In February 2019, I came across a post on social media from Gifted Community Center looking for a Communications Volunteer.
At the time, I was a second-year student at Kenyatta University, eager to put into practice what I was learning in class.
I applied immediately, and within no time, I was welcomed into the organization.
That simple decision would go on to shape the path of my career and my identity as a disability rights advocate.
At Gifted Community Center, I began as a Communications Intern, working closely with fellow youth ambassadors and under the mentorship of Sarah, the Director.
Sarah introduced us to the world of disability advocacy, giving us the tools and confidence to speak about our rights.
Disability advocacy meant more than raising awareness;
it was about challenging stigma, pushing for accessibility, and making sure persons with disabilities were included in every aspect of society.
Through Sarah’s mentorship, I came to understand that as a young person with a disability, I had the right to education, healthcare, employment, and dignity.
This knowledge empowered me to own my voice and to use communication as a tool for change.
One of my earliest platforms was social media. From GCC, I began to share stories, spark conversations, and shed light on the challenges and possibilities of disability inclusion.
Slowly, I built an online presence that connected me with a wider community of advocates, organizations, and allies.
Gifted Community Center also introduced me to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy. Here, I learned that young people with disabilities face even greater barriers to accessing accurate sexual health information and services. Advocacy in this space meant ensuring inclusivity, promoting informed choices, and challenging the silence around disability and sexuality. This broadened my scope as an advocate and deepened my commitment to fighting for equity.
The foundation I received from GCC opened doors I could never have imagined. Because of the skills, confidence, and mentorship I gained there, I was able to:
● Join Switch TV in 2021 as an Entertainment Producer Intern, where I continued using media as a space for advocacy
● Work at NACADA (2022–2023) as a Communications Intern, contributing to national campaigns against substance abuse and amplifying youth voices.
● Currently I serve at APDK in partnership with 100% for the Children, where I document impact stories, lead communications for child protection and disability rights campaigns, and co-advocate for inclusive SRHR for youth with disabilities.
When I think about my journey, everything traces back to Gifted Community Center. It was more than a volunteer opportunity; it was the place where I discovered my rights, my voice, and my purpose. From disability advocacy to SRHR, from media to child protection, all my later achievements stand on the foundation Gifted Community helped me build.
Gifted Community Center didn’t just give me a role; it gave me a mission. And that mission continues to guide me today.