In Kenya Humans Feel More Human

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IN KENYA, HUMANS FEEL MORE HUMAN

by Gianna Davis

I believe in creating a life that I cannot wait to wake up to. I believe in dreaming big and shooting for the stars. I believe in working hard and never giving up. I believe in the pursuit of happiness — both in your personal and professional life.

I’ve always believed these statements, or liked to have believed them, but now, after spending just 10 days in Kenya, I see the world differently, and I see these beliefs as an authentic reality.

In Kenya, humans naturally feel more human. The sincere smiles, the purest laughs, the warmest embraces… It's an incomparable feeling to experience. There’s a part of me mentally still there, and I desire to translate those feelings to all aspects of my life, especially in my future career. I desire to pursue a professional path that makes the world a better place for all; that makes humans feel more human.

I gained a deep understanding of business and management at the global scale through collaborating with our partnered entrepreneurs and enterprises. The individuals we connected with at each institution and organization were some of the most inspiring and driven professionals I have ever met. Through fervent conversations, I have developed a discovery of my role within the political economy as a global citizen.

Zaynah Khanbai dedicates her life to championing change for the development of females in the Global South. From Zaynah, I have learned the importance of growing an entrepreneurial mindset that strives to move communities forward.

Justo Casal, a former photojournalist and current driver of encouraging social transformation through enterprise, taught me about perspective. In order to bridge cultural divides, we need to understand one another fully; but we need to understand everything about one another in order to do so. It’s like taking a photograph —we need to take the picture from all angles in order to know what we are looking at truly. Leave nothing outside the frame.

Amani Ya Juu, an enterprise focused on reconciling peace in African nations through producing high-quality artisan products, opened my eyes to seeing a silver lining in everything. Amani Ya Juu provides female refugees from Kenya and surrounding African nations with a purpose and a community through meaningful work and physical safety. Together, through social and economic drives, we can encourage others to find themselves.

At Isabel’s Workshop, a part of Anchor Leather Africa, we were greeted with the warmest celebration and were treated to an engaging morning of working hands-on with the artisans. From Isabel’s team, I learned how true kindness really is.

I see a lot of myself in Tehmeena Manji, the creator of the Muthaiga Tea Company. Tehmeena began her career on the professional path I am embarking on but is currently pursuing her passion for tea, storytelling, and family through her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is an embodiment of hard work and success, from her time as a college student to working as a female in corporate America, to deeply learning about the industry, and now owning her own company.

Ubuntu Life, an enterprise producing handmade bags, shoes, and jewelry, and a foundation providing educational and healthcare services to children with special needs, welcomed us with open arms throughout these past few months, treating us like family. Through the relationships formed with the artisans, the teachers, the doctors, and the owners, I now see how we can use our resources and our platforms to spread more equity and peace in our communities.

Immersing myself in the culture of Kenya through collaborating with these entrepreneurs and enterprises has granted me a new perspective on the business world and my place within it. To experience these interactions is something so special that I wish I could formulate it into words. In Kenya, humans feel more human. Back home, I believe we can bring out the human in one another through consistent kindness, genuineness, and respect, in both our personal and professional lives.

My experience being a team member of the 2023 Kenya Immersion Program is one that I will forever hold close to my heart. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.

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