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Empowerment– This theme focuses on action steps beyond the conference. We define empowerment as a verb, a process of doing. We are keen to motivate the young women attending the conference to take what they learn and apply it to their own lives, careers, and communities.
Corporate Communications Specialist, Master Crocheter & Blogger
​
ELIZABETH 'LIZ' MUSEO MUEMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON COMMUNITY @ WLI-2016
​Prof. WANJIRU G. MBURE, PhD
CO-FOUNDER @ WLI-2016
I am a giver. I give my all to people I care about. I give the best of my time, talent and opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through acts of random kindness and through sharing knowledge. My career growth is attributed to passion in what I do but most of all, my obedience to God's voice. I love reading. I enjoy Victorian Rra movies. I love music. I revere God. I am addicted to crocheting and moreso creating beautiful things that can be useful to someone.
I am an avid blogger in four influential areas of my life: career, family, faith and philanthropy. Elizabeth is passionate about environment transformation and manages the Green Earthing Community Based Organisation blog.
​
I am a Purpose driven leader and I am very passionate about communications and leadership as a communicator. Elizabeth is Corporate Communications Specialist and is currently the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
Educator, Researcher, & Literacy Advocate
I am excited about WLI because I truly believe that young women are called to be leaders today, not tomorrow! Leaders act in the present. Of the conference themes, I most identify with Community. No one ever achieved anything great without a team. I believe learning from other leaders is invaluable to building your own skills and mentoring is one of the ways to lifelong success.
​
To a young leader, I would say, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity for success. With self-compassion you can learn from mistakes and move forward with greater resolve.
I am a beekeeper, Africa peak bagger, and enthusiastic volunteer.
​
Wanjiru has previously worked with the leadership development firm Envision EMI (USA) as a Faculty Advisor for the Junior National Young Leadership Conference (JrNYLC) and the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Washington DC and New York City. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Shilling Library and is Assistant Professor of Communication at Stonehill College.
​
NYAMURWA MBURE-MATOGO
CO-ORGANIZER @ WLI-2016
FOUNDER, Do It For Africa
YALI Fellow, Business Owner, Trainer & Mentor Extraordinnaire
Nyamurwa is a passionate young African Change Maker who is committed to seeing other young African leaders empowered to change the African narrative. She is a 2016 graduate of the Young African Leadership Initiative, East and Central Africa Center and holds a degree in Sociology and
Political Science from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) and Leadership Certificate from the African Management Initiative.
Nyamurwa has facilitated sessions and workshops with young people concerning leadership, Africa, volunteerism, and the role they can play in bringing change to the continent. After YALI Nyamurwa founded Do it for Africa, a social enterprise whose mission is to empower young Africans to do more for Africa, through training and learning opportunities that encourage civic engagement and self improvement. Her dream is to see young Africans transition into a movement of action oriented people.
Nyamurwa is a dedicated volunteer mentor. She initiated mentorship programs at Mathare Community Outreach Center and Super Ladies Club at Waguthu Village, Kiambu County. She enjoys hiking, is an avid reader and DIY enthusiast.
M. WAMBUI KARANJA
SPEAKER ON EMPOWERMENT & PANEL MODERATOR WLI-2016
Marketing, Brand positioning &
Fundraising Expert
Wambui holds a BBA Econ - International Business Management & Marketing and a
MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship.
​
WLI presents an opportunity to transform a young womans' life. It presents an opportunity to wear another womans' shoe and endeavor to inspire her life in a way I would have wished mine was, at a different moment in time. I believe that we women still continue to receive the 2nd and in some cases 3rd degree treatment; this has to change. Only through young mentorship and inspirational stories and forums can we achieve tilt in the scales. Young women must believe that they can be everything and anything they aspire to be. The government of the day has made positive strides in empowering the ambitions of every woman (young and old alike).
