“Success is when at least one woman is positively impacted by what I do. It is about impact, choosing quality over quantity, and creating meaningful connections.” – Inaara, HerStart International Fellow
Fellowship Alumni Spotlight: Where Inaara Found Purpose & Impact
By Odile Burume | Tanzania
Author: Odile Burume, HerStart International Fellow
Inaara became a Communications & Gender Equality Fellow with YCI’s HerStart program in Zanzibar, Tanzania in May 2024. At the time, Inaara had recently completed her Masters in Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies and faced challenges in finding meaningful work in her field of interest in Canada. Determined to pursue her passion for gender equality, she explored international placements that focused on women’s empowerment and luckily stumbled upon HerStart. It felt like the perfectly aligned opportunity, allowing her to combine her educational background with her passion for creating impact.
Inaara (third from the left) and other HerStart Fellows with YCI staff outside our partner office for Barefoot College Zanzibar.
The HerStart Fellowship Experience
Inaara had completed short-term volunteer trips during high school, but this was her first in-depth and longer-term international volunteer opportunity. While moving to a new country is never an easy feat, Inaara’s family’s roots in Kenya and Tanzania provided her with a sense of comfort, knowing that she would encounter familiar cultural practices and food.
During her HerStart International Fellowship, Inaara had the opportunity to join the YCI Tanzania team alongside 5 other international fellows who became her companions, collaborators and now friends. Together, they not only worked, learned and grew professionally as they supported HerStart together, but also formed deep connections through shared meals, weekend excursions and personal growth experiences.
Inaara also really enjoyed and benefitted from the relationships she built with the YCI Tanzania and partner staff – each person brought a unique background and perspective to the table, and she eagerly absorbed the valuable professional knowledge and advice they shared from their years of experience. After this article, be sure to check out this 2 minute video about one of our incredible partners in Zanzibar – Barefoot College International.
In addition to her colleagues, HerStart entrepreneurs left a big mark on Inaara’s fellowship experience – witnessing them grow in confidence as they collaborated and fearlessly pitched their innovative ideas was inspiring and motivating. The experience fueled Inaara’s own passion and determination for making a positive impact.
“Success is when at least one woman is positively impacted by what I do. It is about impact, choosing quality over quantity, and creating meaningful connections.”
– Inaara, HerStart International Fellow
Reflecting on her experience, Inaara looks back with joy and fulfillment. The fellowship pushed her boundaries, helping her to grow both personally and professionally, while fostering new connections with likeminded people from around the world. The invaluable lessons she gained hold a special place in her mind.
Inaara celebrates with other fellows, staff and entrepreneurs at a HerStart Catalyst Fund Pitch event.
Where Is She Now
Since her HerStart Fellowship, Inaara’s journey has taken her to new and exciting opportunities. Through her networking efforts on LinkedIn and making cold calls, she came across WAJAMAMA, an organization based in Tanzania focused on making holistic healthcare services accessible to women and children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Feeling that familiar jolt of excitement, she reached out and ultimately got an in-person Marketing and Development Fellow role for the year – meaning she was heading back to Zanzibar! She currently supports WAJAMAMA efforts to secure funding through donors, local corporate social responsibility initiatives and grant writing. Looking back, she sees how the HerStart Fellowship enabled her to not only pursue her passion for supporting women, but also paved the way for new and exciting possibilities in her career.
Lessons from the Journey
The impact of HerStart on Inaara’s life has been profound. The program translated into her learning a new language, becoming comfortable in a different culture and broadening her horizons and perspective. Inaara has since embraced a more simple and mindful lifestyle, reducing overconsumption and doing what she can to support diverse, local women’s organizations. She envisions herself living in Tanzania for the next couple of years, aspiring to take on more leadership opportunities and make a lasting impact through her contributions.
One of the key lessons Inaara learned during her time with HerStart was the importance of taking initiative and making the most of every opportunity. She understood that waiting for things to happen doesn’t lead to growth or meaningful experiences. This mindset helped her to fully immerse herself in the program and get the most out of it possible.
“The fellowship is what you make of it. Don’t sit around and wait for things, you have to be willing to take initiative and make the most of the experience.”
– Inaara, HerStart International Fellow
By joining HerStart, Inaara is now one step closer to achieving her big picture goals and continues to create meaningful impact in the lives of others.