By Alumni Relations Department

On Friday, July 26, the Alumni Relations Office facilitated a CEO Roundtable visit with Maureen Amakabane, founder of Nyayo Mom's Sokos and an alumnus of USIU-Africa. The event, held in partnership with Kayana Create at their offices in Nairobi, saw participation from eight students and two Alumni Relations Officers.

Following the introductions, Maureen Amakabane, a USIU-Africa alumna with a degree in International Business Administration (IBA) in Marketing, welcomed the participants and guided the discussion. She reminisced about her time on campus, highlighting her involvement in organizations like AIESEC and the significant role these experiences played a role in shaping her into a well-rounded professional. Since graduating in 2006, Maureen's incredible journey has inspired many. Maureen gave a detailed account of her business career during the roundtable, focusing on the establishment and expansion of Nyayo Mom's Sokos. She shared key lessons learned, challenges faced, and strategies for successful entrepreneurship. Nyayo Mom's Sokos, a digital marketplace and resource hub for businesswomen, promotes women-owned businesses, facilitates trade, and fosters collaboration among female entrepreneurs.

Since its founding in 2020, Nyayo Mom's Sokos has been pivotal in organizing networking and educational events and running a daily online marketplace. Maureen passionately shared her vision of a society where women can achieve sustainable livelihoods. She reflected on how her education and entrepreneurial spirit at USIU-Africa shaped her career, with early ventures like selling bags to students laying the groundwork for her success. Maureen emphasized leveraging one's experiences, education, and character in the journey to success.

During the CEO Roundtable, students gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the importance of education and self-improvement. Maureen Amakabane shared her achievements and challenges candidly, providing a realistic view of the entrepreneurial world and encouraging students to pursue their ventures with determination.

The event also served as a networking platform, allowing students to connect with successful alumni for advice and mentorship. The positive feedback from students highlighted the inspiration and expanded understanding they gained about entrepreneurship.

Recognizing the impact of these sessions, the Alumni Relations Office plans to document future mentorship activities, creating a valuable resource for continuous motivation and guidance. This initiative underscores the Department's commitment to fostering growth and maintaining a strong alumni network that supports and inspires future USIU-Africa graduates.