Ruth Waweru: A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Impact

Ruth Waweru’s story is one of unwavering determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating change. Growing up in Limuru village, Kenya, Ruth’s journey to becoming the Global Director of Finance and Administration at Asante Africa Foundation is a testament to the power of education, kindness, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

From a young age, Ruth faced challenges that would have deterred many. Every day, she walked 30 minutes to the main road just to catch transportation to school. Yet, she excelled academically, driven by her father’s encouragement and his belief in the transformative power of education. For Ruth, education was everything—it was her gateway to a better life and the foundation of her success. Her primary school motto, “Hard Work Pays,” became a guiding principle that she carried with her throughout her life.

“My parents taught me the importance of kindness and hard work. He was my biggest motivator, and his words stayed with me even during the toughest times.”  

Ruth recalls.

Ruth’s path was far from easy. While pursuing her dream of becoming an accountant, she became a mother during her university years. Balancing the demands of motherhood and academics, Ruth demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Her determination paid off—she graduated with strong grades and later joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s leading accounting firms, where she worked as an auditor for four years.

But Ruth’s heart was always drawn to something greater. She yearned for work that would create meaningful change in her community. This longing led her to the Asante Africa Foundation, where she found the perfect blend of her financial expertise and her passion for social impact.  Here is what Ruth had to say when she was applying for the Global Director of Finance and Administration role at Asante Africa Foundation:

“At Asante Africa Foundation, I saw how education could transform lives, especially for children from the most challenging backgrounds. Being part of the foundation’s impact felt natural because I had found my own purpose through education.”

Ruth’s work at Asante Africa Foundation has been nothing short of transformative. She has witnessed firsthand the foundation’s impact in regions like Samburu county where insecurity, early marriage, cultural beliefs and poverty often rob children of their futures. She has seen students from these areas not only attend Enterprise competitions but also receive seed funding to start their own businesses. 

“These are moments that remind me why I do what I do. Every child we empower is a step toward a brighter future for our communities.” Ruth says. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth is a beacon of hope for women and girls. As a young mother navigating a demanding career, she broke barriers and defied stereotypes. Today, she is a role model for aspiring professionals, especially those from challenging backgrounds. Ruth is deeply committed to empowering women and believes that leadership and cultural change are essential to advancing gender equality. She emphasizes the importance of providing women with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed and thrive. Her journey and advocacy underscore the transformative impact of resilience, determination, and systemic change in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

At Asante Africa Foundation, Ruth keeps inspiring others and pushing for real, impactful change. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how strong the human spirit can be and how education can truly change lives. With her unwavering dedication, she’s not just helping shape brighter futures for countless children but also playing a part in building a fairer, kinder world for everyone.