Our team recently contacted Allaro Dolphine, a 2024 Aspire Leaders Program alumna and Social Impact Seed Funding (SISF) awardee. We learnt about her journey and her SISF digital skill development project that aims to empower young women entrepreneurs in Kenya. She had some wonderful insights and takeaways from the Aspire Leaders Program to share.
Can you share some insights into your upbringing and early life experiences?
I grew up in a small village in Kenya, where my parents owned a hardware shop alongside small-scale farming. In the early 2000s, our hardware store was a successful business as it was one of the few in town. Through their hard work, my parents provided for my siblings and me, ensuring [that] we got a good education.
However, as more hardware stores emerged and market dynamics shifted, I witnessed my parents face challenges in adapting to these changes. This led to a decline in the family business. These experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of adversity. This was a driving factor for my commitment to help young women entrepreneurs in Kenya embrace technology.
After graduating, my passion for creativity led me to volunteer as a communications officer and youth advocate with the youth-oriented Organization of African Youth in Kenya. This experience strengthened my digital skills and allowed me to contribute to impactful projects for young people in my community. Additionally, I worked with Food4Education, a women-led social capital enterprise that leveraged technology to create a blueprint for school feeding programs across Africa. My role here taught me how technology can be instrumental in creating replicable business models, especially for social impact.
How did you hear about the Aspire Leaders Program and how was your experience in the program?
I learned about the Aspire Leaders Program from a friend who shared the registration link. I’m grateful [that] I applied, as it has been a transformative experience. The masterclasses were the highlight by providing the chance to learn directly from world-class professors in an interactive setting. Professor Reza Satchu’s masterclass, ‘Founder Mindset’ resonated deeply with me. Also, Professor Jasjit Singh’s insights on the case study of Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, who integrated social impact into his business model, inspired me greatly.
Tell us a bit about your project ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’. What led you to this idea?
My project, ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’, aims to empower young women entrepreneurs in Kenya by equipping them with essential digital marketing and business finance skills. Through intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the project seeks to close the digital divide. Conducted in Nairobi county, the initiative engaged 15 participants aged 18–35 from three different sub-counties.
My passion for creativity and communications, the valuable lessons learned from the masterclasses, and a strong desire to empower others drove me to this project. Also, the challenges my parents faced in adapting their businesses to a changing environment inspired me to initiate this project.
Can you tell us a bit about your project’s impact?
By empowering young women entrepreneurs with digital skills and knowledge, the project has created a ripple effect. As these women thrive in their ventures, they can employ more people, contribute to the local economy, and promote gender equality.
For instance, Oliver, one of the beneficiaries, shared, “I have managed to identify my audience, and reach more customers than before.” Another participant, Sarah, shared her newfound confidence, “For the first time, I got the courage to post my products on WhatsApp, and I got customers. I am also working on opening a TikTok account for my business, as I have already opened an Instagram page.”
The training has empowered these women to take control of their finances, track their sales, and manage expenditures effectively. This has not only enhanced their livelihoods but also fostered a community of empowered entrepreneurs who can uplift others. The potential for societal impact is immense, as each woman contributes to a more equitable and prosperous community.
After successfully training this pilot cohort, we aim to replicate this training model for more cohorts, continuously refining it. This project has the potential to create a lasting impact on society, and I am excited for what lies ahead!
