ANNUAL REPORT 2024
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
DearMarafiki(friendsinSwahili),
2025hasbeenaconvergenceofmiracleshereintheS.H.E.community. ThefirstfullyearofSarahDegnanKambou’sexecutivedirectorship convergedwiththearrivalofseveralgrantsfromfoundations,which, alongwiththegenerosityfromourindividualfunders,allowedusto doubleourintakeofnewstudents.Wealsoinitiatedvisionarysupport anddevelopmentprogramsthatactuallyexpandourcapacitytocreate richrelationshipswitheachandeverystudent,evenasournumbers grow.Webelieveourextraordinarysuccessrate(97%ofour matriculatingstudentsgraduate,ascomparedtoapproximately60% nationwide)isduetoourcommitmenttoourvaluesofrelationship, integrity,communicationandheart.TheS.H.E.CollegeFundremainsa smallbutmightytestamenttothepowerofhumanrelationship, collectiveactionandsharedvision.
Formepersonally,theyearbeganandendedwithamonthinKenya.In January,Ihadtheprivilegeofinterviewing25aspiringapplicants.Then, inaprocessthatwasbothheartbreakingandcelebratory,theS.H.E. Teamchose16extraordinaryyoungwomentobecomeourOsotua2024 scholars.ThewordOsotuameans"umbilical"intheMaasailanguage.It symbolizesthedeep,unbreakablebondofgivingandreceivingthat connectsusall.It’sawordthatencapsulatestwoofourcorevalues: relationshipandcommunity.Thecommunity-buildingseminarwe
createdtowelcomeournewscholarsinJanuaryremainsoneofmymost cherishedmemories.Pleaseclickheretoviewapowerfulseven-minute videoofexcerptsfromtheinterviewsandthewelcomingceremonythat followed.
InNovember,IreturnedtoKenyaonamorepersonalmission—toattend thegraduationofSalulaNaingisa.YoumayrememberSalulafromtheend ofmybook,SavedbyaPoem.ImetheronmyfirstvisittoKenya,afew monthsaftershewasrescued,attheageofeight,fromaforcedmarriage toa47-year-oldman.Beforeherrescue,Salulawasdeniedaneducation. Everyday,asshewatchedtheboysgoofftoschool,shetoldhermother thatshewasgoingtofindawaytogetaneducation.Butnofemaleinher familyhadeverbeeneducatedandherfatherwouldnotallowit.Instead, SalulawasforcedtoundergoFGM/Candwaspreparedtobecomeachild bride.
AsshewasbeingwalkedtotheceremonyinfullMaasaiweddingregalia, shesawapolicevehiclepullup.Inthatmoment,sheknewthather dreamswerecomingtrue.Thepolicearrestedherfatherandthe husband-to-be,andSalulawastakentotheTasaruRescueCenter,which becameherhomeforthenext10years.Shewasgiveneverythingshe neededaswellastheopportunitytogotoschool.Whenshegraduated primaryschool,sheattainedadmissiontoDarajaAcademy,averyspecial secondaryschoolforgirlswithexceptionalleadershippotential.Uponher graduation,shebecameaS.H.E.scholarandearnedbothacertificateand diplomaattheKenyaInstituteofSocialWorkandCommunity Development.
Herjourneydidn’tstopthere—SalulathenwentontoDaystarUniversity, oneofthebestuniversitiesinKenya,wheresheearnedadegreeinSocial WorkwithaminorinPsychology.InNovember,shegraduatedatthetop ofherclass(hergraduationphotoisonthecoverofthisreport).And whatmadethismomentevenmorepowerfulwasthepresenceofher parents,whotraveledallthewayfromMaasaiMaratocelebratethefirst collegegraduateintheirfamily.
Salula’sgraduationculminatedinahugecelebrationinhervillage. Hundredsofpeoplefromsurroundingcommunitiescametogetheras Salulawasdriventhroughthecenteroftown,standingonthebackofa truckinfullgraduationgarb.Thenthechiefofhertribeandtheelders gavespeechescelebratinghowSalulahadawakenedthemtothe importanceofeducatinggirlsandempoweringwomen.Itwasanhistoric moment—onethatmarkednotjustSalula’striumphbutthetriumphofall theyoungwomeninhercommunitywhonowhavealiving,breathing exampleofwhatispossible.
