Leading Through Service - The Volunteering Journey of Amb. Maryben Akinyi Omollo in Kenya

Introduction

Ambassador Maryben Omollo is a globally respected Mental Health and Leadership Coach, a 17-time award-winning speaker, and the Founder of the Maryben Foundation. With a global reach of over 50 million people, she has dedicated her life to building resilient and inclusive workplaces across Africa. While her professional achievements are widely celebrated, her commitment to volunteerism reveals another powerful dimension of her leadership—one rooted in service, empathy, and community empowerment. This article explores Maryben’s volunteering journey, tracing her roles across various organisations and highlighting how each experience has contributed to her mission of social impact and transformational leadership.

2012–2022: A Decade of Inspiration – Motivational Speaker at PSI Kenya

Maryben’s volunteering journey began in October 2012 when she joined PSI Kenya as a Motivational Speaker. Over the course of nearly a decade—until March 2022—she dedicated her voice and energy to inspiring individuals, particularly in the health sector. Her role involved speaking at community events, health awareness campaigns, and youth empowerment forums. She used storytelling and lived experiences to connect with diverse audiences, encouraging them to embrace healthier lifestyles, pursue education, and believe in their potential. This long-term commitment to PSI Kenya not only amplified public health messages but also positioned Maryben as a trusted voice in community development. Her ability to motivate others through empathy and authenticity became a defining trait of her leadership style.

2022–Present: Championing Women’s Empowerment – Board Member at Women in Business KE

In April 2022, Maryben took on a new challenge by joining Women in Business KE as a Board Member. This organisation focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals across Kenya through mentorship, networking, and policy advocacy. As a board member, Maryben contributes to strategic planning, governance, and program development. She plays a key role in shaping initiatives that support women-owned businesses, promote financial literacy, and advocate for gender equity in the workplace. Her involvement reflects her deep commitment to inclusive economic growth and the belief that empowering women is essential to building stronger communities. Through this role, she continues to mentor emerging female leaders and champion policies that create equal opportunities for all.

2022–2023: Building Bridges – Partnerships Specialist at Ispeak Community

From July 2022 to April 2023, Maryben served as a Partnerships Specialist at Ispeak Community, a social services organisation focused on advocacy, education, and community engagement. In this role, she was responsible for identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. Her work involved aligning organisational goals with collaborative opportunities, securing resources, and expanding the reach of community programs. Maryben’s ability to build trust and foster collaboration was instrumental in strengthening Ispeak’s impact. Her efforts helped the organisation scale its initiatives, particularly in areas related to youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and civic education.

2023–Present: Driving Research and Innovation – Director of Research Development at Forty Under 40 Africa

In March 2023, Maryben was appointed Director of Research Development at Forty Under 40 Africa, a prestigious platform that celebrates and connects young African leaders driving change across the continent. In this capacity, she leads research initiatives that inform policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Her work involves designing research frameworks, analysing trends, and producing insights that support the organisation’s mission of recognising and nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders. Maryben’s analytical skills, combined with her passion for youth development, have made her a key contributor to the organisation’s thought leadership. She continues to advocate for evidence-based solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges, from economic inequality to mental health stigma.

Lessons Learned

Maryben Omollo’s volunteering journey offers several powerful lessons for aspiring leaders, changemakers, and community advocates:

1. Service is Leadership: True leadership is not about titles or positions—it’s about serving others with humility and purpose.
2. Consistency Builds Trust: Her decade-long commitment to PSI Kenya demonstrates the power of showing up consistently for a cause you believe in.
3. Empowerment is Multiplicative: By mentoring women and youth, Maryben has created ripple effects that extend far beyond her immediate reach.
4. Collaboration is Key: Her role at Ispeak Community highlights the importance of partnerships in scaling impact and achieving sustainable change.
5. Knowledge Drives Change: Through her research work at Forty Under 40 Africa, she shows that data and insights are essential tools for informed decision-making and innovation.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s journey through volunteerism is a powerful reminder that leadership is not confined to boardrooms or conference stages—it is often found in the quiet, consistent acts of service that uplift others. Her roles across health, women’s empowerment, community partnerships, and research development reflect a deep and unwavering commitment to social transformation. What sets Maryben apart is her ability to integrate her professional expertise with her passion for service. Whether she is mentoring a young entrepreneur, delivering a motivational talk, or designing a research strategy, she brings the same level of dedication, empathy, and excellence. Her story challenges us to rethink what it means to lead. It invites us to consider how we can use our time, skills, and platforms to make a difference in the lives of others. In a world that often celebrates individual success, Maryben’s example reminds us that the greatest impact comes from lifting others as we rise.