Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and explore new interests ~ Idah Kithinji

Meet Idah taking the VA program. With a background in communication & experiences ranging from UN-Habitat to local TV reporting, Idah aims to leverage tech skills to enhance social impact initiatives

Idah Kithinji’s story made us picture her in this particular context: A professionally dressed woman sits at a sleek desk in a modern, high-rise office. Bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, she types intently on her laptop with a steaming cup of chai next to her, her face a picture of focused concentration as the bustling city skyline stretches out behind her. She's got that look in her eye - you know, the one that says, "I've got big plans, and nothing's gonna stop me."

Idah's story starts like many of ours – with a solid plan. She got her Bachelor's and Diploma in Communication from St. Paul's University, thinking she had it all figured out. But life had other ideas.The girl's resume reads like a mini-novel - from interning at the UN-Habitat to managing social media for Rise & Learn Global, and even reporting for KU TV. Her dedication to community development and global progress has had her do some volunteer work as a WASH Coordinator and Rotary Foundation Director. Idah's been around the communication block.

Now, at this point, you might be thinking, "Okay, but what's she actually going to do with all this tech stuff, I mean, you’ve got a pretty solid background, isn’t that enough?" Well, Idah's got plans. Big plans, “Technology has the potential to empower individuals and communities by providing access to information, resources, and opportunities. I am passionate about leveraging tech to promote inclusivity and bridge digital divides, ensuring that advancements benefit everyone, regardless of background or location. I also aim to leverage digital tools to enhance communication campaigns, amplify social impact initiatives, and foster community engagement.” 

But Idah's journey hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. When asked what it takes to make it in her field, she doesn't sugar-coat it. "Effective communication and collaboration are essential in these fields. Being adaptable enables individuals to work well with diverse teams, understand different perspectives, and adjust communication styles to suit various stakeholders and audiences.”And if you're thinking of following in Idah's footsteps? Her advice is simple: "Be patient”

Idah's learned a lot on this wild ride. The biggest lesson? "Trust your abilities, stay curious, and learn from everything, the positive  and the challenging”

When it comes to her support system, Idah's got a pretty cool crew. There's her big sis Joy, always pushing her to be better. Her bestie Theo, a top manager in a big company who's not afraid to give her the hard truth. And then there's Ambassador Michal Mlynar, whom she met working at UN habitat who showed her that even big shots can be humble and whose dedication to support young people touched her.

To wrap it up, Idah's got a message for anyone out there hustling: "Embrace every opportunity as a stepping stone to your success" Who knows? The next time you see a viral campaign making waves across Africa, it might just have Idah's tech-savvy touch all over it. 

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