Butthisstoryhasadarktwist.Thenextday,afterreturningtoNairobi, Salulareceivedanurgentcall.Hertwoyoungersisters,whohadcome homefromboardingschooltoattendthegraduationcelebration,were goingtobesecretlyforcedtoundergoFGM/Cthatverynight.Without hesitation,Salulaimmediatelymadethefive-hourjourneybacktoher village,gatheredhersisters,andbroughtthemsafelytoherapartmentin town.Allthreeofthemwereprofoundlyshaken.Salularecognizedtheir needtoprocessthetraumatogether,asshetaughthersistersabout theirrightsandtheimportanceoftransformingtheseharmfulcustomsin theirsociety.
Thisbone-chillingeventwasastarkreminderoftheveryrealand ongoingdangersthateachS.H.E.studentfaces.Forwithinevery graduationachievedthereisnotonlytheobviousacademicstruggle required,thereisalsoaninvisibleandevenmorestrenuousstruggle againstgenerationsofdeep-rootedcustoms,systems,andforcesof oppression.
Salula’sactofcourageinprotectinghersistersunderscoresthestakes oftheworkoftheS.H.E.CollegeFund.Ourmissionisnotonlyabout education—it’saboutsurvival,empowerment,andtransformationofthe roleofwomenforallthegenerationstocome.
Salulaisnotaloneinhercommitmenttoprotectandupliftheryounger sisters.AlmosteveryS.H.E.student,bythetimeshereachesgraduation, hassavedheryoungersistersand/orthedaughtersofneighborsand extendedfamily.Shehasinspiredthepeopleofhertribetorecognizethe importanceofeducatinggirlsandlettinggoofharmfultraditionsevenas theycelebratethebeautifulones–beadwork,dance,eldershipand osotua,tonameonlyafew–forwhichtheMaasaiarecelebratedthe worldover.
Thankyouforbeingapartofthisconvergenceofmiracles.Your presenceandpartnershipliterallymakesallofthispossible.
Withdeepestgratitudeandanticipationforwhat’stocome,
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DearFriendsofS.H.E.,
Iamdelightedtosharethat2024wastrulyanexceptionalyear.Weawarded thelargestnumberofscholarshipsinourhistory,introducedtwonew studentenrichmentprograms,thefirstfocusingonmentalwell-beingand thesecondonjobreadiness,andhostedagroupofS.H.E.sponsorsfromthe USforacuratedvisitwithS.H.E.studentsinKenya.Thesewerethe extraordinarymomentsthatcrownedayearofhardworkadministering scholarshipsfor48collegestudents!Asaresultofsteadygrowthandwith aneyetothefuture,TheS.H.E.FundKenya,ouraffiliatedcommunity organization,registeredasTheS.H.E.CollegeTrustKenya.Congratulations toourteaminKenya!Astheyearclosed,theTrustopenedasmallofficein Narok,theheartofMaasailand.
2024wasayearoffirsts!Aswell,December31stmarkedmyfirst anniversaryasExecutiveDirectoroftheS.H.E.CollegeFund.Whata journey!Iwritewithaheartoverflowingwithgratitudeforoursupporters, boardmembersandstaff,andespeciallyforourawe-inspiringstudents.
AsfriendsofS.H.E.knowsowell,TheS.H.E.CollegeFundprovidesfull scholarshipsforcomprehensivepost-secondaryeducationtoyoungMaasai womenwhohavedenouncedfemalegenitalmutilation/cuttingandforced marriage,whohavebeenfosteredinsafehouses,andwhoarenow committedtobecomingeducatedandempowered.Thesewomenwanttobe changemakers--strongrolemodelsfortheirfamiliesandtheMaasai community.HereatS.H.E.,weardentlybelievethateducationisapowerful toolforbreakinggenerationalcyclesofpovertyandgenderoppression. Throughoureffortsincollaborationwiththestudentsweserve,weare creatingafuturewhereeveryyoungwomanwillhavetheopportunityto reachherfullpotentialandcontributepositivelytosociety.
