July 1st 2025, Karatina University held a momentous graduation ceremony for the inaugural cohort one of the World Academy for the Future of Women. This was a milestone for the World Academy for the Future of Women’s first graduation not only in Kenya but Africa, following the program’s launch at Karatina University in August 2024. The ceremony was held at the University’s Library grounds and brought together key
stakeholders including the Kenya Commercial Bank, Africa Leadership Transformation Foundation, and the WAFW facilitators represented by Ms. Sandra Perez, and the founder of the WAFW who joined online alongside other facilitators and parents.
During the ceremony Miss Emma Wangari, one of the pioneer graduates, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on her journey in the program. “This program has taught me that there is more to life,” she said, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the WAFW legacy. As part of their leadership development, participants in Cohort 1 attended weekly open forums addressing key topics. These included:
- Enhancing Self-Esteem – Jecinta Kabucho
- Living a Fully Expressed Life – Jerrie Ueberle
- The Love Triangle – Jecinta Kabucho
- Toxic Relationships – Jecinta Kabucho
- Making a Difference: Mental Health and Substance Abuse – Sr. Stellamaris
- Interest-Based Negotiation: Getting to Yes – Silvia Rodrigue
- Ways of Achieving Financial Freedom – Henry Roinei Kaorri
- Enhancing Job Seeking Skills – Dr. Anne Kariuki
- The Human Rights Think Tank – Dr. Nina Corder
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Dr. Nina Corder
- Five Stages of Change – Dr. Saundra Rhode
- The Power of Persuasion – Dr. Saundra Rhode
- Turning Conflict into Calm – Dr. Saundra Rhode
- Life Map – Zoe Song
- Giving a Powerful Presentation at the UN – Zoe Song
- Understanding Your Wellbeing in Mental Health – Dr. Saundra Rhode
- Cross-Cultural Communication – Tianwen Wang
- Getting Hired and Getting Ahead – Sebastian Knaeur
- Discovering Leadership Resources in Your Own Backyard – Whitney Waceke and Dorothy Vihenda
- Money and Personal Finances – Sebastian Knaeur
- A Countryman’s Journey: Studying Abroad – John Roy Akumu
- Bold Steps: Navigating Tech, Leadership & Self-Discovery – Hazel Gachoka
These sessions played a vital role in shaping the graduates’ outlook, personal growth, and leadership journey.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Kellen Kiambati, Director of Resource Mobilization and International Programmes, and the WAFW team leader, traced the origin of the WAFW journey to a simple WhatsApp message during the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the program’s rapid growth and impact and announced that the upcoming cohort will be inclusive of both genders. She also revealed plans for a major summit at the University after the graduation of the third cohort.
