Next up in our Take Ten series: Noeline Kirabo!
1. Who is Noeline Kirabo?
Noeline Kirabo is a family therapist by profession and a social entrepreneur by passion. She has over twelve years’ experience in the nonprofit sector mainly working with children, youth, women and community self-help groups. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Kyusa, a registered nonprofit organization in Uganda that empowers out of school youth in urban slums to develop passion driven, sustainable careers. She is the Co- Founder and director of Newen Consults, a personal and business development consulting firm. Noeline is also the founding president of Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network (CWEN); a platform that brings together Ugandan Christian women in business to connect, create and collaborate. As part of her passion for women, Noeline has also pioneered a coaching program, New Generation Mentoring program, for young adult women ages 18 to 30. The program prepares them to successfully launch into the labour market and to enable them to find their niche as well as develop the required set of competencies. Noeline is an author, writer, motivational speaker, life coach, career mentor, trainer and business development consultant. Her life mission is to empower people to identify their life purposes and turn their passions into skills for fruitful living.
2. What your occupation?
I am a family therapist by profession and a social entrepreneur by passion and design.
I currently run a non profit and Co-direct a consulting firm where I focus on personal and business development coaching.
3. Are you currently doing a job you love or working towards it?
I am currently doing what I am passionate about. It is the kind of work I can do even when I am not paid. The fulfillment that I get from my work is far more than money can buy. Its a privilege to know that what I am doing today is not just a job but rather I am building a legacy and bridge for future generations.
4. What will that be (if answered working towards it)?
Same as above.
5. How did you hear about Teakisi?
A friend of mine told me about Teakisi after learning about my desire to start writing for a professional magazine. There was a call for applications so I applied and I have no regrets whatsoever. Being part of this community has greatly ignited by passion and writing abilities. To be able to challenge myself to do more with each article.
6. What does Teakisi mean to you?
Teakisi is a family to me that I am accountable to. It is a community of inspirational women that are influencing the world in different dimensions. It’s a learning platform where I have learnt so much through sharing and discussions. Each lady brings a unique wealth of knowledge, inspiration, expertise and wisdom. It is the one community where I am sure to find most of life’s answers. The diversity in the community is a strong ingredient for growth and actualization.
7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next five years, I envision myself as an established author, coach, business and social entrepreneur. I am intentional about writing at least three books each year for the next six years as I work towards my retirement. I am committed to empowering 10,000 youth to start up small businesses as a way of equipping more job creators over the next ten years, which means 5,000 job creators empowered in the next five years. I am passionate about empowering women to thrive in and influence the market place so I envision the possibility of equipping and empowering 500 women to influence the market place through coaching and skills training over the next five years.
Some people think I am too ambitious but I am driven by the power of my vision. If other people can do it, there is no reason why I should not give it my best shot. Even if I don’t meet some of these targets at the end of five years, I would have accomplished much more than the average person and for me that is setting the standard for my generation.
8. Name three thing you can’t do without?
- Bible. in whatever format, but especially the reading version
- Pen and paper because I learn best when I write things down
- Phone which is my mini office and PA in many ways
9. What’s the one thing you could change about Africa if you had the chance to?
I would gladly change the reading culture. I have been reading since I was a child and know that knowledge is power; however, many Africans don’t read. As a continent we are endowed with so many resources but we are still ignorant about what we have and how we can make the most of it. People come from other continents to research, export and even set up ventures in our communities while we are looking on. How do they find out about us? The developed countries have one common thread and that is a hunger for knowledge which on the other hand is a big scarcity here.
10. Name five African women who inspire you?
- Winnie Byanyima
- Sirleaf Johnson
- Lupita Nyongo
- Ann Kansiime
- Gracia Machel