Thisisourvisionfortheworldwewanttocreate!Tomakethisvisiona reality,webelieveS.H.E.mustbeuniqueinitsphilosophyandapproach.
UnlikemanyscholarshipprogramsofferedincountrieslikeKenya,The S.H.E.CollegeFunddoesnotfocusexclusivelyongradeswhenselecting recipients.Rather,weseektoidentifydifferently-giftedstudentswhomay not dowellonstandardizedtestsbuthavedemonstratedenormous courageandpersonalresiliencebylearningtosurviveachildhoodfraught withviolence,trauma,andgrief.Overthecourseofthisyear,Ihavebeen awestruckbythedepthoftheirpassionforeducation--they mustlearn, theymustbeeducated,theymustdobettertogiveahanduptothegirls whofollow,helptheirparents,anduplifttheirfamiliesandcommunities.For S.H.E.students,educationisthekeytoabrighterfuture.S.H.E.isthereto makeitallpossible.
TheS.H.E.CollegeFund’suniqueapproachtoscholarshipadministrationis essentialinunlockingtheuntappedpotentialnestleddeepwithineach student,givingthemeveryhopeforsuccess,andmakingalastingimpacton theirlivesandontheircommunities.AsyoureadthepagesofthisAnnual Report,youwillseeevidenceofthisbeautifultruth:talentisindeed universal,itmerelyneedscultivating.
ExecutiveDirector
OUR VISION OUR MISSION
A world where every young woman can become an educated changemaker who uplifts her family, her community and her world.
To administer comprehensive scholarships for college, university or trade school education, as well as providing mentorship, life skills training, and career counseling to eligible young women who have been at risk of harmful traditional practices such as FGM/C and Early Forced Child Marriage.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
The S.H.E. College Fund is unique in its commitment to award scholarships not based on academic performance alone, but on the basis of moral integrity, passion for education, and a strong commitment to creating positive social change.
INTEGRITY
All S H E College Fund students, staff, and board members commit to honesty, transparency, and accountability in their communications and actions.
RELATIONSHIP
The S.H.E. College Fund prioritizes relationships, fostering mutually enriching connections throughout its community: among students; between staff and students; and, between students and their sponsors.
COMMUNITY
An environment of support and concern for every member of the S.H.E. College Fund community, comprising students, staff, board members, and funders is at the core of the organization’s success
HEART
Decisions, actions, and interactions in the organization are informed by the heart as well as the mind.
THE OSOTUA PATHWAY
At the S.H.E. College Fund, our Osotua* Pathway - a holistic approach that goes beyond simply providing scholarshipsleverages the promise and potential of higher education for women. Most of our students are the first female in their families to attend college. S.H.E. helps these students navigate campus life and do their best work in the classroom by providing academic counseling and guidance. From a stethoscope to a school field trip to engineering software, students receive the tools and equipment they need to succeed in their program.
In addition to knowledge, skills, and experience gained through coursework and scholastic internships, S.H.E. students learn critical life skills through a series of S.H.E.-organized online and weekend seminars. They have ready access to psychosocial support, and benefit from mentorship and career counseling.
As a S.H.E. student overcomes hurdles and marks achievements, she gains self-confidence, becomes empowered, and matures into an influential role model and changemaker in her family and community.
By fostering sisterhood and building a strong Osotua community, S.H.E. is investing in students to not only succeed in life, but to lead in their world.
*Osotua,aMaaword,referstotheinvisibleumbilicalcord thatconnectsusallinpeacefulandgenerousrelationships.
KIM ROSEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Our global community of donors is supporting young Maasai women, who have said no to FGM and child marriage, to pursue higher education, find good jobs, earn a living, and uplift their families and society. This fund honors the many gifts of Kim Rosen, and is specially designed for donors who want their gift to go directly to supporting scholarships for S.H.E. students.
Joy Milanoi says, “Being a KRSF student is such a profound gift. More than a scholarship, it’s a lifeline, taking me on a transformative journey in my nursing career as well as strengthening my ability to uplift those around me. Truly, I feel hope, empowerment & encouragement. I know that my dream is well within reach.”