​
Professionally, I am the Africa Head of Sales and Marketing at Camara Africa Center Ltd. Camara is a social enterprise that utilizes technology to transform Education outcomes in marginalized societies. Camara is operational in Ireland (HQ) and 5 other African Countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho & Zambia).
​
I am an avid rotarian, working closely with the community in health, empowerment related issues. I am a book lover and marathon runner.
Wambui's leadership experience includes Team Leader at Junior Challenge Leadership Program (Finland), YMCA Leadership training program (Nairobi), and the Rotary Club of Kikuyu. She has also mentored youth at Rotaract Club Kikuyu. Wambui is the outgoing PR & Media director Rotary Club Kikuyu.
CAROLYNE GAITHUMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON POTENTIAL @ WLI-2016
Life Coach, Speaker, Life Enthusiast
Carolyne Gaithuma is an intuitive life coach. During her 8 year long employment life, she worked in various organizations practicing PR and Operations Management. In one the organizations, she rose up the ranks from receptionist to the head of operations department.
Two years ago, Carolyne suffered major psychotic depression, an event that turned her life around for the best. In the stillness of the healing psychiatric ward and her loving living room, she begun to see the path to her life purpose. She realized that every experience in her life was to prepare her for something big. Carol has since helped individuals and groups to discover and dissolve the beliefs that hold them back and tap into their infinite potential to recreate the reality they want.
​
She is passionate about the role of transformational leadership in tapping into our infinite potential to change people and social systems. Carol is married and is a super mum to two boys aged 13 and 5 years. She loves to eat life with a big spoon.
MARY. W. KAMAU
MASTER OF CEREMONY @ WLI-2016
Civil Servant, Business Owner
I am interested in WLI because it gives women a platform to show case their leadership skills. Like the late Mama Lucy Kibaki said, "days are long gone where a womans place is behind the stove... if we are running homes so well why not run the corporates? Why not run the country?"
I am most interested in women empowerment because an empowered woman is a source of strength to her family. To the young female leader, do not be afraid of taking that bold step when an opportunity presents itself, an excuse that you lack experience should not feature anywhere in your responses, pure gold is tried through fire.
​
My side hustle is supplying stationery and computer accessories to schools and government offices via a company I own. Wanja Kamau is a Certified Public Accountant CPA(K). She holds a Bacherlor of Commerce Degree and is currently pursuing her masters degree.
NJERI MBURE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Professional Photographer, Mentor & Educator,
Njeri Mbure Mbure holds an M.Sc.in Applied Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, USA and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication (TV Production) from Tangaza University College of Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
She has worked as a journalist for K24, Sahara Reporters in New York and as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Swank Properties in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving back to Kenya in 2015. She is currently a part-time lecturer at Tangaza University College and is also the Assistant Coordinator for the development of a Master’s program at the Institute of Social Communication. Mbure describes teaching as a calling as nothing gives her more joy than to be impacting the lives of young people and playing an important role in who they become.
​
Njeri is passionate about digital storytelling, photography and mentoring, which she enjoys as a mentor for the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) that was launched by president Obama, during his visit to Kenya in 2015.
​Prof. WANJIRU G. MBURE, PhD
CO-FOUNDER @ WLI-2016
ELIZABETH 'LIZ' MUSEO MUEMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON COMMUNITY @ WLI-2016
Corporate Communications Specialist, Master Crocheter & Blogger
​
I am a giver. I give my all to people I care about. I give the best of my time, talent and opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through acts of random kindness and through sharing knowledge. My career growth is attributed to passion in what I do but most of all, my obedience to God's voice. I love reading. I enjoy Victorian Rra movies. I love music. I revere God. I am addicted to crocheting and moreso creating beautiful things that can be useful to someone.
I am an avid blogger in four influential areas of my life: career, family, faith and philanthropy. Elizabeth is passionate about environment transformation and manages the Green Earthing Community Based Organisation blog.
