Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 7 - Kenya's Women of the Week.

This is an exciting week for us.  It is the denouement of journey that has taken more than two years, with the help of over 150 people, to compile.  "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," conversations with high achieving men of Kenya, is set to be launched on Sept. 3rd.  This 402 page coffee table book profiles 85 men of substance.  Brace yourselves for another dose of inspiration.

Our "Women of the Week" are:  Media Personality, Julie Gichuru; Scientist, Sports Woman, and Educationist, Dr. Elizabeth Odera;  and Writer, Publisher, Teacher, and Activist, Asenath Odaga.

Julie Gichuru is an inextinguishable flame; growing greater by the day.  She was recently named one of Africa's most powerful women by Forbes.  In addition, this young lady was declared Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and was also awarded the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Award for Advocacy of Active Non-violence and Peace during the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008.

"...

I was a bookworm at school.  I was also enthusiastic and active, taking part in almost every activity.  I was strong in the arts and loved to write poetry.  I took part in drama, wrote plays and even won awards for verse speaking.  I got on well with my teachers and remain in touch with schoolmates from every school, including nursery.  Boarding school was an incredible experience that helped build my independence and studying abroad was a vital component in helping me appreciate diversity.

...

The wise counsel I receive from my parents and grandparents, husband, in-laws and friends drives my success.  I never forget that God loves me.  His plans may not be our plans, but "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

...

I would like to tell young people that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.  They should think carefully about what they want because they may just get it!

..."

Dr. Elizabeth Odera holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Copenhagen.  This stunning all-round lady - Scientist, Sports Woman, and Educationist - is the Founder/Director and Head Professional of Sadili Oval Sports Academy.  In 2008, she was Knighted with the Bronze Medal of Honor, by the Government of France, and in '04 she was awarded the PTR Humanitarian of the Year Award.

"...

Watching my mother struggle made me realise that, as a woman, if you are not independent, you will sink.  Due to the number of children she had, my mother had to stop working to look after us.  She started a business, but it never really progressed because my father was always in and out of it.

...

I pursued science because it came easily to me.  During my first Science Fair, my Chemistry project was literally a magic show, colours changing, things that blew up and other effects.  I received the second prize at the Fair, which was quite a surprise as I had almost given up on my project until Professor Norah Olembo encouraged me.  Having role models is critical.  Professor Olembo moved in and our of my life a few times, without realising that she was making an impact on me.

...

I wish I could see willingness in our local leadership to listen and mentor young people.  One day, I hope to be remembered for helping make a positive difference in the life of every young person that I met."

This Writer, Publisher, Teacher, and Activist has over fifty books to her credit.  Asenath Odaga is the Founder of Lake Publishers.  She is also the Founder Member of Kenya Literature Women's Group, renamed, Gender and Development Centre (GADECE), and also Founder Member of the Writers Association of Kenya.

" My mother's people were chiefs in the area of the Nyabondo Plateau in Nyanza Province.  My father, Blastus Akumu Aum, was from Nyakach Clan.  They migrated from Southern Sudan to Kenya and were the last Luo clan to find settlement on the plateau where they still live.

...

As women, we must realise we have a big roe to play in our familes and society.  We should discard cultural practices that demean us and foster cooperation amongst ourselves so that women may be empowered.  I am proud to be an African woman:  my culture has mad me what I am.  I am also proud to be a Kenyan, although it disappoints em to see some of the things we do.

...

My inspiration comes from various sources and everyday life.  Sometimes I craft tales from my imagination, remembering stories my mother and grandmother used to tell me.  I was influenced greatly by my university lecturers, such as Okot P. Bitek and Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a renowned poet and writer respectively.  They were the first to introduce oral literature at the local university.  My writing is also influenced by the world around me, the desire to eradicate poverty and my sense of justice, stemming from my Christian faith and my Luo culture.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 6 - Women of the Week.

Hello folks, welcome to yet another one of our blogs where we highlight three women, each week, who have made a difference in Kenya and beyond.  Before we start, we are delighted to inform you that our second publication of the "Life Journeys" trilogy, is due to be out on September 3rd.  The coffee table book, "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," profiles 85 Kenyan men of substance.  Just like it's sister, "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," each inspirational story, written by our young collaborating writers, is accompanied by Bobby Pal's stroke of genius; all men captured through his magnificent lenses. Priceless pictures of different faces of leadership.  Before we proceed to our "Women of the Week," allow us to interject and share with you a letter sent to us by one of our achievers in the women's book.

