The Birth of SheEO: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Purpose

 

The story of SheEO's birth is deeply intertwined with my personal journey, marked by unexpected turns, periods of reflection, and a deepening sense of purpose that emerged during one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2016, after a successful career as a sales executive, I made a bold decision that many might find surprising—I resigned from my corporate job. At the time, I was seeking something more meaningful, something that resonated with a deeper part of me that I couldn't yet fully understand. I was young, and though I had achieved financial success early on, I hadn’t mastered financial management. This, combined with a restless spirit, led me on a path of self-discovery.

Leaving Nairobi behind, I moved to Naivasha to work with my brother and a friend in a hotel. Despite having no background in the hospitality industry, I jumped in, hoping this new environment would provide the clarity I was seeking. However, it soon became clear that Naivasha wasn’t where I was meant to be. I returned to Nairobi, uncertain but determined to find my path.

After briefly working at a new job for just two days, I realized once again that something was missing. There was a growing desire within me to pursue a different direction, though I didn’t yet know what that was. Eventually, I landed a job at an IT firm, thanks to a referral from a former colleague. But after seven months, the same feeling returned—I struggled to get out of bed, feeling unfulfilled and yearning for something more.

That’s when a new opportunity arose. I began running a children’s home, and this time, the work felt closer to what I was seeking. We partnered with a microloan organization - Touch of Love International and pioneered their program in Kenya, working closely with the community to empower them. This experience was incredibly rewarding, and I continued in this role until 2020 when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic forced us to close the children’s home, and once again, I found myself at a crossroads, searching for the next challenge.

Then, one night in September 2020, everything changed. I woke up at 3 a.m. on the 17th, compelled to grab my notebook and write down the thoughts racing through my mind. What poured out onto those pages would later become the foundation of SheEO—the mission, vision, objectives, and framework of a program designed to empower women in marginalized communities. It was as if God was guiding my hand, preparing me for something greater, even though I didn’t fully realize it at the time.

As I continued to work on various initiatives—co-running a milk bar, organizing food drives, and launching a microlending program—I knew deep down that SheEO was my calling. By March 2021, I was working with an organization to launch another microlending program, all the while feeling God’s presence, molding and preparing me for the work ahead.

Fast forward to July 2023, and I knew the time had come. I believe that God pushed me out of employment because He knew I was ready. Ready to fully embrace SheEO and dedicate myself to this mission. By October, I had left my job, fully committed to bringing SheEO to life. Although SheEO was officially incorporated this year, the journey began long before, and I am incredibly grateful for every step, every lesson, and every moment of grace and favor that God has bestowed upon me.

Today, when I speak of SheEO’s audacious goal of reaching 50,000 women, it’s not just a wish. It’s a declaration of faith in the God who works within me, the vision He has placed in my heart, and the incredible impact He is capable of achieving through us.

SheEO was birthed in a time of uncertainty, but it has grown into a beacon of hope and empowerment for women across Africa. I am humbled by the journey and excited for what lies ahead, knowing that with God’s guidance, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s continue to empower, uplift, and create lasting change together.