By CTW Team

When Anita Mueni, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration (Marketing) student, was crowned Miss USIU-Africa 2024/2025, she made a promise not just to wear the crown, but to use it as a tool of impact. Her vision was to lead with compassion, service, and purpose, and to represent the spirit of USIU-Africa through meaningful community engagement, sustainability, and empowerment. Throughout her reign, she’s lived up to this vision.

One of her most heartfelt projects has been the Pad Drive Initiative, a campaign that was started by the previous title holders. It aimed at restoring dignity and confidence among young girls who struggle to access menstrual products. Through continuous donations and outreach, she has supported girls in marginalized areas, including the vibrant community of Dandora Dumpsite, where a group of young girls use dance to express hope and resilience. She had the privilege of not only providing them with sanitary pads but also mentoring and encouraging them to stay focused on their dreams.

Additionally, during her reign, she visited several children’s homes, where, in collaboration with others, she donated food, clothing, and other essentials. According to Anita, these visits reminded her that leadership is not about titles, but about service, showing up for those who need it most, and sharing kindness in action.

In collaboration with the ENSO Club and Miss Environment 2024/2025, she joined hands with fellow students to plant trees in Kiambu, promoting environmental conservation and sustainability. Back on campus, she initiated the creation of a flower bed outside the auditorium, a small but meaningful effort to beautify the university environment and encourage students to take pride in this shared space.

Furthermore, during Library Week, Anita and her team visited three nearby schools: Mountain View School, Ruaraka Academy, and Thika Road Primary School, where they engaged with junior high school students, mentoring and educating them on the importance of libraries as gateways to knowledge and personal growth. “It was inspiring to see the excitement in their eyes as they discovered the power of reading and curiosity,” she says.

As part of her role as a USIU-Africa Brand Ambassador, Anita collaborated with the Strategic Marketing and Communication Division on a photoshoot for the Brand store and Website promotions. The goal was to showcase the university’s diverse and vibrant student community while promoting the University merchandise and the upcoming student-friendly website. “Representing the university brand was both an honor and a learning experience, an opportunity to embody the values and excellence that define USIU-Africa,” Anita noted.

Service has remained at the heart of her reign. She represented USIU-Africa during the Freida Brown Day held at Kasarani, where the university community visited a school for children with special needs, donating mattresses, food, stationery, pads, clothes, cleaning supplies, etc, and spent the day helping to clean the school.

In collaboration with Nairobi City County and the Placement and Career Services (PACS) Office, Anita also participated in a major clean-up exercise in Roysambu, promoting community hygiene and unity. In addition, together with a group of friends, she visited an organization in Mathare that rehabilitates homeless boys before reintegrating them into school life. During this visit, they held mentorship sessions and taught them entrepreneurial skills, including how to make liquid soap for cleaning, equipping them with practical knowledge for a brighter future.

Another highlight was visiting Pro-Life Kariobangi, an organization that supports young mothers, where she had open conversations with them about resilience, self-worth, and empowerment.

Throughout her journey, Anita has proudly attended all official USIU-Africa events, representing the student body with honor and enthusiasm. Each experience from community visits to brand collaborations taught her invaluable lessons about leadership, empathy, and responsibility.

Reflecting on her reign, Anita notes that she is deeply grateful to every student, club, and organization that supported her initiatives, proving that change begins with small acts of kindness and the courage to care.

“My reign as Miss USIU-Africa has been more than a title; it has been a journey of purpose, partnership, and passion. I hope my story inspires others to lead with heart, serve selflessly, and always remember: True beauty shines brightest in service to others,” Anita states.