​
I am a Purpose driven leader and I am very passionate about communications and leadership as a communicator. Elizabeth is Corporate Communications Specialist and is currently the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
Educator, Researcher, & Literacy Advocate
I am excited about WLI because I truly believe that young women are called to be leaders today, not tomorrow! Leaders act in the present. Of the conference themes, I most identify with Community. No one ever achieved anything great without a team. I believe learning from other leaders is invaluable to building your own skills and mentoring is one of the ways to lifelong success.
​
To a young leader, I would say, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity for success. With self-compassion you can learn from mistakes and move forward with greater resolve.
I am a beekeeper, Africa peak bagger, and enthusiastic volunteer.
​
Wanjiru has previously worked with the leadership development firm Envision EMI (USA) as a Faculty Advisor for the Junior National Young Leadership Conference (JrNYLC) and the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Washington DC and New York City. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Shilling Library and is Assistant Professor of Communication at Stonehill College.
​
NYAMURWA MBURE-MATOGO
CO-ORGANIZER @ WLI-2016
FOUNDER, Do It For Africa
YALI Fellow, Business Owner, Trainer & Mentor Extraordinnaire
Nyamurwa is a passionate young African Change Maker who is committed to seeing other young African leaders empowered to change the African narrative. She is a 2016 graduate of the Young African Leadership Initiative, East and Central Africa Center and holds a degree in Sociology and
Political Science from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) and Leadership Certificate from the African Management Initiative.
Nyamurwa has facilitated sessions and workshops with young people concerning leadership, Africa, volunteerism, and the role they can play in bringing change to the continent. After YALI Nyamurwa founded Do it for Africa, a social enterprise whose mission is to empower young Africans to do more for Africa, through training and learning opportunities that encourage civic engagement and self improvement. Her dream is to see young Africans transition into a movement of action oriented people.
Nyamurwa is a dedicated volunteer mentor. She initiated mentorship programs at Mathare Community Outreach Center and Super Ladies Club at Waguthu Village, Kiambu County. She enjoys hiking, is an avid reader and DIY enthusiast.
M. WAMBUI KARANJA
SPEAKER ON EMPOWERMENT & PANEL MODERATOR WLI-2016
Marketing, Brand positioning &
Fundraising Expert
Wambui holds a BBA Econ - International Business Management & Marketing and a
MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship.
​
WLI presents an opportunity to transform a young womans' life. It presents an opportunity to wear another womans' shoe and endeavor to inspire her life in a way I would have wished mine was, at a different moment in time. I believe that we women still continue to receive the 2nd and in some cases 3rd degree treatment; this has to change. Only through young mentorship and inspirational stories and forums can we achieve tilt in the scales. Young women must believe that they can be everything and anything they aspire to be. The government of the day has made positive strides in empowering the ambitions of every woman (young and old alike).
​
Professionally, I am the Africa Head of Sales and Marketing at Camara Africa Center Ltd. Camara is a social enterprise that utilizes technology to transform Education outcomes in marginalized societies. Camara is operational in Ireland (HQ) and 5 other African Countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho & Zambia).
​
I am an avid rotarian, working closely with the community in health, empowerment related issues. I am a book lover and marathon runner.
Wambui's leadership experience includes Team Leader at Junior Challenge Leadership Program (Finland), YMCA Leadership training program (Nairobi), and the Rotary Club of Kikuyu. She has also mentored youth at Rotaract Club Kikuyu. Wambui is the outgoing PR & Media director Rotary Club Kikuyu.
Claire Onzee is a passionate and self driven change catalyst who believes in the realization of Global Goals Agenda 2030. She is the Branding, Marketing and Communications Director in the Ministry of World Trade and Global Youth Entrepreneurship at World Youth Government. She is the current CEO of New African Chapter, a youth oriented nonprofit organization that comprises of members from the
54 African States aiming at creating sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of Africa in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
She is also the current Kenyan Ambassador for World Orphans Centre in Bangladesh, a charitable organization that primarily focuses on caring and speaking out for orphans and the vulnerable in the society. She is the founder of Vizioneer Investment Ltd, a purchasing and Supply Company in Kenya. Besides she is also the founder of Youth Dialogue Café, an online social media platform that discusses pertinent current affairs.
