Shaped by my grandmother's compassion and my mother's firm belief in the importance of education, I learned early on that sharing and caring are not luxuries but necessities.

I was born in Tiwi, a small village near Mombasa, Kenya, where I grew up witnessing how poverty and daily challenges shaped people's lives.

Although my own circumstances were not always easy, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by generous people who helped shape who I am today.

Looking back, I realize my philanthropic journey did not start with an organization or project; it began in my childhood, at home and in my community, where I learned what it means to care for others.

My grandmother was one of my greatest inspirations. She was a woman with a generous heart who believed that no one should go hungry if she had something to share. People traveling long distances seeking work or returning from the market with unsold goods often stopped by her home. She welcomed them in and offered food without asking for anything in return. She simply saw people in need and did what she could.

My grandmother also sang in a choir, and I felt a deep connection to her. Her example taught me that generosity does not always mean having much. It means recognizing the humanity in others and being willing to share what you have. Even in difficult circumstances, I understood I could still make a difference.

My mother was another strong influence in my life. Though she did not have extensive formal education herself, she believed firmly in its value. She supported young people in our village by paying their school fees, giving them opportunities she knew were vital for their future. Our home was often a refuge for people in need because my mother helped them. Growing up, I witnessed her dedication to others and learned that education can open doors, restore hope, and change a person's life path.

Through these two remarkable women, I learned that helping others is not something we do only when we have plenty. Sometimes it means sharing the little we have. Sometimes it means opening our home, feeding someone who is hungry, helping a child stay in school, or simply making another person feel they are not alone.

These early experiences left a lasting impression on me. They shaped my understanding of responsibility, compassion, and community, and continue to guide the decisions I make today.

Throughout my life, I have carried these lessons with me. I have come to see that compassion can spark change, but it also requires action, commitment, and opportunities that allow people to build a different future.

For me, philanthropy is not just about giving; it's about listening, standing alongside people, and helping create conditions where they can recognize their strengths and make their own choices.

One area where I put these values into practice is through my involvement with HOFOGI – Hope for Girls, in Migori County, Kenya. This work promotes opportunities for girls and young women facing challenges such as poverty, early pregnancy, early marriage, and limited access to education. I want them to know that their circumstances do not define their worth or limit what is possible for them.

I believe education and practical skills can give young women more options and control over their lives. Training offered through this work includes tailoring and dressmaking, crafts, beadwork, agriculture, culinary arts, computer skills, and basic entrepreneurship. Personal development, mentoring, psychosocial support, as well as health and hygiene education are also essential because empowerment involves the whole person.

My hope is that every young woman discovers her strengths, gains confidence, and finds a path to financial independence. I want girls to be seen not only through the challenges they have faced but also through their talents, ideas, determination, and potential.

Supporting the development of an education and vocational training center in Migori is a key part of this vision. The project involved securing funding, obtaining permits, and starting construction; further support is now needed to complete and equip the learning spaces. For me, this is about more than just building a facility. It's about creating a place where young women can learn, develop practical skills, feel supported, and prepare for new opportunities.

Every step toward realizing this center reflects the belief that opportunity should not depend solely on where a girl is born or the challenges her family faces. I want the center to help transform potential into skills, skills into opportunity, and opportunity into greater independence.

My philanthropic work also connects with my activities in Switzerland. With "Mama's Food," my initiative for African cuisine and culture, I bring people together through food, cultural exchange, and community. This work builds bridges between people and can help generate support for vocational education in Kenya. It reflects something I learned from my grandmother: sharing food can be a simple yet powerful way to make people feel welcome and connected.

Music, visual art, and fashion are also important parts of my life. They allow me to celebrate African culture, bring people together, and promote intercultural dialogue.

For me, creativity and philanthropy go hand in hand. Both can build relationships, foster understanding, and remind us of the strength we have when we support one another.

My philanthropic commitment is always evolving, but its roots remain the same: the lessons I learned from my grandmother and mother. They showed me that we don't have to wait until we have everything to help others. We can start with what we have, where we are, and with the people around us.

My vision is for girls and young women to have access to education, practical skills, encouragement, and genuine opportunities to shape their own futures. When a young woman gains knowledge and confidence, the impact can extend far beyond her own life—to her family, community, and future generations.

For me, philanthropy is both a responsibility and a way of life. It continues what I experienced as a child: sharing a meal, paying school fees, offering a home to someone in need. I carry these examples with me, and through my work, I hope to pass on this spirit of care, dignity, and possibility to others.

The generosity I experienced as a child inspires the opportunities I strive to create for others.