When we talk about visionary leadership, unstoppable energy, and grassroots impact that reshapes entire communities, one name rises to the top: Doreen Irungu, also known as Njoki Ustawi.
From Fields to Global Stages
Doreen is a serial social entrepreneur, agriculturist, and community builder with over 20 years of global experience. She is the founder of Ustawi Afrika, Ustawi Schools for Entrepreneurship, and MentorMatch, weaving a network of empowerment across Kenya and beyond.
Transforming Agriculture in Africa
Under her leadership, Ustawi Afrika has become a beacon of possibility. True to its name — Ustawi means wellbeing or prosperity — the organization empowers women in agriculture to create sustainable livelihoods through innovation and regenerative practices.
What began as a local initiative has grown into a movement that's reshaping agricultural practices across East Africa, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to create food security and economic empowerment.
A Legacy of Recognition
Doreen's transformative work has earned her numerous prestigious awards and fellowships:
Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers
Doreen's mission doesn't stop at empowering farmers. Her newly launched Ustawi Afrika Schools for Social Entrepreneurs & Innovators, in partnership with UNESCO – Campus Africa, is accepting applications from 600 students across East Africa and Indian Ocean nations.
"Sustainable change doesn't come from the top down—it grows from the ground up, just like the crops we nurture. When we empower women farmers with knowledge and resources, we're not just feeding families today, we're securing the future of entire communities."
Building a Movement That Transforms Lives
Through Ustawi Afrika and her entire ecosystem of programs, Doreen is not just growing healthy crops — she's cultivating dreams, leadership, and community power. Her story is a true testament to the power of vision and collective action in shaping a sustainable future for Africa and beyond.
Each initiative under the Ustawi umbrella reflects Doreen's holistic approach to development—addressing not just agricultural productivity but also education, women's empowerment, technology adoption, and environmental sustainability.