Emma Njoki represents the 1% of Kenyan young superstars who are making waves in their own right. She has an impressive background working within the non-profit sector. Last year Emma organized a global summit on the employment of young adults.
Emma began volunteering with Ecosandals two years ago and was recently appointed director of Ecosandals' operations in Kenya. Emma is an incredible organizer and networker, and among the few that have been able to thrive both in the deepest, most destitute shantytowns of Nairobi and in meetings with investors
Emma Njioki currently serves as the project manager for Ecosandals, a social enterprise that produces and exports sandals from recycled tires. The project uses creativity, hard work, and e-commerce to bring economic opportunity and hope to one of Korogocho, one of Kenya's most destitute shanytowns. As the project manager, Emma is facilitating the transition of Ecosandals from a small social enterprise to a medium enterprise with a larger production capacity, larger market share, employment opportunities for youth, and increased profits for the community.
Emma is a visionary leader who is passionate about working with young people and women to unleash their potential. She is a social enterpreneur and a community enthusiast, having worked with several community groups to generate livelihood opportunities the past several years.
Emma holds various national youth leadership positions including serving as a member on the steering committee for the National Youth Council of Kenya and the National Ambassador for Goal 8 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). She is frequently consulted by the Kenyan government on various youth development processes.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nairobi and a post-graduate diploma in Gender and Development from the same university. Emma hopes to study social entrepreneurship in the near future.
Emma believes that young people should strive to make the world a better place than they found it. Her personal mantra is "live, learn, and leave a legacy."