Founder | Chairman | Educationist | Social Impact Advocate | Womens' Advocate
Dr. Mary Okelo is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Mary Okelo Conservancy located at Palos Farm, Kibos. In addition, She is a retired banker, educationist, entrepreneur, and gender rights crusader with vast and diverse experience in local and international finance, micro-enterprise, and international service in the public, private, and NGO sectors. Her journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact. Through her work, Mary has inspired many and continues to be a beacon of change and empowerment. Explore her story and accomplishments below.
"Empowering Generations: The Legacy of Dr. Mary Okelo in Finance, Education, and Gender Equality"
Dr. Mary Okelo, a beacon of inspiration for Kenyan and African youth, has blazed trails in finance, education, and gender equality, setting an example for generations to come. As the former visionary Executive Director of Makini Schools for 40 transformative years, she defied norms and paved the way for women in finance. Founding the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust and she led in the authoring of the women development while appointed to the Africa Development Bank as a senior advisor to the bank’s president, focused on women development and the private sector , she empowered countless women economically, igniting hope and opportunity. Despite transitioning from her role as Executive Director when AdVTech from South Africa came in, Dr. Okelo's legacy of academic excellence and community service continues to resonate. Her remarkable achievements, including receiving prestigious Kenyan national awards such as the The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) 2018, Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 THINK BUSINESS Banking Awards, the National Women’s Prayer Banquet recognition in 2015, the Golden Jubilee Award presented by the President of Kenya in 2013 to mark Kenya's 50th anniversary, the Presidential Award in 2003 for her significant contributions to education in Kenya, and her recognition as the winner of the Barclays Bank Customer Service Competition in 1982, serve as milestones of her extraordinary journey.
Dr. Mary Okelo's name stands as a symbol of opportunity for women and girls across Kenya. Her remarkable journey as a pioneer in the male-dominated banking sector began with a tenacious spirit and a determination to succeed against all odds. Not only did she break down gender barriers to become Kenya's first female bank manager, but she recognized a profound need: women entrepreneurs often lacked access to the financial resources and support vital for success. This realization fueled her founding of the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT). This revolutionary microfinance institution became a catalyst for change, providing women with loans, bespoke training, and mentorship to help them realize their full economic potential.
Dr. Mary Okelo: A Legacy of Educational Leadership and Shaping the Future of Kenyan Education
Dr. Mary Okelo's profound impact on Kenyan education stems from her commitment to excellence and fostering equitable learning environments. Her career exemplifies her drive to address systemic challenges through innovation in education. Dr. Okelo's work with Makini Schools established a model for rigorous academics, holistic student development, and technology integration. Beyond her direct contributions, Dr. Okelo's legacy centers on empowering educators and educational leaders, ensuring her influence will continue to shape Kenyan education. Her unwavering belief in education as a catalyst for individual and societal transformation makes Dr. Mary Okelo a true beacon of progress in Kenya.
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Whether you have a story to share, want to collaborate, or simply wish to express your thoughts, Dr. Mary Okelo welcomes your messages. Let’s create meaningful conversations