When I was just 12 years old, I initiated my first social change project to combat malnutrition in our village during the 90s. I united my schoolmates through music, dance, and drama, sparking a passion that would define my life’s work with young people in addressing critical social issues.
I spent my first twenty years of life following my mother’s example, learning from her how to solve everyday problems in rural life. These early experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the complexities of human interaction, culture, and community dynamics. This foundation fuelled my determination to use my skills to improve social conditions in my community.
Now, with close to two decades of experience in international development, I see myself as a seasoned catalyst for social change. I’ve worked across various continents and culture – Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, America, tackling a variety of sociocultural challenges related to resource mobilisation, sexual reproductive health, freedom of expression, civic engagement, organisational development, youth and enterprise development.
Central to my approach is the belief that creativity resides in everyone and that harnessing this potential can help us overcome any obstacle.
Guided by Human-Centered Design principles, I focus on deeply understanding the unique needs and perspectives of communities, fostering empathy and genuine connections.
Using Participatory Rural Appraisal, I empower communities to actively analyze their living conditions, identify problems, and explore their potentials to drive change.
Employing Design Thinking, I assist in creating and implementing scalable solutions that address systemic issues within communities.
I also advocate for the use of indigenous knowledge, cultural exchange, and intergenerational dialogue, valuing the diverse contributions these bring to our problem-solving efforts.
Through collaboration and co-creation, I draw on a wide array of knowledge, skills, and perspectives, developing innovative solutions that challenge the status quo and drive systemic change.
These solutions act as catalysts for transformation, empowering individuals to break from conventional paths and embrace risk-taking and paradigm shifts.
My journey has seen both successes and failures, and I bring honesty and humility to each new project. Rooted in values of creativity, resilience, reliability, and collaboration, I offer a unique blend of expertise, networks, and insights honed through years of hands-on experience.
I understand the intricate relationships between organizations, communities, artists, media, tech experts, government officials, diplomats, corporations, and civil society partners. This enables me to navigate and build bridges to drive social change effectively.