“
EMPOWERING TOMORROW'S LEADERS
“Oneaspectofmylifethathaschangedsincebecoming acollege studentisgainingmoreindependence.This changehasimpactedmeasawomanbyhelpingme becomemoreself-reliantandconfidentinmaking decisions.Itisamazingtoseehowcollegecanbea transformativeexperienceforpersonalgrowth!����
S.H.E.hasgivenmeagreatopportunitytopursuemy dreamsandbecomeanempoweredwoman.”
-MaryanneNaekuNkoriompai AS.H.E.Student
OUR PRIMARY FUNDERS
THE HEART AND SOUL OF S.H.E.
With gratitude, we honor our primary funders who have opened their hearts to sponsor a young woman who lives a world away. Since2014,theS.H.E. communityofprimaryfundershaveinvested$766,788inwomen’shigher education. Each gift -- precious and catalytic -- sets a Maasai girl free to pursue her dreams. As trauma survivors, S.H.E. students especially appreciate that sponsors not only ‘see’ them but also believe wholeheartedly in their ability to succeed.
In Kenya, 18% of qualified women enroll in college. Tragically,only1%ofMaasaiwomen areabletopursuehighereducation. They are no less talented than women from other ethnic groups. Coming from a marginalized tribe, their access to public aid is simply non-existent.
As such, the demand for private scholarships for Maasai women is immense. Ourprimary fundersarefuelingapowerfulmovementthat isadvancinggenderequityandinclusive educationalopportunityinKenya!
Salula
Terry
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS
In 2023, the entire S.H.E. College Fund community was transformed by the generosity of two family foundations that made multi-year commitments to sponsor S.H.E. students through four years of higher education. In combination with our Primary Funders, these grants made it possible for us to say yes to 16 new scholars! These students are pursuing degrees in nutrition & dietetics, community health, law, health records management, and nursing.
The impact of the S.H.E. students is strongly felt in the villages of Maasailand. Word of the unique opportunity is spreading, so that each year there is an exponential increase in scholarship applicants. We are so grateful to the family foundations who make it possible for us to say YES to the dreams of more and more of these passionate young women.
[Asdonors,we]feelsoamazinglyblessedtogetthe chancetojoinhandswiththeseMassaiyoungwomen-and feeltheliberatingjoythatS.H.E.ishelpingtouncoverin individuallives.
MEET OUR 2024 SCHO
Abigael K
Diploma,Inform Technology
RiftValleyInst Technology
Funder:Marga
Annette Simayo Ntayia
Certificate,CommunityWildlife Management
WildlifeResearch&TrainingInstitute
Funder:PaulByrne
ursing
MaasaiMaraUniversity
Funder:EESFund
Charity
Currentlypu computersin diplomastud Universityin Funder:EES
Joelil Isina Ikayo
Degree,Law
MoiUniversity
Funders:MattNaclerio&Audra
Leah Naipano
Certificate,HealthR
SigalagalaNationalP
Funder:EESFund
Regina S
Tabitha Siamanta Sade
BachelorofScience,Nursing
MaasaiMaraUniversity
Funder:CaseyCole
y p
studentinNursingatMaasaiMara UniversityinMarch2025
Funder:EESFund
VOICES OF THE FUTURE
Meetourrecentgraduateswhoarebreakingbarriersand shapingbrightfutures.Theseinspiringyoungwomenare testamenttothetransformativepowerofeducation,all thankstoyourgenerosityandsteadfastmoralsupport.
Education is a powerful tool that no one can take away from you. It is boundless and constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities for growth and development.
-Diana Sainapei Nchoe
DianagraduatedwithaDiplomainSocialWorkand CommuityDevelopmentfromRiftValleyInstituteof ScienceandTechnology.Deepgratitudetoher funders,Molly&JorgeTapias!
People in my village believed a girl will never make it in life. But because of S.H.E. we are now educated and empowered and we are going back to the community to transform it.
I thank Kim Rosen and S.H.E. for holding my hand and whispering to me always that yes, I can do it!
-Sylvia Salula Naingisa
SalulagraduatedwithaBachelors,SocialWork fromDaystarUniversity.Deepgratitudetoher funder,KimRosen!
I am grateful to my funders for their sacrifices that enabled me to complete my course. Now, I aspire to open my shop and started creating various types of clothes, ensuring I am actively contributing to my community instead of remaining idle.
