Kenyan Woman Wanjiru Waithaka Wows Michelle Obama At White House
A Kenyan woman got 15 seconds of fame after she was honoured by US First Lady Michelle Obama at an exclusive event held at the White House on Tuesday.
The woman, Wanjiru “Ciru” Waithaka, runs a company called Fun Kidz that creates “furniture, accessories and educational tools for children, that are based on African stories”.
Mrs Obama cited Ciru as an example for women who are empowering others in her society, while two others were speakers at an important summit for women.
“You go girl! Ciru is from Kenya so we’re family,” said an evidently elated Mrs Obama sending guests into a fit of laughter.
For starters, her husband and US president Barack Obama is son of a Kenyan father.
TRADEMARK HUG
The First Lady made the remarks during the United State of Women Dinner which was held on Tuesday, June 14 as part of the White House United State of Women Summit, at the US Department of State.
She interrupted her sentiments about Ciru to blow kisses at the awestruck Kenyan woman who was in the audience. At some point, Mrs Obama summoned her to the stage, declaring: “This is worth stopping for a second,” she said.
She then wrapped her hands around her for her trademark hug. Mrs Obama says Ciru got a loan from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, a global initiative that fosters economic growth by providing women entrepreneurs around the world with a business and management education, mentoring and networking, and access to capital.
“This helped her double her production, where as she couldn’t keep up to supply to the demand before, double her staff and reach a global market,” said the First Lady.
Ciru later then formed a program for children from needy families that has touched more than 350 children in teaching them about innovation and technology.
-nairobinews.nation.co.ke
Kenyan Woman Wanjiru Waithaka Wows Michelle Obama At White House
