Featured Alumnus: Sharon Etemesi

Sharon describes herself as productive, impressive and charismatic. She is a debate and public speaking trainer, Panel Moderator and Hackathon Facilitator working with the  Kenya National Debate Council. She studied hospitality and tourism management at Pwani University.

“My ELF experience was mind shifting, as it focused deeply on my knowledge of self (which is not a one-day journey) and helped me realize just how bright my candle can shine. The mental wellness in appreciating the good and the bad in life while being in control of reactions to these situations is a priceless gift from my ELF experience.” Says Sharon.

Ms. Etemesi trains structured debate to university and high school students and private coaching professionals who are advancing their careers and need polished oratory skills. Her greatest achievement has been being unanimously elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Pan African Council of Debate for Universities. This came only 2 months after her ELF graduation, during her stint at the program, she had learnt more on Pan Africanism and Women in Leadership.

We asked Sharon to share with us a story that stands out to her from her past; “While in standard 7, the school Principal flagged me one day in parade and ordered the whole school to  not associate with me because of how notorious I was. I had no friends, no study buddies- no one in a boarding school miles away from home. I was all alone at 12 years old and I felt depressed. I hated everyone and only found peace in my mother and one teacher (Teacher Ruth) who pulled me up. I acknowledge my mistakes and realize that it was a learning curve for me. The story goes on but the bottom line was that every action attracts a reaction of equal measure.”

If Sharon were to be a color, she would be Orange because she brightens people’s moods and has infectious happiness. Her all time favorite movie is Face Off because of the story line, the movie teaches her to focus on character rather than physical appearance.

Sharon finds time to give back to ELF by training some of our cohorts on debating and public speaking. We celebrate her today and we’re excited about what she’s doing and the prospects of her future.