Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Nancy Maina is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lugha Ishara, a pioneering social enterprise in Nairobi, Kenya. With extensive expertise in youth enterprise development, project management, and disability inclusion, Nancy is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and driving sustainable social impact.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Lugha Ishara, Nancy is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and innovative program development of the organization. Under her leadership, Lugha Ishara has become a recognized leader in providing accessible communication solutions and skill-building opportunities for youth with disabilities.

Career Progression

Prior to co-founding Lugha Ishara, Nancy held various roles in the development sector, including Specialist Youth Enterprise Development at UNDP Kenya, Project Officer for International Citizen Service, Youth, Entrepreneurship and Disability Inclusion at VSO Kenya, and Small Business Advisor for youth, enterprise, and disability inclusion at VSO Indonesia. She also gained experience as an Associate Youth Business Advisor for young women and enterprise at TechnoServe.

Throughout her career, Nancy has demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact, driving initiatives that empower marginalized communities and promote inclusive economic opportunities. Her extensive experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and program design has enabled her to create innovative solutions and effectively scale the reach of Lugha Ishara.

Academic Background

Nancy holds a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies from the University of Nairobi, where she specialized in Community Development and Social Enterprise.

Areas of Expertise

• Youth enterprise development

• Project management and program design

• Disability inclusion and accessibility

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building

• Social entrepreneurship and sustainable impact

Professional Impact

Under Nancy's leadership, Lugha Ishara has become a leading provider of accessible communication tools and skill-building programs for youth with disabilities in Kenya. The organization has empowered over 2,500 young people, connecting them with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, while also raising awareness about the importance of inclusive development.

Conclusion

With her proven track record of driving social change, Nancy Maina is a visionary leader committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive future. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Lugha Ishara, she continues to pioneer innovative solutions that unlock the potential of marginalized communities and inspire a new generation of social entrepreneurs.