She is empowered - Angeline's story
From starting “green” to leading post-harvest operations.
Back to storiesMy career journey shows what becomes possible when women are given the opportunity to learn, grow and lead, and when fairness and inclusion are taken seriously at work. I joined the organisation with limited exposure to systems, policies and operational leadership. Starting “green” was intimidating, but it became the foundation for resilience, discipline and confidence. These are qualities I rely on today as a woman in operations.
Starting green
I began as a Final Quality Assurance (QA) officer at Bondet Farm in Nanyuki, where I worked for one and a half years. It was a demanding job. I had to learn quickly, have the courage to ask questions, seek guidance, and keep improving. By applying Hamuka principles, I strengthened inspection accuracy, reduced errors and helped ensure compliance. Just as importantly, I experienced the value of mentorship. Support, guidance and trust create opportunities, especially for women in operational spaces.
A new role
That became even clearer when I was promoted to Senior QA at KS Farm. Beyond technical responsibilities, the role required leadership, decision-making and people management under pressure. As a woman leading teams, I tried to create an environment where others, especially women, felt confident to contribute, learn and take initiative. By coaching team members and encouraging ownership, we strengthened reporting accuracy, improved process flow and built confidence as a team. I learned that when workplaces are supportive and fair, people do not need to be pushed. They grow into responsibility.
Acting Post-Harvest Manager
A defining milestone in my journey came when I acted as Post-Harvest Manager at MR Farm for five months. Leading in this role required confidence, adaptability and the willingness to make decisions while staying grounded. I focused on mentoring supervisors, building leadership capability within the team, and making sure accountability was paired with support. Through structured guidance and continuous improvement, we improved efficiency, reduced wastage and strengthened ownership in the team. That experience reinforced something important for me. Leadership is not about rising alone. It is about creating conditions where others can rise with you.
”True leadership is not measured by how far you rise, but by how many people you help to rise with you.
Today
Today, as Post-Harvest Manager, I remain committed to developing people, especially women, through mentorship, knowledge sharing and fair access to growth opportunities. When women are supported, visible and prepared for leadership, organisations become stronger and more consistent. Progress multiplies when we invest in others and make opportunity practical.
Opportunity & support
As we mark International Women’s Day, my journey reminds me that starting with limited knowledge is not a weakness. It is a beginning. When women mentor women, when leaders prepare others for bigger roles, and when workplaces match opportunity with support, we build more than careers. We build capability that lasts.”
