Kenyan-Born Catherine Ndungu-Case Honored by Alameda County, California

Kenyan-born Catherine Ndungu-Case has been recognized for her achievements in impacting her community in her county of Alameda County, California through the arts.

Catherine is one of eight recipients of the 2017 Alameda County Arts Leadership Awards for her dedicated efforts in running programs that teach the youth music, dance and culture through her Cheza Nami Foundation. She is the founder and CEO of the organization, which is based in Pleasanton, CA where she lives.

She was recognized along with the seven other nominees at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, September 26th.

Catherine says he started the Cheza Nami in 2011 “to encourage young people's appreciation of the rich culture of Africa through active exploration of African dance, drumming and play.” Cheza Nami is Swahili for “come play with me.”

Cheza Nami serve schools, community centers libraries, and retirement homes in Alameda County.

Catherine, who moved to the United States in 2007, is a clinical researchers and hols a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology. She lives in Pleasanton, a suburb of Oakland.