She has recently represented Kenya in the African Model United Nations Conference aimed at embracing the Role of Youth in Security, Governance and Development. She is currently involved in environmental conservation, SDG 13 planting trees and advocating for environmental conservation.
CAROLYNE GAITHUMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON POTENTIAL @ WLI-2016
Life Coach, Speaker, Life Enthusiast
Carolyne Gaithuma is an intuitive life coach. During her 8 year long employment life, she worked in various organizations practicing PR and Operations Management. In one the organizations, she rose up the ranks from receptionist to the head of operations department.
Two years ago, Carolyne suffered major psychotic depression, an event that turned her life around for the best. In the stillness of the healing psychiatric ward and her loving living room, she begun to see the path to her life purpose. She realized that every experience in her life was to prepare her for something big. Carol has since helped individuals and groups to discover and dissolve the beliefs that hold them back and tap into their infinite potential to recreate the reality they want.
​
She is passionate about the role of transformational leadership in tapping into our infinite potential to change people and social systems. Carol is married and is a super mum to two boys aged 13 and 5 years. She loves to eat life with a big spoon.
MARY. W. KAMAU
MASTER OF CEREMONY @ WLI-2016
Civil Servant, Business Owner
I am interested in WLI because it gives women a platform to show case their leadership skills. Like the late Mama Lucy Kibaki said, "days are long gone where a womans place is behind the stove... if we are running homes so well why not run the corporates? Why not run the country?"
I am most interested in women empowerment because an empowered woman is a source of strength to her family. To the young female leader, do not be afraid of taking that bold step when an opportunity presents itself, an excuse that you lack experience should not feature anywhere in your responses, pure gold is tried through fire.
​
My side hustle is supplying stationery and computer accessories to schools and government offices via a company I own. Wanja Kamau is a Certified Public Accountant CPA(K). She holds a Bacherlor of Commerce Degree and is currently pursuing her masters degree.
NJERI MBURE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Professional Photographer, Mentor & Educator,
Njeri Mbure Mbure holds an M.Sc.in Applied Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, USA and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication (TV Production) from Tangaza University College of Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
She has worked as a journalist for K24, Sahara Reporters in New York and as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Swank Properties in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving back to Kenya in 2015. She is currently a part-time lecturer at Tangaza University College and is also the Assistant Coordinator for the development of a Master’s program at the Institute of Social Communication. Mbure describes teaching as a calling as nothing gives her more joy than to be impacting the lives of young people and playing an important role in who they become.
​
Njeri is passionate about digital storytelling, photography and mentoring, which she enjoys as a mentor for the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) that was launched by president Obama, during his visit to Kenya in 2015.
CLAIRE ONZEE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Branding & Marketing Expert, Business Owner, & Youth Development Advocate
Professional Photographer, Mentor & Educator,
​Prof. WANJIRU G. MBURE, PhD
CO-FOUNDER @ WLI-2016
Corporate Communications Specialist, Master Crocheter & Blogger
​
I am a giver. I give my all to people I care about. I give the best of my time, talent and opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through acts of random kindness and through sharing knowledge. My career growth is attributed to passion in what I do but most of all, my obedience to God's voice. I love reading. I enjoy Victorian Rra movies. I love music. I revere God. I am addicted to crocheting and moreso creating beautiful things that can be useful to someone.
I am an avid blogger in four influential areas of my life: career, family, faith and philanthropy. Elizabeth is passionate about environment transformation and manages the Green Earthing Community Based Organisation blog.
