The Viable Potential In Our Youth And Her Goal To See Them Grow-Esther Mwaniki: Obama Foundation Fellowship;Class Of 2019

Esther Mwaniki from Kenya was recently nominated to be a part of the Obama Foundation Fellowship, class of 2019. Esther is the founder and director of Lapid Leaders Africa, a values-based leadership development program that seeks to equip young leaders.

May 21, 2019

Esther Mwaniki from Kenya was recently nominated to be a part of the Obama Foundation Fellowship, class of 2019.  Esther is the founder and director of Lapid Leaders Africa, a values-based leadership development program that seeks to equip young leaders with the skills needed to succeed after university and become transformational leaders in the marketplace.   The significant opportunity gap for college graduates who are not prepared to join the workforce keeps economies moving slowly.  The situation is more challenging for women, who have higher rates of unemployment and encounter further unique challenges as they enter male-dominated fields and aspire to move into positions of leadership.

Dr. Ndirangu noted that as Africa is the youngest continent, we have the opportunity to tap into the youth dividends. The and more so enhance individual capacity for optimal development. The various synergies presented by Columbia Global Center I Nairobi and Lapid Leader Africa is worth exploring now as this 'window' is what will allow the region and continent pivot in the future.

The Obama Foundation Fellowship supports outstanding civic innovators—leaders who are working with their communities to create transformational change and addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems. As part of the selected  20individuals who are community-minded rising stars from around the world, Esther is passionate about leadership and youth development and is eager to interact with other changemakers from around the world.  She is hopeful that the fellowship will accord her the skill and networks to allow Lapid Leaders Africa to grow and thereafter scale the program within Kenya and the region. The Obama Foundation will offer a robust program of leadership development throughout the academic year to help both cohorts of Scholars gain the real-world skills, networks, tools, and experiences to expand the impact of their work when they return home. 

Lapid Leaders’ curriculum focuses on developing the holistic leader, pairing participants with life coaches and mentors and delivering leadership experiences that change mindsets, build self-awareness, and cultivate exceptional character and skills to lead in the workplace. Over 60% of the 350 participants to date have been women. Within six months of graduation, 75% of graduates are employed, some going on to start their businesses. Alumni join ‘The Tribe’, a peer-to-peer support system that helps young leaders tackle real-world challenges like gender dynamics. As the alumni base grows, Tribe members have brought innovative ideas and businesses to build vibrant economies in Kenya and the region. Esther is working to develop a digital platform that will allow Lapid Leaders to engage with many more young leaders in Kenya and across the continent.