Fellow Spotlight
Celebrating Innovation Journeys
Marion Njeri
Fundraising Fellow, Cohort IV
JKUAT, Class of ‘21
Rising Above Challenges: My Journey of Innovation and Impact
I graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2020 with a degree in Real Estate. As a member of Cohort VI at Impact Africa Network (IAN), my journey of innovation and impact has been a transformative one.
First Steps into Innovation
Imagine me as a giraffe - tall, graceful, and always rising above challenges. My journey began during my university days, where I gained valuable experience in the construction and property industry. I harbored dreams of becoming a renowned developer, but destiny had other plans. While job hunting after graduation, I stumbled into the tech world through online transcription work. Little did I know that this would be the path leading me to IAN. My entry into IAN was marked by a captivating video that showcased the organization's impactful projects. I was drawn to the young, articulate individuals who were leading these initiatives. Despite my limited work experience, I dreamt of becoming a part of this fresh and dynamic environment.
Evolution and Growth
The early days at IAN were nothing short of challenging. Meetings were relentless, often stretching late into the evenings. The fast pace was initially overwhelming, but these experiences were molding my resilience for the journey ahead. It was during this time that I delved into the world of tech, learning about tools like the GTM stack and extensions for list building. My newfound tech-savvy skills became a source of pride and amazement among my friends in the field. My role at IAN began as a market researcher for Done International, where I meticulously researched properties for clients in the diaspora. Later, I transitioned to the fundraising department, a realm entirely unfamiliar to me. However, my innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge led me to embrace this new challenge. I steadily gained confidence, becoming a proficient speaker in meetings and presentations. During this phase, I also actively contributed to the development of the LaunchPad Innovation Campus. I conducted outreach, surveys, and garnered positive responses from potential partners. Today, I am unafraid to take calculated risks, manage costs efficiently, and seamlessly switch roles when needed.
Marion at the ground breaking ceremony for Launchpad Innovation Campus
Unforgettable Moments and Emotions
My journey at IAN has been dotted with unforgettable moments. One such moment was on May 9, 2023, following an inspiring fireside chat with the USA Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman. The overwhelming flood of congratulatory messages and encouragement from those who had worked tirelessly to bring LaunchPad to life filled me with pride, inspiration, and the belief that with sufficient willpower, nothing is impossible. The impact we've had on our community is palpable. Visitors to LaunchPad are often captivated by its transformation from bare walls to an inspiring space. The quotes and murals of society's changemakers adorning the walls leave a lasting impression, reminding me of the journey we've undertaken.
Personal and Professional Growth.
One pivotal moment in my personal and professional growth was organizing a virtual fireside chat with Jenny Just. This experience fueled my passion for fundraising and connecting powerful women with young talents at IAN. The mentorship and collaboration with our team lead, Barasa, and other colleagues have instilled in me a winning mentality and imparted invaluable wisdom. These experiences have propelled us towards realizing IAN's 10 10 10 vision by 2030.
Leaving a Legacy
As I prepare to transition, I reflect on the legacy I want to leave behind. Legacy, to me, is about leaving something in people, not just for them. I aspire for future innovation fellows to step into LaunchPad and hear stories of my journey, inspiring them to strive to be the best in the world at what they do. Challenges should not be avoided; they are the crucible that shapes us into who we are meant to be.