​
I am a Purpose driven leader and I am very passionate about communications and leadership as a communicator. Elizabeth is Corporate Communications Specialist and is currently the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
Educator, Researcher, & Literacy Advocate
I am excited about WLI because I truly believe that young women are called to be leaders today, not tomorrow! Leaders act in the present. Of the conference themes, I most identify with Community. No one ever achieved anything great without a team. I believe learning from other leaders is invaluable to building your own skills and mentoring is one of the ways to lifelong success.
​
To a young leader, I would say, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity for success. With self-compassion you can learn from mistakes and move forward with greater resolve.
I am a beekeeper, Africa peak bagger, and enthusiastic volunteer.
​
Wanjiru has previously worked with the leadership development firm Envision EMI (USA) as a Faculty Advisor for the Junior National Young Leadership Conference (JrNYLC) and the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Washington DC and New York City. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Shilling Library and is Assistant Professor of Communication at Stonehill College.
​
NYAMURWA MBURE-MATOGO
CO-ORGANIZER @ WLI-2016
FOUNDER, Do It For Africa
YALI Fellow, Business Owner, Trainer & Mentor Extraordinnaire
Nyamurwa is a passionate young African Change Maker who is committed to seeing other young African leaders empowered to change the African narrative. She is a 2016 graduate of the Young African Leadership Initiative, East and Central Africa Center and holds a degree in Sociology and
Political Science from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) and Leadership Certificate from the African Management Initiative.
Nyamurwa has facilitated sessions and workshops with young people concerning leadership, Africa, volunteerism, and the role they can play in bringing change to the continent. After YALI Nyamurwa founded Do it for Africa, a social enterprise whose mission is to empower young Africans to do more for Africa, through training and learning opportunities that encourage civic engagement and self improvement. Her dream is to see young Africans transition into a movement of action oriented people.
Nyamurwa is a dedicated volunteer mentor. She initiated mentorship programs at Mathare Community Outreach Center and Super Ladies Club at Waguthu Village, Kiambu County. She enjoys hiking, is an avid reader and DIY enthusiast.
M. WAMBUI KARANJA
SPEAKER ON EMPOWERMENT & PANEL MODERATOR WLI-2016
Marketing, Brand positioning &
Fundraising Expert
Wambui holds a BBA Econ - International Business Management & Marketing and a
MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship.
​
WLI presents an opportunity to transform a young womans' life. It presents an opportunity to wear another womans' shoe and endeavor to inspire her life in a way I would have wished mine was, at a different moment in time. I believe that we women still continue to receive the 2nd and in some cases 3rd degree treatment; this has to change. Only through young mentorship and inspirational stories and forums can we achieve tilt in the scales. Young women must believe that they can be everything and anything they aspire to be. The government of the day has made positive strides in empowering the ambitions of every woman (young and old alike).
​
Professionally, I am the Africa Head of Sales and Marketing at Camara Africa Center Ltd. Camara is a social enterprise that utilizes technology to transform Education outcomes in marginalized societies. Camara is operational in Ireland (HQ) and 5 other African Countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho & Zambia).
​
I am an avid rotarian, working closely with the community in health, empowerment related issues. I am a book lover and marathon runner.
Wambui's leadership experience includes Team Leader at Junior Challenge Leadership Program (Finland), YMCA Leadership training program (Nairobi), and the Rotary Club of Kikuyu. She has also mentored youth at Rotaract Club Kikuyu. Wambui is the outgoing PR & Media director Rotary Club Kikuyu.
Claire Onzee is a passionate and self driven change catalyst who believes in the realization of Global Goals Agenda 2030. She is the Branding, Marketing and Communications Director in the Ministry of World Trade and Global Youth Entrepreneurship at World Youth Government. She is the current CEO of New African Chapter, a youth oriented nonprofit organization that comprises of members from the
54 African States aiming at creating sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of Africa in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
She is also the current Kenyan Ambassador for World Orphans Centre in Bangladesh, a charitable organization that primarily focuses on caring and speaking out for orphans and the vulnerable in the society. She is the founder of Vizioneer Investment Ltd, a purchasing and Supply Company in Kenya. Besides she is also the founder of Youth Dialogue Café, an online social media platform that discusses pertinent current affairs.
