Janet Wainaina Mwangi
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Janet Mwangi, an experienced educator with over two decades of experience, has made significant progress in bridging cultural divides through her organization, Face of Kenya UK.
Recognizing a disconnect between young African children in the UK and their cultural heritage, Janet founded the organization in 2013 to strengthen ties to African culture while promoting charitable causes. The face of Kenya UK quickly evolved into a platform for self-branding and cultural education, utilizing events to foster a sense of community and connection. The organization's scope expanded rapidly with events held in the United States and Germany in 2015, followed by France and Germany in 2017. Janet's vision for the future includes plans for events in Dubai and efforts to scale the organization to reach a broader audience.
At its core, Face of Kenya UK seeks to unite people not only for cultural celebration but also to support charitable initiatives in Kenya and beyond. The organization hosts numerous events that seamlessly blend cultural festivities with fundraising efforts. These gatherings often showcase traditional Kenyan music, dance, and cuisine, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees to engage with their heritage while contributing to various causes such as education, healthcare, and community development projects. Leading such an impactful organization comes with its share of challenges.
Janet must balance her roles as a wife, mother, teacher, and media personality while navigating the complexities of resource allocation and cultural sensitivity. Despite these obstacles, she remains grateful for her proactive community and supportive team, who assist during particularly demanding periods. Janet recounts instances where she has leveraged her network to assist individuals facing severe difficulties, emphasizing that such occurrences are not isolated. She frequently relies on global connections to further her vision of positive change, prioritizing the cultivation and maintenance of strong relationships with supporters.
Looking ahead, Janet is particularly enthusiastic about upcoming projects, including a water well initiative in Kajiado, Kenya, which aims to provide clean and accessible water to communities in need. This project exemplifies Janet's commitment to making tangible improvements in the lives of those in her home country. As the founder and director of Face of Kenya UK, Janet aspires to be remembered for her compassion and leadership.