Taruru Silvia Timpiyian
The support I have received from Patti and the S.H.E community at large has really played a major role in my growth as an individual.
Nelly Sankaine Sanayet
S.H.E., I know how to love, oved, and how strong I am. I he change I’ve always ee in my community.
yioi Kamaamia
uatedwithaDiploma,MassMedia nicationfromMountKenya Deepgratitudetoherfunder,Karin
I would like to help where I can and ask community leaders, like church leaders, to educate people about the importance of educating girls.
Teresia Nabulu Kerempe
TeresiagraduatedwithaBachelors,Commerce fromMasaaiMaraUniversity.Deepgratitudeto herfunder,AnneFeltes!
I have learned that opportunity may only come once and, if misused, may never cross your life again.
Dories Sereti Kimorgo
DoriesgraduatedwithaBachelor,Community HealthScienceandHIV/AidsManagementfrom MountKenyaUniversity.Deepgratitudetoher funders,SabrinaandLilithCoryell!
I would like to tell young Maasai girls the importance of education. It is the solution to problems in life.
Josephine Naipanoi Kiseento
JosephinegraduatedwithaDiploma,Nursing fromP.C.E.ANakuruWestMedicalCollege. Deepgratitudetoherfunder,thelateJudith Stone!
I would like to pass my gratitude to the entire S.H.E. Fund Organization. You have really made me the person I am today.
Millicent Naisiae Karbolo
MillicentgraduatedwithaDiploma,Teaching fromNakuruTeachersCollege.Deepgratitudeto herfunders,CarolynGereauandKenMancuso!
S.H.E. has been my favorite place to be. Everyone has been a blessing to me. Thank you so much for your support all the time.
Everlyne Sempui
EverlynegraduatedwithanArtisanCertificatein FoodProcessingfromNyeriNationalpolytechnic. Deepgratitudetoherfunders,MarkWolynn,Lou AnneCaligiuri&KimRosen!
I will never be the same as girls who have never gone to school. I can tell girls in our community that education is power.
AlinahgraduatedwithanArtisan CertificateinFoodandBeveragefromNyeri NationalPolytechnic.Deepgratitudetoher funders,FloyAndrewsandFredPage!
Alinah Sawaina Katang'ie
2024 S H E STUDENTS
Certificate Food & Beverage
Degree, Social Work. Sponsored by Diane Harner
Diploma, Journalism & Mass Communication. Sponsored by Holly Y k
AbigaelKaputa
AlinahSawainaKatang'ie
AngelaSiantoKoonyo
AnnNamikiKitarapp AnnetteSimayoNtayia
BrendaNanetiaKamaamia
Certificate, Community Wildlife Management Sponsored by Paul Byrne
Certificate, Counselling Psychology Sponsored by Jane (Tyger) Schuster
Preparatory course in computers Sponsored by EES Fund
Bachelor of Education. Sponsored by Liz and Harry Marks
Secondary Education. Sponsored by Kate Schapiro
CharityMesiantoSonkori
CharitySinanteNooseli
DayanaSoila
DianaKatatieSankale
DianaSainapeiNchoe
DorisNashipaeMutaka Diploma, Social work & Community Development. Sponsored by Molly & Jorge Tapias
Certificate, Tour Guiding Sponsored by Anail Moon Devi
2024 S H E STUDENTS
Diploma, Community Health and Development & HIV Mgt Sponsored by
Sabrina & Lilith Coryell
JaneNekekoKararei
Diploma, Community Health Nursing. Sponsored by Paige Delacey & Tom Keiser
Diploma, Nursing & Midwifery Sponsored by Shamaya Gilo
Degree, Law. Sponso
Certificate, Nutrition and Dietetics
Sponsored by EES Fund
Bachelors, Science in Nursing Sponsored by Kim Rosen Scholarship Fund
JaneSoyianKoshal
JoelilIsinaIkayo
JosephineNaipanoiKiseento
JosephineSiimoiSaruni
JoyMilanoi
2024 S H E. STUDENTS
Degree, Arts & Education. Sponsored by Catherine Gray
Certificate, Health Records & Info. Technology. Sponsored by EES Fund
Diploma, Community Health &
Bachelor, Early Childhood
Bachelor Social Work & ion. Sponsored by Jude
&
KudateNaipandeHellen
LeahNaipanoiSadera
MariamuGilisho
MaryanneNaekuNkoriombai
MillicentNaisiaeKarbolo