She has recently represented Kenya in the African Model United Nations Conference aimed at embracing the Role of Youth in Security, Governance and Development. She is currently involved in environmental conservation, SDG 13 planting trees and advocating for environmental conservation.
CAROLYNE GAITHUMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON POTENTIAL @ WLI-2016
Life Coach, Speaker, Life Enthusiast
Carolyne Gaithuma is an intuitive life coach. During her 8 year long employment life, she worked in various organizations practicing PR and Operations Management. In one the organizations, she rose up the ranks from receptionist to the head of operations department.
Two years ago, Carolyne suffered major psychotic depression, an event that turned her life around for the best. In the stillness of the healing psychiatric ward and her loving living room, she begun to see the path to her life purpose. She realized that every experience in her life was to prepare her for something big. Carol has since helped individuals and groups to discover and dissolve the beliefs that hold them back and tap into their infinite potential to recreate the reality they want.
​
She is passionate about the role of transformational leadership in tapping into our infinite potential to change people and social systems. Carol is married and is a super mum to two boys aged 13 and 5 years. She loves to eat life with a big spoon.
MARY. W. KAMAU
MASTER OF CEREMONY @ WLI-2016
Civil Servant, Business Owner
I am interested in WLI because it gives women a platform to show case their leadership skills. Like the late Mama Lucy Kibaki said, "days are long gone where a womans place is behind the stove... if we are running homes so well why not run the corporates? Why not run the country?"
I am most interested in women empowerment because an empowered woman is a source of strength to her family. To the young female leader, do not be afraid of taking that bold step when an opportunity presents itself, an excuse that you lack experience should not feature anywhere in your responses, pure gold is tried through fire.
​
My side hustle is supplying stationery and computer accessories to schools and government offices via a company I own. Wanja Kamau is a Certified Public Accountant CPA(K). She holds a Bacherlor of Commerce Degree and is currently pursuing her masters degree.
NJERI MBURE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Professional Photographer, Mentor & Educator,
Njeri Mbure Mbure holds an M.Sc.in Applied Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, USA and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication (TV Production) from Tangaza University College of Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
She has worked as a journalist for K24, Sahara Reporters in New York and as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Swank Properties in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving back to Kenya in 2015. She is currently a part-time lecturer at Tangaza University College and is also the Assistant Coordinator for the development of a Master’s program at the Institute of Social Communication. Mbure describes teaching as a calling as nothing gives her more joy than to be impacting the lives of young people and playing an important role in who they become.
​
Njeri is passionate about digital storytelling, photography and mentoring, which she enjoys as a mentor for the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) that was launched by president Obama, during his visit to Kenya in 2015.
CLAIRE ONZEE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Branding & Marketing Expert, Business Owner, & Youth Development Advocate
ELIZABETH 'LIZ' M. MUEMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON COMMUNITY @ WLI-2016
Educator, Researcher, & Literacy Advocate
​Prof. WANJIRU G. MBURE, PhD
CO-FOUNDER @ WLI-2016
I am excited about WLI because I truly believe that young women are called to be leaders today, not tomorrow! Leaders act in the present. Of the conference themes, I most identify with Community. No one ever achieved anything great without a team. I believe learning from other leaders is invaluable to building your own skills and mentoring is one of the ways to lifelong success.
​
To a young leader, I would say, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity for success. With self-compassion you can learn from mistakes and move forward with greater resolve.
I am a beekeeper, Africa peak bagger, and enthusiastic volunteer.
​
Wanjiru has previously worked with the leadership development firm Envision EMI (USA) as a Faculty Advisor for the Junior National Young Leadership Conference (JrNYLC) and the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Washington DC and New York City. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Shilling Library and is Assistant Professor of Communication at Stonehill College.