I am excited that the "Book for Men" is already ready for launch!
Pass my Congratulations to Susan, Bobby and the whole Footprints Press team.
Right now, of all the copies you released, it must be the "dirtiest" because
we have a very busy clinic! 
It has been handled by all sorts of fingers and many hands!
I often find my clients and visitors engrossed in its pages and unwilling to
be torn away when it's their turn to see me or to see another Therapist.

There are always two questions from our clients and visitors:

1. To my Receptionist: "Where can I purchase a copy?" We refer them to
Text Book Center. That's where I've seen them.
2. To me: "When is the men's book coming out" I often answer -- "Soon".


Now, I can't wait to have the two books side by side on our reception coffee
table.
I'm writing a book on parenting and I'll quote heavily from the two books. 
I believe that my citations will market the books some more. 
Many of our people: children, youth and adults -- are "dying" for lack of
role models and life values. 
The two books will continue to fill this vacuum.
Once again, CONGRATULATIONS.
I hope to be there on Sept 3rd.

Dr. Gladys K. Mwiti

Enjoy this week's "Women of the Week."

Educationist and former Member of Parliament Dr. Eddah Gachukia has been the Executive Director of The Riara Group of Schools since 2000.  In 2009, this stunning lady was honoured by The International Committee of the Fellowship of the Least Coin, for Outstanding Efforts in Education in Kenya.  In 1997, she was honoured by H.E. President of Senegal for Service to Girls' and Women Education in Africa.  It is hard to believe that she began her education career as a secondary school teacher of Thika High School in 1960.

"...

I found school easy and enjoyable, though it was irritating when I scored high marks in Mathematics and the male teachers said they wished I were a boy.  I went to the African Girls' High School, now Alliance Girls High School and it proved to be an enjoyable experience.  I was the mail girl, a coveted and delicate responsibility.  At times, the letters I distributed were from boyfriends and I had to keep this a secret.

...

The people who have influenced me most in my life are my teachers as I wanted to emulate them.  I wanted to teach and it seemed I was cut out for it.  My father and my colleagues at home and all over the world have also influenced me.  I am also influenced by my husband, Daniel Gachukia, and my children.  

...

As women, we must recognise that we are created in God's image and we must never allow anything or anybody to put us down.  We need to remain focused and never lose sight of our critical multiple roles in all sectors of life, especially the family.

..."

Media Personality Patricia Khiranji Amira-Sanders has been in the limelight since the early 2000's.  She is currently the Host of "The Patricia Show" on MNet, and has participated in various fields of entertainment from being a Master of Ceremony for Safaricom, British Airways, and Miss World Kenya, to Presenter of Groove thing, Mid-morning and Afternoon Jam for Capital FM.

"I attended Loreto Convent Msongari where I would say I was an average student, but even back then I loved the arts.  I remember participating in the Kenya Music Festival and coming second.  I also enjoyed Drama and Fine Arts and once won second place in a United Nations (UN) peace painting competition.

...

In 2005, I revived an earlier idea for a television talk show.  I shared this with David and we began to explore ways to make it a reality.  We funded and recorded a pilot for the show in September when I was three months pregnant.  Our family and friends formed the audience.  A week after the pilot, I ended up in hospital, Which put a hold on our plans for television.  We were blessed with Kaya's safe arrival in March 2006.  One of the highlights in my life is having a baby.  It gives you a sense of who you are as a woman and a whole different outlook on life.

...

I have often struggled with a sense of self-worth, trying to make sense of my role in life and it has at times stopped me from saying what I need to say and doing what I needed to do.

..."

Jennifer Nafula Barassa is the CEO of Top Image.  This entrepreneur started off as a teacher in Lenana School, where she was the first African female teacher.  Her company was ranked 2nd in Kenya's Top 100 Mid-sized Companies in 2009/ '10, and she was Declared Leading Lady Entrepreneur by Nation Media and KPMG in '08,'09, and '10.

"...

As early as 1985 people told me I should get into business, but I was not interested.  I liked the fancy titles, like Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, and having a company car and I was not up to taking such risks then.

