Caren Wakoli

Caren Wakoli is the Founder and Executive Director of Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF-Africa), a non-profit organization that exists to support and accompany young women and men to achieve meaningful, dignified, and impactful participation in governance, economy and public affairs at all levels of society. She is a consummate storyteller and believes in the power of stories to advance authentic and empathetic leadership for sustainable development. Additionally, she is a great champion for wellness and well-being for leaders and entrepreneurs because she believes that well-being facilitates welldoing. With over 22 years of experience in youth empowerment, Caren has established herself as a visionary leader in Kenya and beyond. She has served on several boards in government, corporate, and civil society. She has also participated in outstanding leadership fellowships like the East African Acumen Fellowship and the Obama Africa Leaders programs. Her dedication to youth and women empowerment, democracy, and good governance has earned her numerous accolades and recognitions. Notably, in 2018, Caren Wakoli and the Emerging Leaders Foundation garnered global recognition when former U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged their work in promoting dignity and ending poverty through the empowerment of youth leaders as agents of positive change. In the same year, she received the prestigious "Most Influential Woman in Business and Government" award in the Civil Society and Welfare category for East Africa, presented by CEO Global. In 2023, she was recognized among the "100 Most Influential African Women" by AvanceMedia and among the "Top 100 Women Career Women in Africa" by 9to5 Chick. Caren Wakoli's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and her tireless efforts to make a positive impact on the African continent and beyond. When she is not actively sharpening leaders, she likes to take nature walks, read and listen to music.

Leadership, wellbeing and wellness, fitness, books, love and empathy, making change and storytelling.

Love is the most powerful force for change in the world. Leaders who lead from a place of love have greater and sustainable impact than leaders who lead from a place of fear, strife or hurt. To love, one must embrace vulnerability, wholeness and wellness. It’s a journey worth taking. Leaders who are bold to express love and empathy promote dignity for all. It is possible for the human race to live in dignity. We just need a leadership that genuinely cares and is selflessly driven to make dignity a reality. Now more than ever, the world needs leaders who lead from a place of love, abundance and empathy.