​
Corporate Communications Specialist, Master Crocheter & Blogger
​
I am a giver. I give my all to people I care about. I give the best of my time, talent and opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through acts of random kindness and through sharing knowledge. My career growth is attributed to passion in what I do but most of all, my obedience to God's voice. I love reading. I enjoy Victorian Rra movies. I love music. I revere God. I am addicted to crocheting and moreso creating beautiful things that can be useful to someone.
I am an avid blogger in four influential areas of my life: career, family, faith and philanthropy. Elizabeth is passionate about environment transformation and manages the Green Earthing Community Based Organisation blog.
​
I am a Purpose driven leader and I am very passionate about communications and leadership as a communicator. Elizabeth is Corporate Communications Specialist and is currently the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
CAROLYNE GAITHUMA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON POTENTIAL @ WLI-2016
Life Coach, Speaker, Life Enthusiast
Carolyne Gaithuma is an intuitive life coach. During her 8 year long employment life, she worked in various organizations practicing PR and Operations Management. In one the organizations, she rose up the ranks from receptionist to the head of operations department.
Two years ago, Carolyne suffered major psychotic depression, an event that turned her life around for the best. In the stillness of the healing psychiatric ward and her loving living room, she begun to see the path to her life purpose. She realized that every experience in her life was to prepare her for something big. Carol has since helped individuals and groups to discover and dissolve the beliefs that hold them back and tap into their infinite potential to recreate the reality they want.
​
She is passionate about the role of transformational leadership in tapping into our infinite potential to change people and social systems. Carol is married and is a super mum to two boys aged 13 and 5 years. She loves to eat life with a big spoon.
NYAMURWA MBURE-MATOGO
CO-ORGANIZER @ WLI-2016
FOUNDER, Do It For Africa
YALI Fellow, Business Owner, Trainer & Mentor Extraordinnaire
Nyamurwa is a passionate young African Change Maker who is committed to seeing other young African leaders empowered to change the African narrative. She is a 2016 graduate of the Young African Leadership Initiative, East and Central Africa Center and holds a degree in Sociology and
Political Science from the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) and Leadership Certificate from the African Management Initiative.
Nyamurwa has facilitated sessions and workshops with young people concerning leadership, Africa, volunteerism, and the role they can play in bringing change to the continent. After YALI Nyamurwa founded Do it for Africa, a social enterprise whose mission is to empower young Africans to do more for Africa, through training and learning opportunities that encourage civic engagement and self improvement. Her dream is to see young Africans transition into a movement of action oriented people.
Nyamurwa is a dedicated volunteer mentor. She initiated mentorship programs at Mathare Community Outreach Center and Super Ladies Club at Waguthu Village, Kiambu County. She enjoys hiking, is an avid reader and DIY enthusiast.
MARY. W. KAMAU
MASTER OF CEREMONY @ WLI-2016
Civil Servant, Business Owner
I am interested in WLI because it gives women a platform to show case their leadership skills. Like the late Mama Lucy Kibaki said, "days are long gone where a womans place is behind the stove... if we are running homes so well why not run the corporates? Why not run the country?"
I am most interested in women empowerment because an empowered woman is a source of strength to her family. To the young female leader, do not be afraid of taking that bold step when an opportunity presents itself, an excuse that you lack experience should not feature anywhere in your responses, pure gold is tried through fire.
​
My side hustle is supplying stationery and computer accessories to schools and government offices via a company I own. Wanja Kamau is a Certified Public Accountant CPA(K). She holds a Bacherlor of Commerce Degree and is currently pursuing her masters degree.
M. WAMBUI KARANJA
SPEAKER ON EMPOWERMENT & PANEL MODERATOR WLI-2016
Marketing, Brand positioning &
Fundraising Expert
Wambui holds a BBA Econ - International Business Management & Marketing and a
MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship.