...

Growing up, Pamela Mboya's father was our neighbour.  Pamela was sophisticated, educated and drove a yellow Volkswagen that I vividly remember.  On alighting from the car she looked tall and elegant.  I wanted to be like her.

...

One of my life's highlights was when my daughter, Bidanya, won the MNet Face of Africa, Kenya Chapter Competition in 1999.  I am proud of her and what she has achieved.  She graduated from USIU with a degree in International Business Administration, and then proceeded to Pepperdine University in Carlifornia, USA to do a master's degree.  She is currently a marketing manager at Tetra Pak, East Africa.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 5 - Women of the Week.

We hope that you are enjoying our theme of "Kenya's Women of the Week."  This is to honour Kenyan women who have made a difference, and continue to do so in our society and beyond our borders.  This week, we keep it going with three new women who are deserving of this: Singer, Achieng Abura; Film Maker and Storyteller, Wanuri Kahiu; and Entrepreneur, Julie Scott.

Achieng Abura is a familiar name, face; a singer whose voice is full of soul, whose rhythms are captivating, and whose lyrics are undoubtedly on the Mensa level.  This beautiful lady won the Kora Award for Best East African Female artist in 2004, and is also the recipient of Spirit of a Warrior and Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya honours.

"...

I am my mother's daughter.  My late mother, Isabella Abura, continues to have a great influence on my life.  I went to Hill School in Eldoret.  When I was 12, I sat for my Certificate of Primary Education Exams and, as an incentive, my mother offered to buy me a piano if I did my best.  I was ranked second in the whole province and duly received my Campbell Piano.

...

My career in music has not been an easy road and if I were to do it again, I would make sure that I still pursued my education.  I recommend this for every artist and emphasise that nobody should underestimate the  value of education.

...

If you are a leader, you have to do everything for the good of the people.  I insist on a leadership that deals with issues and not personalities - one that deals with the needs of people and not the political needs of the leaders.  Sometimes you have to be a strong enough leader to say, "You elected me, but I am going to go against you".  If you do the right thing, people will see the results and they will put you back in office.

..."

Young Film Maker and Story Teller Wanuri Kahiu is undeniably in the top tier of film makers in Kenya and Africa.  She is a University of California graduate, and the Director and Co-Founder of Awali Entertainment.  This award winning Film Maker is the recipient of the Citta di Venezia Award at the Venice International Film Festival in 2010, and the Special Jury Award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival the same year, just to name a few.

"...

At school, I was a complete bookworm.  I read anything, anywhere and at any time.  I think my nose would still be buried in a novel today if it were not for film.  This did not affect my social life in any way because my closest friends were bookworms as well, so we were birds of a feather.  This love for reading has helped to mould my future path.  I write stories because I love to read them.

My contribution to this industry has been driven by the notion that it is all I can do.  One thing I would like to emphasize is that I am a storyteller and not a filmmaker.  I did not just wake up and decide to be a storyteller after years of doing something else.  No!  I have always been a storyteller.  I honestly do not know what else I would do if I was not in film, or who else I would be, if not a filmmaker.  A typical day in my life revolves around film.  I wake up, shoot a film, edit a film, or write a film.  Then I go home.  All my focus and energy goes into whatever film I am doing, thinking and dreaming.  When not filming, I am planning the next film to be shot.

...

I am aware of all that surrounds me.  Perhaps I contradict myself when I say that the ultimate highlight of my life is when I touch God, Because for me the most important journey in life is the journey to God.  If you have not achieved that, you have not reached the journey's end.  I believe God manifests in light and sound and we need to do all we can do to reach God.

..."

Entrepreneur Julie Scott is a household name in the tourism industry.  This Ugandan-born tourism guru is the owner of Carlson Wagonlit Travel/ Bunson Travel Service, and Sundial Travel.

" ...

 My parents have had the biggest influence in my life.  They brought us up without substantive extended family support.  My father worked extremely hard.  He was not well educated, but he took all eight of us to good schools.  My mother is my inspiration she is in  her mid 70's and still runs a farm in Kitale.  She is an amazing person, and despite having been ostracized, brought us up wonderfully.

...

One of my biggest mistakes as a new entrepreneur was not getting involved on the financial side of my business.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  As a business owner, you need to know the basic financial management and accounting.  I have never been strong in that area yet, it is a very important part of running a business.

