This month, we shine the spotlight on Njoki Mburu, a Kenyan youth advocate and a proud Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni from the University of British Columbia’s Global Resource Systems program. Njoki’s journey is rich with lessons in leadership, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaningful impact.
About Njoki Mburu
Njoki is a Kenyan youth passionate about land rights, political sovereignty, and economic well-being. After spending some time abroad, she returned to Kenya in early 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experiences from her academic and professional journey and ready to make impact in her community. Beyond her studies, Njoki is deeply engaged in public speaking, poetic writing, and facilitating memorable conversation; skills that have shaped her approach to leadership and community engagement.
Navigating the Post-Graduation Landscape
- Graduating in May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Njoki faced a world brimming with uncertainty. It took her eight months of persistent searching and networking to secure her first full-time role. Between 2021 and 2025, she worked in diverse fields, all aligned to her passion for advocacy and impact:
- Public health, focusing on Indigenous Cultural Safety
- Philanthropy
- Youth engagement in public policy
- Program management, especially in initiatives targeting belonging and loneliness
Periods of unemployment taught Njoki to be adaptable and to view every opportunity, no matter how small, as a stepping stone. She often took on part-time and volunteer roles that later paved the way for permanent positions. Notably, she served as a board member with the Environmental Youth Alliance, supporting youth-led environmental initiatives from October 2022 to February 2025.
Leadership Lessons Learned
Njoki’s leadership philosophy is clear: leadership is service. She emphasizes the importance of serving others, regardless of personal connections, and the transformative power of asking for help. Rejecting the “strong Black woman” trope, she has embraced vulnerability and collective strength. For Njoki, true leadership is about lifting others and creating space for them to shine.
A Pivotal Career Moment
A defining experience in Njoki’s career was facilitating the LEVEL Youth Public Policy Program at the Vancouver Foundation. This role allowed her to connect with established leaders and emerging voices in public policy, deepening her understanding of the Canadian policy landscape and sharpening her communication and advocacy skills. The experience not only expanded her network but also boosted her confidence in professional presentation and networking.
Pursuing Growth Beyond the Classroom
Njoki’s personal growth since graduation has centred on emotional maturity. Therapy played a crucial role in helping her navigate the challenges of living abroad, loneliness, burnout, and mental health. Building a toolkit for emotional regulation and resilience has been foundational in managing workplace demands and sustaining a healthy, meaningful career.
Essential Life Lessons
Njoki shares several guiding principles for personal growth:
- You cannot control others, but you can control your response.
- It is possible to be both honest and kind.
- Clarity comes through action; make decisions and move forward.
Giving Back to Africa
Njoki’s commitment to her community is unwavering. She supports school feeding programs and initiatives that provide hygiene products and educational materials to high school students in her village. Additionally, she is active in public advocacy, speaking out against police brutality, corruption, and political repression.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has played a significant role in Njoki’s journey. As a member of the 2023/24 Black Wealth Club, she was paired with a mentor who helped her reframe rejection, take calculated risks, and navigate major life decisions. Another mentor, whom she connected with via LinkedIn, has encouraged her to center Africa in her professional pursuits and continually seek ways to contribute to the continent.
Finding a Career Aligned with Passion
Njoki’s approach to career development is rooted in asking insightful questions during networking, valuing small beginnings, and harnessing the power of storytelling. She believes that the ability to communicate one’s journey compellingly is not just a skill but a strategic advantage in building professional connections and standing out during interviews.
Key Takeaways for Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni
Njoki leaves us with the enduring wisdom of Professor Wangari Maathai:
“Do the best you can.”
No matter the season, resources, or limitations, Njoki believes that doing your best with what you have is always enough. Njoki Mburu’s journey is a powerful reminder that service, resilience, and authenticity are the cornerstones of impactful leadership and personal fulfillment.