By Brenda Odhiambo

Whoopie Wanja, an Applied Computer Technology Senior, is among the 15 participants that have been nominated and are contesting selection to represent the East African region at the second edition of the Miss Career Africa competition, designed to empower young women professionals, entrepreneurs and aspiring students through the provision of university scholarships, career guidance, entrepreneurship incubation development, leadership training, and networking.

The competition is designed to feature participants between the ages of 18 and 24 with a competitive business idea, and who are holders of high school diplomas. This year’s competition has representation from 5 East African countries, with seven participants from Rwanda, three Kenyans, one Tanzanian, two Burundians, and two Ugandans. Voting for the top ten is currently ongoing on www.misscareerafrica.org and will close on October 14, after which the top ten contestants with the highest votes will represent East Africa at the finals, which will take place in Kigali on November 24.

Speaking to CTW on her nomination, Ms. Wanjiru noted that her nomination was a validation of her hard work, urging the USIU-Africa community to vote for her to proceed to the next stage of the competition.

“The process of selection for the competition was very competitive, and I was fortunate enough to be selected among the top fifteen participants. It would be an honour to fly the USIU-Africa flag on an international platform, and I would therefore urge each and every one of you to vote for me so that come November 24, USIU-Africa will have a place at the table during the finals, “she said.

During the finals, the East African finalists will rub shoulders with peers from other African regions, including four North Africans, ten West Africans, as well as participants from the Central African region.

Last year’s competition was won by Yvette Mukamwiza, who walked away with a 5,000-dollar reward, following a successful presentation to the jury.