The RISE Mentorship Network marked a powerful milestone with the graduation of its 2025 Cohort—13 weeks of mentorship, skill-building, and transformation.
What began as a one-to-one pairing of mentors and mentees became a global community—from Nairobi to London—committed to accelerating the careers of Kenya’s next generation of changemakers.
From Uncertainty to Clarity — A Journey Shared
Before joining the RISE Mentorship Network, many mentees echoed the same thoughts — “I was lost,” “I lacked direction,” “I needed guidance.” What they found at RISE was more than just career advice. They found human connection. They found mentorship that was personal, honest, and affirming.
“Before joining RISE, I had the ambition, but I needed someone to guide me, challenge me, and help me grow,” said Shandavin Chemutai, now a confident full-stack developer.
Collins, another mentee, shared how fear about AI disrupting his career path turned into confidence and drive. “This program has been nothing but a lamp in the darkness.”
The Power of Mentorship — One Life at a Time
The mentors behind RISE are not just professionals — they’re purpose-driven individuals giving their time, energy, and experience to walk beside someone else. No money exchanged, just value. Just humanity.
Mentor Ruth Ayubkibirio, reflecting on her first experience in the role, shared how mentoring created a space for her to give back, while also rediscovering parts of herself:
“It was about sharing my journey — the real story of navigating challenges in the tech space and helping someone position themselves for the future.”
Testimonials that Stirred Hearts
Testimony after testimony, one theme rang true — RISE changed lives.
From Roylene Kanaga, a young nurse stepping into her career:
“Despite my mentor being from a different field, she helped me figure out things I’d never have thought through on my own. It was the best experience for me.”
From Joyleen, who found a mentor that perfectly matched her ambitions:
“My mentor didn’t just understand my career path — she understood me.”
These stories are proof that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being present, and walking together through the unknown.
Sylvia Musalagani
✨ A Keynote to Remember
When Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy at Meta, took the stage, her words carried weight. She reminded us all that career journeys are rarely linear — hers certainly wasn’t. With honesty and insight, she encouraged mentees to embrace curiosity, take risks, and pivot boldly — especially in the age of AI.
“It’s not about working harder; it’s about growing smarter. AI won’t take your job — but someone who knows how to use it might.”
Her talk lit a fire, reminding everyone that the most powerful thing you can do is chase your vision, not someone else’s timeline.
🎉 A Family of Possibility
With over 50 mentees, 58 mentors, and countless volunteers behind the scenes, this third cohort was more than numbers. It was a family.
A family built on trust. On courage. On shared dreams.
As Daizy Limo, founder of RISE Global, said:
“We may not reach everyone — but we are committed to changing one life at a time.”
🎓 Hats Off to the Graduates
And then came the moment — the caps flew (virtually), and smiles stretched across the screens. Not just for completing a program, but for stepping boldly into what comes next.
To the mentees: You did it. You leaned in, you asked the hard questions, you took the brave step forward. Keep going. Keep growing. And remember — you are not alone.
To the mentors: Thank you. Thank you for believing in others, for making time, for leading with heart.
🌱 What’s Next?
Graduation is not the end — it’s a bridge. Whether you’re a mentee stepping into your next career move, or a mentor considering how to give back again, this community is here for you.
Look out for upcoming webinars, the 2026 cohort, and ways to volunteer. Because the work continues. And so does the impact.
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to them their own.” — Benjamin Disraeli
💛 Final Words
At RISE, mentorship is not a transaction. It’s a relationship. It’s about seeing, celebrating, and sparking potential. One conversation, one life, one breakthrough at a time.
So, whether you were keeping warm in Nairobi or chilling in London — thank you for being part of something extraordinary.
Here’s to bold dreams, to rising together — and to the class of 2025. You are ready.
1 Comment
Shandavine Chemutai
When I joined the RISE Mentorship Program, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I just knew I needed something — or someone — to help me find clarity.
I had ambition, but not direction. Confidence, but not certainty. I wasn’t even sure if I was on the right path.
Then I got paired with a mentor — and everything started to shift.
Together, we didn’t just talk about careers.
We talked about self-doubt, mindset, opportunity, fear, and growth.
💡 We refined my goals.
🛠️ We worked on practical things — from LinkedIn to Python.
🧭 And most importantly, I felt seen and supported.
What surprised me most was how much I grew in such a short time.
It wasn’t just about gaining skills — it was about gaining belief.
To anyone feeling stuck, unsure, or questioning your next move:
👉 Find a mentor. Show up. Be open.
RISE didn’t just change my direction.
It changed how I see myself.
Grateful to my mentor, the RISE team, and everyone who makes this program possible.
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