Hoping to travel from Kenya to pursue graduate education in USA is the dream of many girls. To actualize that dream is another story altogether. I am so blessed, I was able to bring my dream to reality. It took the support of many, the main support of my study at the University of Denver being AAUW.

Now that I have a PhD, my goal is to go to the grassroots and contribute to transformation of the social fabric of my country and around the world. I have been working with children orphaned by AIDS and vulnerable children and their families. For the next couple of years I want to dedicate my life to leadership training for girls, human rights advocacy for women, and sustainable peacebuilding – critical areas in current post-conflict Kenya following the December 27, 2007 elections. The political crisis in Kenya not only unleashed underlying ethnic sentiments manifested in the brutal killing of members of rival ethnic groups, it also underlined the need for a more proactive approach to building sustainable peace in our communities. While the short-term effort has been to end the violence, the long-term vision must focus on building communities of tolerance, compassion, respect, and appreciation for diversity. The leadership of women is critical in this endeavor.

Thank you AAUW for your stand with women from around the world. By empowering one woman, the ripple effects of her liberation reaches down deep, unearths and breaks systemic barriers that hinder the possibilities of taking charge of our lives.