MonicahSaayioiKamaamia
Education. Sponsored by Kim Rosen
Diploma, Journalism
Mass Communication. Sponsored by Karin Carrington
2024 S H
Degree, Information Technology. Sponsored by Patti Cohn
Degree, International Relations & Diplomacy. Sponsored by Dawn McGuire
Degree, Education. Sponsored by Patti
Diploma, Social Work & Community Development. Sponsored by Monnie
NellySankaineSanayet
PeninahNairesiaeKasikwa
PurityNainiNkaiwuatei
RebeccaMeresoRorat
RebeccaNairesiaeRinyai
ReginaSointa
Cohn
Reba Efross and Ani McGuinness
2024 S.H.E. STUDENTS
Degree, Arts & Education by Breen & Roger Housde
Diploma, Early Childhood Education. Sponsored by Christina Mace-Turner
Diploma, Civil Engineering. Sponsored by Lisa Wade
RhodaNaserianKishoyian
SarahNashipaeSankale
SarahNgaurrLiaram
StellaLanoiKarbolo
SusanNatashaKarbolo
SylviaKeisKoisikirr
Diploma, Fashion and Design. Sponsored by Elya Braden
Diploma, Community Heath & Development. Sponsored by Margaret Wagner
2024 S H E STUDENTS
Advanced Training for Certified Public Accountant Sponsored by Ellie Wood SylviaNamunyakSordo
Degree, Social Work and Psychology. Sponsored by Kim Rosen
Degree, Commerce. Sponsored by Anne
C tificate, Fashion & Design/Garment ng. Sponsored by Geneen Roth M tt W i t i
Preparatory course in computers Sponsored by EES Fund
SylviaSalulaNaingisa
TabithaSiamantaSadera
TaruruSilviaTimpiyian
TeresiaNabuluKerempe
TracyTintilaLepore
Feltes
OUR STUDENTS ON INTERNSHIPS
R er who has made significant strides in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her journey is both inspiring and impactful, breaking barriers for women in engineering. As part of her professional journey, Rhoda volunteers with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, where she applies her expertise to various projects that enhance public infrastructure and promote sustainable development.
The first S.H.E. Civil Engineer!
RhodaNaserianKishoyian
BrendaNanetia Kamaamia
Sylvia
During her Bachelors of Social Wor Daystar University, Salula did an internship at Narok Referral Hospit where she worked as a medical so worker in various departments, inc Counseling, Mental Health, and Ge Based Violence.
MENTAL WELLNESS SEMINARS
Mental wellness is crucial to the overall wellbeing of women college students in Kenya. As students navigate the pressures of courses, campus life, and family responsibilities, maintaining mental health becomes essential for their academic success and quality of life.
This Fall, S.H.E. launched a ground-breaking mental wellness initiative, training 6 S.H.E. graduates to be mentors who have bimonthly, one-to-one conversations about mental health with every S.H.E. student. Their role is to listen, support and encourage students to seek help when needed. We believe normalizing discussions around mental health builds an even more supportive environment within the S.H.E. family.
Listeningisthegreatestgiftyoucan givesomeone.
Vulnerabilityistheconnectivethreadin allhumanrelationships.
The Mentorship Team
LIFE SKILLS SEMINARS:
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & JOB READINESS
Throughout the academic year, the S.H.E. College Fund organizes weekend-long seminars with a focus on expanding knowledge on critical issues and building life skills for future success.
[T]he seminars and talks organized by S.H.E. have been enlightening and empowering. The job preparation seminars have equipped me with essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition into the workforce. Additionally, discussions on topics like reproductive health have been crucial in fostering a deeper understanding of important issues that directly impact my well-being as a young woman.
