Susan Omondi
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The Kenyan diaspora, comprising approximately three million individuals, is committed to reshaping narratives and effecting positive change in their homeland.
Among these influential figures is Susan Omondi, a Kenyan residing in Singen, an industrial city in Southern Germany. Omondi is renowned for her commitment to promoting diversity and empowerment. Born as Nguono, meaning "the merciful one," Omondi has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. In Kenya, she is affectionately known as "Mwanamke Bomba," a colloquial term denoting a woman who fearlessly confronts challenges and guides society towards prosperity. As the founder of Beyond Diversity Stories, Omondi has established herself as a prominent keynote speaker, addressing various forums across Germany and Switzerland to share her message of inclusivity and empowerment.
Omondi's early life in Kenya's Lake Victoria region was marked by adversity. Following her parents' separation and her mother's illness, financial constraints threatened to derail her education. Despite gaining admission to the esteemed Asumbi Girls High School, Omondi was forced to withdraw due to a lack of funds. However, with encouragement from her sister Silvia, she sought assistance from her father, ultimately enabling her to continue her studies. At the age of 20, Omondi's first marriage precipitated her move to Germany, where she pursued higher education. She went on to earn a Master's degree from Konstanz University of Applied Sciences.
Her experiences in Germany profoundly shaped her mission to promote diversity and inclusivity, culminating in the establishment of Beyond Diversity Stories. The core of Omondi's mission, articulated in her book "ME, YOU, WE & DIVERSITY" and through her work with the Beyond Diversity Team, centres on recognizing individual uniqueness and its role in positively shaping the world. She emphasizes the importance of personal agency in overcoming challenges, encouraging individuals to focus on their potential to help others rather than solely relying on external support.
Omondi urges Kenyans abroad to embrace their dual citizenship and assume roles as catalysts for change. In Omondi's view, the increasingly globalized world necessitates the urgent dismantling of barriers that impede collective human approaches to problem-solving.