​
WLI presents an opportunity to transform a young womans' life. It presents an opportunity to wear another womans' shoe and endeavor to inspire her life in a way I would have wished mine was, at a different moment in time. I believe that we women still continue to receive the 2nd and in some cases 3rd degree treatment; this has to change. Only through young mentorship and inspirational stories and forums can we achieve tilt in the scales. Young women must believe that they can be everything and anything they aspire to be. The government of the day has made positive strides in empowering the ambitions of every woman (young and old alike).
​
Professionally, I am the Africa Head of Sales and Marketing at Camara Africa Center Ltd. Camara is a social enterprise that utilizes technology to transform Education outcomes in marginalized societies. Camara is operational in Ireland (HQ) and 5 other African Countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho & Zambia).
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I am an avid rotarian, working closely with the community in health, empowerment related issues. I am a book lover and marathon runner.
Wambui's leadership experience includes Team Leader at Junior Challenge Leadership Program (Finland), YMCA Leadership training program (Nairobi), and the Rotary Club of Kikuyu. She has also mentored youth at Rotaract Club Kikuyu. Wambui is the outgoing PR & Media director Rotary Club Kikuyu.
Claire Onzee is a passionate and self driven change catalyst who believes in the realization of Global Goals Agenda 2030. She is the Branding, Marketing and Communications Director in the Ministry of World Trade and Global Youth Entrepreneurship at World Youth Government. She is the current CEO of New African Chapter, a youth oriented nonprofit organization that comprises of members from the
54 African States aiming at creating sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of Africa in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
She is also the current Kenyan Ambassador for World Orphans Centre in Bangladesh, a charitable organization that primarily focuses on caring and speaking out for orphans and the vulnerable in the society. She is the founder of Vizioneer Investment Ltd, a purchasing and Supply Company in Kenya. Besides she is also the founder of Youth Dialogue Café, an online social media platform that discusses pertinent current affairs.
She has recently represented Kenya in the African Model United Nations Conference aimed at embracing the Role of Youth in Security, Governance and Development. She is currently involved in environmental conservation, SDG 13 planting trees and advocating for environmental conservation.
NJERI MBURE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Professional Photographer, Mentor & Educator,
Njeri Mbure Mbure holds an M.Sc.in Applied Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, USA and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication (TV Production) from Tangaza University College of Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
She has worked as a journalist for K24, Sahara Reporters in New York and as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Swank Properties in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving back to Kenya in 2015. She is currently a part-time lecturer at Tangaza University College and is also the Assistant Coordinator for the development of a Master’s program at the Institute of Social Communication. Mbure describes teaching as a calling as nothing gives her more joy than to be impacting the lives of young people and playing an important role in who they become.
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Njeri is passionate about digital storytelling, photography and mentoring, which she enjoys as a mentor for the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) that was launched by president Obama, during his visit to Kenya in 2015.
CLAIRE ONZEE
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Branding & Marketing Expert, Business Owner, & Youth Development Advocate
DR. JOY OMWOHA
SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR @ WLI-2016
Educator & Researcher
Dr. Joy Omwoha is a lecturer and Head of department of Journalism and Media Studies at the Technical University of Kenya. She holds a PhD in Media Studies which has given her the exposure she requires to carry out research and to read audience and citizen behaviour while relating to media as a tool for participation.
Joy’s works and publications range from media as a public sphere for peaceful negotiation, creation and formation of citizenship, leadership and good governance to gender and representation. Joy prides in her ability to engage in both audience and all forms of media research activities and academic presentations.
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By relating to people from different cultures and social status in society both in Kenya and abroad, Joy has been in situations where she had to take up leadership positions and therefore she decided to participate more in leadership through community empowerment focusing on women as the pedestal of their communities. This has been a learning point for her as she has discovered that leadership needs to come from a uniquely powerful place from which to view, comprehend & deal with any situation with which one is confronted with. With this, Joy is more aware that leadership is being capable of aligning her values with your work.