Q: In 2017, Africa’s Youth Awards named you one of the 100 Most Influential Africans. You are a business graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam and the managing director of Bongo5 Media Group Ltd, which focuses on digital media creation. You are the founder and the executive director of The Neghesti Sumari Foundation and the Jenga Hub that runs programs to teach kids from marginalized backgrounds how to do software coding. You are interested in improving the state of your community by working towards digital literacy for all. And your foundation has transformed learning outcomes for youth and little children through its digital literacy programs and applying design making methodology to create value. Today you are going to inspire all of us to break out from mediocrity to greatness. Welcome Nancy.
Thank you so much for having me, this is a great honor.
Q: Likewise. Tell us a little bit about yourself, Nancy.
I’m the third-born of five children. One of my parents is a farmer and the other runs her own hotel business, she’s into catering. I had a very interesting childhood, I grew up on a farm and as you can imagine it was full of adventure, mischief, and just joy and love. My parents were very keen for us to get a good education, and to also grow up in a close-knit loving family.
I have very fond memories of my childhood.
Beyond that, I went to school in Kenya, graduated from high school and came back to Tanzania, and did my bachelor’s degree here in Business. I hope to still continue with my studies at some point, soon hopefully. I’m married with a daughter who’s wonderful. I feel like I’ve had an interesting journey so far, and I’m very thankful for that. But I often reflect and feel that it’s almost like an out-of-body experience where I couldn’t imagine having the love that I have right now and the work that I’m doing, the opportunity to meet people. To offer what I have been given throughout my life is something I’m very thankful for. So, that’s a bit of who I am.
Q: Thank you. How has it been since becoming a beauty queen to becoming a philanthropist working for the education of children? Can you tell us a little bit about that journey too?
Yes, I think the journey through the beauty pageant was almost by chance. It was an opportunity that just happened to me. I suppose it was meant to be part of my journey, but it was a very big surprise, because I had just finished high school and I was hoping to pursue my university education at that point in time. By chance, at a local restaurant here in Dar es Salaam, I met a young lady who felt that I should be part of the competition, that it was a great opportunity. It felt like it was an opportunity, and when an opportunity comes knocking, I’ve always been one to make the most of it, so I did.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
5 Aspects of Cultural Diversity
Elizabeth Denley looks back on her childhood, which kindled an awareness and interest in cultural diversity. She offers some key learnings from those formative years that have helped her to embrace the possibility of humanity coming together in kinship, mutual love and respect.
What Is Your Path of Change?
TAMI SIMON is the founder of multimedia platform, Sounds True, and the educational program, The Inner MBA. Tami has grown Sounds True into North America's leading publisher of spoken-word spiritual teachings, and one of the world's first organizations to operate along genuinely integral principles, with the emphasis on "multiple bottom lines" of purpose, profit, people, and planet.
THE TREE OF Life and Fertility
DR. V. RAMAKANTHA shares some insights into the science, history and mythology of the Banyan tree, also known as the Bengal Fig or Indian Fig. The Banyan is one of those mythical trees that has had an important place in the life and history of the people of India since ancient times. It is also home to many species of birds, animals, and epiphytic plants.
On Diversity
DR. ICHAK ADIZES is an expert in change management for organizations. Here he shares some thoughts on why we celebrate diversity, cultural and otherwise.
MANAGING Back Pain & Posture
DR. ABHAY NENE is a Spinal Surgeon from Mumbai, India, who has been the recipient of various international awards throughout his career. He is interviewed here by DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE of the Heartfulness Institute about back pain why, how, and what to do?
Life, Death, Fear, and Purpose
THOMAS BRUHN is a physicist at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Potsdam, Germany. He is a researcher and a bridge builder, helping experts and change-makers from all sectors of society to come together to explore the topic of sustainability, listen to each other, and develop solutions.
Hydroponics
SAIRAM REDDY PALICHERLA is one of the founders of UrbanKisaan, creating a sustainable and safe future using hydroponics. They are creating local micro-farms, with a low carbon-footprint, and igniting agri-entrepreneurs to bring positive change for humanity and the planet. Here he speaks with LEAH RICH about the work UrbanKisaan is doing, and Kanha Shanti Vanam as a model for feeding a whole community.
Learning to Manage Eco-Anxiety
CHARLOTTE DUFOUR is a veteran in the fields of international cooperation and sustainable food systems. In part 3 of her interview with KALPANA SAI of the Heartfulness Institute, she focuses on our relationship with the outside world and the environment.
East Meets West
KALYANI ADUSUMILLI grew up in a minority group in the United States, straddling cultures, learning how to fit in, and later learning how to accept the traditions of her heritage. Today, she is watching her children going through the same process, shifting their cultural identity, as they head toward adulthood in the melting pot of a multicultural society.
DEVELOP THE HABIT OF Making Great Decisions
DAAJI challenges us to think about how we make decisions, and shows us how a regular meditation practice can lead us to knowing right from wrong, naturally and easily, by listening to the heart and allowing it to guide our choices.
Celebrating God's MIRACULOUS PROVISION
We are always excited to share the testimonies from the nations of the miraculous provisions of God. Rejoice with our family as they celebrate.
This time for Africa
Georgia educator spearheads effort to get computers to Tanzania
PASSION PLAY
AS THE FOUNDER OF HOOPS2O, INDIANA PACERS GUARD MALCOLM BROGDON IS HELPING BRING CLEAN, DRINKABLE WATER TO PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY NEED IT.
Green Dreams In Tanzania
Africa has its own seasons.
A Different Kind Of Inflation Problem
The world’s helium stores are running low. Prices are soaring, and it’s not just party balloons at risk of going unfilled. Two geologists say they’ve stumbled on a supply that could transform a whole country.
The Solar Company Making a Profit on Poor Africans
M-Kopa plans to be a $1 billion company by selling solar panels to rural residents and providing them with credit.
Safari - On the Wild Side
Encounter rare sightings on a South African safari.
TWINKLE KHANNA'S SHORT STORY ‘SALAAM NONI APPA' TO BE MADE INTO A FILM
Author Twinkle Khanna's short story titled "Salaam Noni Appa' from her book "The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad' is all set to be made into a movie.
Pro guide to modern WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
The remarkable animals with whom we share the planet offer many creative possibilities for photographers. Here, wildlife photographer Graeme Green gives his tips and insights, from finding the right gear to using your photography for the good of the planet
LUBNA CHOWDHARY
THE WORK OF LUBNA CHOWDHARY - Certain Times, ceramic and wood, 2021