Anne Nzilani was born to parents who worked in the fair trade space. But it wasn’t until her family visited a camp for internally displaced people that she became convinced this would be her path too. There, a displaced woman told Anne something she would never forget: “The poorest person in the world is not one without food, clothing or shelter, but one without hope.” The words kept ringing in Anne’s mind. “I can feel sorry for the women in this situation,” she thought, “or I can do something about it.”

Although it was risky, Anne quit her job and established Bawa Hope, determined to live for something bigger than herself. Today, she and her husband Andrew have grown Bawa Hope into an impactful business that employs people in Nairobi’s Kibera slums, bringing the most valuable asset–hope–to those who need it most.

Located in East Africa, Kenya is known for its sweeping wildlife reserves and scenic landscapes. Its coastline along the Indian Ocean has been an important destination for Asian and Arab traders for centuries. It’s also the backdrop for some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. The official motto of Kenya is Harambee, which means "Let's all pull together" in Swahili. This motto highlights the importance of community and collaboration for Kenyans, who represent over 40 ethnic groups and 60 languages.