Empowering Change: Celebrating Shirley Kandabu, Our Millie Education Fund Grant Recipient
We are thrilled to spotlight Shirley Kandabu, the dynamic recipient of the Millie Education Fund Grant. As the Director at Anza Grow Academy and a beacon of social entrepreneurship in Africa, Shirley embodies the spirit of innovation and community empowerment. Her extensive experience across the continent, managing impactful initiatives to create more inclusive systems for women, young people, and low-income communities, has been nothing short of inspiring.
As a Director at Anza Grow Academy and a visionary social entrepreneur, Shirley's journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference in the lives of women, young people, and low-income communities across Africa.
A Beacon of Social Entrepreneurship
Shirley's extensive experience spans over a decade of impactful work across 10 African countries, where she has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to forge more inclusive systems and products. Her work, deeply embedded in the principles of social entrepreneurship, has been pivotal in championing the causes of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Her tenure as CEO and Team Leader of Impacc MakaPads, an Uganda-based social enterprise, is a hallmark of her career. Under her leadership, the enterprise focused on providing safe and affordable menstrual pads made from papyrus and recycled paper, addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene in low-income communities. This role underscored her passion, collaborating with organizations such as Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) and Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) to foster impactful change.
The Oxford Journey Ahead
Collaborating with our Millie Education Fund, Shirley is set to embark on a transformative journey through the University of Oxford Social Finance Programme. This prestigious program, known for its innovative blend of finance and leadership training, empowers its students to tackle global challenges and catalyze positive change at a grand scale.
Shirley's mission aligns perfectly with the program's goals. She aims to harness the latest academic and industry insights to amplify her impact on the communities she serves. Her resolve to learn, unlearn, and relearn exemplifies her commitment to personal growth and the broader goal of contributing to Africa's Innovation and Entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Joining Hands for the Future
As we celebrate Shirley's achievements and look forward to her future contributions, we also extend our gratitude to our community for their ongoing support. Together, we are making strides toward a world where every woman has the opportunity to achieve her dreams and make a lasting impact.
Discover more about Shirley Kandabu and her inspiring journey through the links below. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to support her progress.
If you're inspired by Shirley's story and interested in applying for the fall 2024 Millie Education Fund, applications are open until June 28, 2024. We are thrilled to empower more women like Shirley to bridge the gaps between their dreams and their realities, fostering a world enriched by their invaluable contributions.