AKINYI AWORA

My fellow women and all those who believe in the power of dreams, today I want to speak to you about a remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of never giving up on your dreams. Her name is Akinyi Awora.

Akinyi's commitment to growth and her belief in the power of continuous improvement to drive development solutions, such as the stellar Ted X Kisumu coming up in August 2023 is truly inspiring. She is a relentless advocate for equality and her life's work is dedicated to designing solutions that disrupt the way we think about development. She has made it her mission to organize young people to be the deciding difference in creating smart and sustainable development, and her work has been recognized globally, earning her several prestigious awards and titles.

As a design thinking consultant, Akinyi has helped businesses, civil societies, and public servants design products and programs built for impact. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow, an Ashoka Young Changemaker, and an Africa Youth for SDGs Champion, just to name a few of her many accomplishments. Her work with women in driving economic development is especially commendable, and it's no surprise that she has earned the Women of Heart Golden Award from the Women of Heart Foundation in London, UK.

But what truly sets Akinyi apart is her philosophy of "Lead with Love." Her unwavering commitment to infusing every solution with the inherent belief that all human beings deserve to live with dignity above all else is the driving force behind her campaign to end poverty. She is a true force to be reckoned with, a leader who inspires others to follow in her footsteps and make a positive impact in the world.

So, my dear sisters, let us take inspiration from Akinyi's example and never give up on our dreams. Let us commit ourselves to growth, continuous improvement, and designing solutions that disrupt the status quo. Let us lead with love, and let us never forget that our dreams are valid. Thank you.