-MariamuGilisho AS.H.E.Student
TRUSTEES OF THE S.H.E. COLLEGE TRUST KENYA
Jacinta Silantoi Meteur Chair
Emily Keter Treasurer
Kim Rosen Trustee
Sarah Degnan Kambou Trustee
WE CELEBRATE OUR U.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Donna Paul
Maya Brown Patti Cohn Sylvia Otieno Treasurer
Dawn McGuire
Kim O’Donnell Secretary
Kim Rosen Chair
OUR TEAM
KimRosenisFounder&Presidentofthe BoardofDirectorsoftheS.H.E.College Fund. She is also the author of Savedbya Poem:TheTransformativePowerof Words (Hay House, 2009) A culminating moment of her life mission came in 2007 when she recited a poem to a group of Maasai girls at the Tasaru Rescue Center In that moment of cross-cultural, transgenerational communion, a deep bond was formed that eventually inspired her to create the S.H.E. Fund to serve the girls who had won her heart. Kim spends time in Kenya each year to develop personal relationships with students, lead special workshops, and network with other organizations.
Sarah Kambou
SarahDegnanKambou,ExecutiveDirectorof theS.H.E.CollegeFund,is a global development expert with experience directing gender equity and social justice initiatives for the International Center for Research on Women, Care International and Boston University School of Public Health where she earned her Masters in Public Health and PhD in international health policy. In 2012, President Obama appointed her to the President’s Global Development Council. Former President Clinton tapped her to serve as an advisor to the Clinton Global Initiative. Sarah’s contributions to the public good have been acknowledged by various awards platforms, such as, Top 100 Global Influencers in Gender Equality, 2019 and 2018 | Center for Nonprofit Advancement EXCEL Award, 2018 | UNA Perdita Huston Human Rights Award, 2013.
JacintaSilantoiMeteurisExecutive
DirectorandDirectorofStudentsofThe S.H.E.CollegeTrustKenya.
She earned her BS in Business, and is soon to earn an MBA in Business Administration. The eldest daughter of 10 children, as a young girl, she fled to the Tasaru Rescue Center in order to avoid FGM. Her burning desire to attend college compelled her to reach out to Kim Rosen for help in 2010, and their collaboration was the seed that became the S.H.E College Fund. As Executive Director, Jacinta oversees all work of The S.H.E. College Trust Kenya, managing the staff and liaising with US staff. As Director of Students, she is responsible for counseling and guiding S.H.E. students, ensuring they are well-matched with their programs, gain critical life skills through seminars and workshops, and have every support they need to do their best work, maintain well-being and a positive attitude, graduate and secure a livelihood
Jacinta Meteur
EmilyKeteristheDirectorofProgramsand OperationsandholdsaBachelorofArts DegreeinDevelopmentStudies.Prior to joining The S.H.E. College Trust Kenya full-time in August of this year, she served as manager of the Tasaru Rescue Center for 15 years. In light of her long tenure at Tasaru, Emmy knows many of the S H E students; she knows their stories and struggles. She has a unique ability to engage with the students, and they respect her deeply As Director, Program & Operations, Emmy manages the day-to-day workings of the Trust. She oversees the entire business operation -- everything from procurement to accounting to student relations to proposalwriting and being active in civil society networks in Narok.
Emily Keter
PhyllisNailoisKamwaroisthe
AdministrativeAssistantatTheS.H.E. CollegeTrustKenya.
As a girl, Nailois fled to the Tasaru Rescue Center to escape FGM and forced marriage. With support from S.H.E. and a Silver Spoon Scholarship, Nailois earned her B.S. in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University in Nakuru. Given her IT background, today Nailois is instrumental in maintaining the Trust’s digital records, producing reports, and sustaining communication with S.H.E. students. She is married and blessed with five children. She enjoys writing poetry, swimming, traveling, and meeting new people.
BeatriceAchien'gOmollosupportstheKenya Programasavolunteeraccountingservices advisor.She is a seasoned Global Finance and Operations Manager with over 25 years of experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, statutory compliance, and risk management within various international organizations Until February 2025, Beatrice served as the Regional Finance Officer (Africa and Asia) at the International Fertilizer Development Center. She has successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets and worked with major donors such as DGIS, USAID, and the World Bank. Beatrice is dedicated to the mission of the S H E Fund, bringing her expertise to support the organization by providing strategic financial leadership. Betty is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and holds an MBA in Finance from Moi University.
