I was born in a place considered to be one of the biggest slums in Kenya and in the World. Though the environment always seems as though no one can cope in it, to some of us it was a school of life where we acquired skills, Knowledge, and wisdom.

Leaving in one room a family of 11 people, it’s not only being congested but it’s also about learning skills on sharing, understanding, perseverance, determination, as well as tolerance. I was blessed to have a caring grandmother who made sure that I went through formal school from pre-school to college.

I always dreamt of becoming a lawyer, a dream that I invested my time, energy and commitment on. This dream was shuttered when my high school head teacher cancelled History paper for lack of enough students and the 9 students who had chosen history were asked to take Geography paper. This was aimed at the school getting a good overall marks and the consideration of our interest was not put in mind.

Though it was a painful journey, all was not lost as my heroin grandmother secured for me a scholarship to study Catering and Culinary Arts, a topic that women are considered to be good at.

I began volunteering at the Kicking AIDS Out Secretariat in July 2009 assisting with logistics and development of the Networks Bi-monthly newsletter. I eventually began to have an interest with the database that had just been launched. I took up the challenge of updating it and adding data and information, little I did not know that I was an ‘expert’ in the making.

Through this journey and new path of career I have made tremendous achievements all inspired by the people around me and the network. I have met wonderful and inspiring leaders, sat in working groups, workshops and meetings and eventually became capable.

The passion of working with people did not start at this stage, but earlier in 2004 when I pioneered in the development of Kuinuana Self Help Women Group in Mathare 4B, a unique entrepreneurial and income generating project. The skills that I am acquiring now shall play a critical role in my pathway.

Volunteering in the Secretariat is such a blessing and one of the best things that has ever happened for me. Never thought I will ever sit in an office and stand in front of people to present or talk; learning technical skills and following a new career path, acquiring new hobbies and knowledge; creating promotional materials, working on Kicking AIDS Out database, logistics and participating in seminars. All this are invaluable.

My gratitude I extend to Linda, Ilona and George for being so supportive and introducing me to a new career. My next step is to go back to school and who knows ... Take up IT or Graphics designs. All things are possible if you believe, and I do believe.