When one girl rises, she lifts others with her

Diana’s journey began in a world of both pain and deep love. “Growing up as a Maasai girl meant enduring things you couldn’t even speak about,” she says quietly. “I knew I couldn’t change the past, but I could do something to change the future.”

Her childhood was defined by silence; it was a cultural expectation that girls should endure hardships without questioning tradition. However, Diana challenged this norm and today, through her foundation, Nailepu, she empowers others to do the same. “I didn’t have a safe space growing up. That’s why I created one,’ she explains.

Recognising the vital role of digital literacy in today’s world, the foundation runs computer training programmes for students and out-of-school young people.

These courses aim to bridge the digital divide, boost employability and inspire rural youth to take control of their futures, teaching more than just basic skills. “Technology is the new language of opportunity,” says Diana. “Our community must speak it.”

Alongside tech education, Nailepu runs fashion and design classes that blend modern creativity with cultural heritage.

These programmes enable young people to express themselves artistically while equipping them with the skills needed to achieve financial independence, a goal that was previously out of reach for many.

In many rural areas, periods are still considered taboo and are shrouded in shame and misinformation. This causes girls to miss school and increases dropout rates.

Recognising this issue, Diana launched the Nailepu Community Health Programme, which trains local health champions to deliver sexual and reproductive health education.

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The programme also teaches women and girls how to make reusable sanitary towels, providing a sustainable, dignified and affordable solution.

“We’re not just handing out pads,” Diana says. “We’re creating knowledge, independence and pride.”

These reusable kits are distributed during school visits, community forums and empowerment events led by the girls themselves. Because the towels are washable and reusable, no girl has to miss school because of her period.

Diana has also harnessed the power of sport as a tool for unity and healing. “Sport is more than just play,” she explains. “It’s therapy. It’s connection. It’s a way to talk about difficult subjects.”

Sporting events have become safe spaces where mental health, the empowerment of girls and women and cultural identity are openly discussed, while drawing enthusiastic community support.

Although Diana has recently earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University, she attributes her most profound learning to her childhood experiences in Narok. These experiences have shaped her leadership style, making her empathetic, grounded and unapologetically bold.

“As a woman, and especially as a Maasai woman, I know what it feels like to be silenced,” she reflects. “My work is to help others find their voice.”

However, her path is not without obstacles. Challenging generations of cultural expectations is a daunting task. However, Diana draws strength from her community, her mentors and in particular, the girls who walk through her doors each day.

“I see myself in them,” she says. “Every time a girl speaks up, chooses to go to school, or dares to dream, I know we’re doing something right.”