Nailois Kamwaro
Beatrice Omollo
2024 DONORS
PRIMARY FUNDERS AND MAJOR DONORS
Floy Andrews and Fred Page
Sheila Bannon
The Estate of Adina Beaumont
Elya Braden
Pam Brewster
Paul Byrne
Tina Cervin
Patti Cohn
Casey Cole
Stef Coleman
Lilith Coryell and Sabrina Coryell
Mary Ann Cotter
Cindy Cowles
Anaìl Devi Moon
Lama Drimed
Monnie Reba Efross
Diane Faissler
Craig Filek
Diane Frankenstein
Shamaya Gilo
Diane Harner
Leah and Ryan Hassell
Terry Heinzmann
Jude Henning
Breen and Roger Housden
Tom Keiser and Paige Delacey
Maria Krekeler
Donna Laperle
Liz and Harry Marks
Ani McGinnis
Dawn McGuire
Matt Naclerio
Diane Nodell
Renee Oesterlin
Audra Paterna
Donna Paul
Penelope Powell
Debora Rosen
Kim Rosen
Gene Rostov
Geneen Roth & Matt Weinstein
Kate Schapiro
Susan Sherman
Mary Staton & Michel Saint-Supice
Marcia Steckler
The Estate of Judith Stone
Molly and Jorge Tapias
Lisa Wade
Margaret Wagner
Ellie B. Wood
Holly York
MASHUJAA (Heroes in Swahili)
Anonymous
Pamela Alexander
Kirk Andrus
Kayleen Asbo
James Begole
Miranda Black
Nancy Blair Harvey
Raechel Bratnick
Kim Brooks
Karin Carrington
Sharon L Charde
Sharon Custer Boggess
Antoinette DeNardis
Birch Dwyer
Lisa Farlin
Patricia Fontaine
Sonja Franeta
Priscilla Gould
Sheila James
Michael Klose
Marty Krasney
Maryse Lepage
Tess Lorraine
Bia Lowe
Gina MacArthur
Marilyn Manning
Patricia Manny
Chance & Melanie Muehleck
Kim O'Donnell
Douglas and Debbie Peck
Paddy Poupeney
Molly Reno
Jacobs Rochelle
Katja Schneider
Christine Stevens
Linda Sussman
Nonnie Welch
Rona Zollinger
MARAFIKI (Friends in Swahili)
Elinor Armer
John August
Elizabeth Baker
Thomas and Johanna Baruch
Judy Bertelsen
Carol Cohen
Claire-Elizabeth DeSophia
Sarah Degnan Kambou
David & Ela Good
Deborah Hall
Kris Hall
Theresa Hoffmann
Rochelle Jacobs
Heloise Jones
Deborah Kaufman
Suzanne Keller
Carolyn Kellogg
Jean Millar
Donna Munro
Jill Murray
Eddie Rockett
Ingrid Schirrholz
Lavanya Thamire
James S Tomlinson
Lisa Westin
Nina Wise
It is a joy when my Whatsapp dings and there is a message from Evelyn! It is so sweet to follow her progress in school and know that I am contributing in my small way to another being’s life, and to know the ripple effect this has. Being part of the S.H.E. community has taught me that, and I am deeply grateful.
Cindy, a Primary Funder
2024 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
INCOME GRANTS
SPONSORSHIPS
In gratitude
Alignment of vision and values between the S.H.E. College Fund and our Foundation Partners ensures that the sum of our efforts on behalf of Maasai girls is far greater than any individual effort.
Together, in collaboration with the courageous S.H.E. students and graduates, we have made tremendous strides in promoting higher education for women among the Maasai. Much remains to be done. We will get there together.
We wish to express our profound appreciation to two extraordinary family foundations:
The EES Fund The Cowles Family Foundation
Join us in transforming lives and communities through the S.H.E. College Fund. Your support provides comprehensive scholarships, counseling and mentoring, and life skills training for young women of Narok County, empowering them to break barriers and uplift their communities. With a 97% graduation rate, and many graduates securing meaningful job opportunities, your generosity has a profound and far-reaching impact. Together, we can create a brighter future for these deserving young women. Thank you for your compassion and commitment.