I am inspired by successful women who do not let things get in their way.  Eddah Gachukia is one person who I always say is my mentor.  Her insistence on the education for the girl child has inspired me.  I am also inspired by other successful women.  Honesty and integrity are two values that I hold in high regard.  I always say that there is no point of doing anything without them.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 4 - Women of the Week.

Yet another week!  We presume that you have started off your week well, and this week we are providing more inspiration for you to get you through.  Last week we highlighted Gina Din, Lornah Kiplagat, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu as our "Women of the Week," and this week we continue with three new women who are masters in their crafts.  Our "Women of the Week" are Poet Tazim Elkington, Scientist and Sportswoman Professor Judi Wakhungu, and Poet Caroline Nderitu.  Enjoy these excerpts of their stories from "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny".

Tazim Elkington is a Speaker, Trainer, Writer, Poet, and Paradigm Shifter of Indian Black Butterfly, Kenya.  This is one lady who has offered inspiration to the masses through her poetry, authenticity, generosity, and unwavering love for people, nature, and life.

"...

I have gone through many different beliefs concerning God and Religion and have reached the point where I believe there has to be something greater than us to orchestrate this amazing existence.  It is far too great and detailed to be random.  Defining it is not necessary for me.  What is most important is that I take responsibility for my life and make it meaningful.

...

The Indian Black Butterfly is the name of my company.  I am Indian, black because I am Kenyan and a butterfly as this is the greatest symbol of freedom and transformation.  I challenge all so called norms and this pushes people's buttons.  I do what I want and I am who I want to be.  This is not always easy however that is the consequence of being honest.  All actions have consequences and it is not possible to please all of the people all of the time.

...

Living in the shadows and limitations imposed by others is not conducive to current times, live as the person you want to be, not as who you are expected to be.  We have only one life to live to the fullest!"

Professor Judi Wahkungu is currently the Executive Director of African Centre for Technology Studies.  This Scientist is a superior force in her field, and has researched and published in the areas of energy policy and development; science, technology, public policy and development; and gender issues in science and technology policy.  She is also a sportswoman who has represented her Alma mater, St. Lawrence University in New York, and her country, in Tennis.

"...

I was an eager child.  I loved the school environment because of the endless activities and opportunities to explore.  Although some suggested that I was hyper-active, I believe I was merely curious.  I saw extra-curricular activities as just another pathway to absorb, assimilate and progress.  I took part in, and won, national public speaking competitions and my peers and family members wondered how I coped with the nerves and the butterflies when attending such events.

...

Not long after starting high school at Loreto Convent Valley Road, I was rushed to the school's famed tennis courts, by the resident nuns.  As my sister excelled in the sport, the nuns thought that I might be quite good as well - and they speculated correctly.  Due to the nuns' initiative, my sister and I excelled in the sport, going as far as being ranked number one in the country and representing Kenya globally as well as achieving full scholarships to study abroad as scholar-athletes in the United States.

...

The expectations that I have set for myself throughout my life have always been high.  Looking at my extended family, numerous individuals can boast exceptional achievement in a variety of fields.  My uncle, the late Professor Nelson Awori, was a surgeon of international prowess and Kenya's first kidney specialist, yet a man of deep humility and he left an indelible mark.  My uncle, Dr. Moody Awori, Kenya's former Vice-President, taught me about the nuances of responsibility and leadership.  There are several more impressive family members and although intimidating, these achievers egged me on and I always have a subconscious reference to the benchmark set by their achievements.

..."

Caroline Nderitu is a Poet and a Presentation Skills Coach with her very own Caroline Communications Limited.  She is also the Founder of the Poetry Lab.  This artistic achiever was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for Culture and Arts in 2006, and was also Eve Woman of the Year for Arts in 2007, among other awards.

"Playing teacher was my favourite game as a child.  My peers nick-named me, 'Ciru kahorani,' Kikuyu for 'Wanjiru, who beats people up'.  I was aggressive as a child, active, noisy and my affinity to the stage was cultivated at the young age of four.  Performing on stage and being applauded felt awesome and I knew for sure it was my calling.

...

