When I started out as an intern in the health sector, I only wanted to do what I knew best - write. At the time, it seemed so insignificant and I did not see how a passion in writing would evolve into an eventful path in global health, impacting communities through advocacy. Winning this award is evidence that little seeds sown do one day become full blown harvests for me and generations to come, and motivation to continue to pursue health for all.
As the East Africa co-lead for the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Youth Advisory Council, she led the conceptualization and launch of the first policy guide for malaria dialogue for African youth. She also serves on the RBM Partnership to End Malaria Youth Workstream, where she provides strategic advice on youth-related malaria eradication plans.
In addition to her leadership on malaria, Mwangi founded Story Book Africa, an advocacy initiative that uses storytelling to empower African youth to make informed decisions about their health and development.
In addition to these efforts, Mwangi works as a health communications and advocacy specialist at the African Union Commission, where she has leveraged her background in storytelling, data visualization, graphic design, project management, and resource mobilization to successfully design and launch three continental health advocacy initiatives, including the Leaders Speak health financing podcast, the Malaria Conversation Guide for Youth in Africa, and the #ProtectedAndInformed HIV advocacy campaign.