The most influential people in my life have been educationists, Dr Eddah Gachukia, Mrs Mary Okello and Mrs Kiplagat.  They demonstrated that as girls we matter and that we can compete equally with the boys in the academic arena.  They helped me build my self-esteem and acquire useful life skills.

...

My greatest struggle in life has been dealing with criticism.  I was once told that what I do is not poetry, but rhythmical nonsense.  I was so heart-broken that I did not leave the house for a week.  I eventually got over this and accepted that there are those who will appreciate my work and there will always be those who don't embrace it.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 3 - Women of the Week.

This week we keep it going, as our blog gets bigger and more popular, thanks to you all.  Our Women of the Week are Entrepreneur Gina Din Kariuki, Conservationist Dr. Paula Kahumbu, and Olympian and Philanthropist Lornah Kiplagat.  Enjoy and follow us for excerpts from our books and updates of our upcoming publications.

Gina Din is the Managing Director of the highly successful and well renowned Gina Din Corporate Communications, which won Best Public Relations Company in Middle East and Africa at the Stevie Awards in 2010.  This Entrepreneur is a loving individual with a big heart visible through her active involvement with the Kenya Red Cross as a Goodwill Ambassador.  This is an excerpt of her story from "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny."

" I was brought up in Nanyuki, where my parents owned and ran the Sportsman's Arms Hotel.  As the youngest of four sisters, I was the baby of the family.  We were not your typical stay-at-home family, as most of our time was spent in the Hotel.

...

I was a terrible student in all the schools that I attended.  My teachers and practically everyone else wrote me off, thinking that I would not amount to much.  This negative view spurred me to prove them wrong.  Although I succeeded, I still regret not having done well at school, because if I had, my father would not have died thinking that I was a failure.  Though he did not say this, I wish I had brought him better grades.  Now that I am a mother, I cannot imaging my children bringing home bad grades.

...

My other hero is Mother Theresa.  Her love for people and acts of charity left a mark in the world and inspired me.  Since 2008, I have been a Goodwill Ambassador for the Red Cross and this gives me the opportunity to help others.  Helping others is truly fulfilling.

..."

Dr. Paula Kahumbu is an Ecologist and Conservationist with a Doctorate from the prestigious Princeton University.  She is the CEO of Wildlife Direct Incorporated and the recipient of the 2011 National Geographic/Buffett Award for Conservation Leadership.

" Working in an office is my greatest challenge!  I love the outdoors and I always want to be with the wild things.

...

At Loreto Convent Msongari School, my love for the outdoors was instilled further.  Although it was a Catholic school, it had an enormously diverse student body, where religious, tribal and racial tolerance was part of the culture.  I did not know that race was an issue until I went to University and realized that melanin was a problem.

...

Dr. Leakey took me under his wing, taking me to visit remote protected areas and generally encouraging me to pursue the highest academic excellence in this field.  He will always be one of my heroes because of his wisdom.  So will Jane Goodall, because of her influence on my life; and Charles Darwin, for daring to suggest we evolved at a time when people were not ready to hear it.

..."


Lornah Kiplagat is a Professional Runner, Olympian, Philanthropist, and more importantly, Kenya's Champion.  She is the holder of many medals, and honours including recipient of the United Nations Millennium Shoe Award.

"...

I was brought up in a Christian community and I remember hearing a lot about Russia and Communism when I was young.  My dream was to go there and teach the people about Christ.  Another dream was to become a doctor and treat people, so that I could help them get well.  I believe that there is no greater achievement in life than having a positive impact on people's lives.  That is why I wanted to travel, to enjoy the experience of meeting new people and learning new things.  To become a doctor was a challenge because you had to be academically inclined to practice medicine and I was the complete opposite.  I would never study or take notes in class.  I would just sit at my desk, read the textbooks and listen to the teacher.  I wanted to learn things you cannot learn in the classroom and I did not like to be taught.  I preferred to teach myself.

...

I am constantly inspired by women and their achievements, expecially the women who wnat to change the world and help in one way or another.  When the opportunity came, I felt the need to help young women and in 2000, the Lornah Kiplagat Foundation was established.  The Foundation focuses mainly on giving young girls and education and it represents the person that I am and the life that I have had.  I feel that the problems in Kenya can be solbed through education as the more girls study, the more independent they become.  I have greast respect for all young children and their different backgrounds, no matter who they are.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.