Catherine Macharia is Landesa’s Project Manager, Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. Catherine started working for Landesa in 2023.

What brought you to Landesa?

I was looking for a regional position with an organization that would enable me to interact, work, and learn dynamics involved in the various countries. I desired an opportunity where I could interact with community, execute projects from start to finish, and create success stories in these communities. Landesa’s focus on land rights was a new programmatic area and presented an excellent learning opportunity—so why not!

What inspires your work?

As a project manager, I have often worked on a variety of projects in an organization. This has helped keep my work vibrant and interesting, as there are always new things to learn and new challenges to undertake. I get motivated by experiencing firsthand transformation of team members from a group to committed team players and seeing them excel in their projects. My motto has always been “being excellent at what I do and exceptional at how I make people feel.”

What work at Landesa makes you particularly proud?

The work at Landesa’s Center for Women’s Land Rights; I worked in an organization that had a similar model as the Stand for Her Land campaign and it is good to see the model cuts across different programmatic areas. Landesa’s staff contribution during the annual fundraising appeal shows their belief and commitment to Landesa’s vision.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I love reading blogs—especially Bikozulu, a blog writer in Kenya—and I was inspired to open a blog myself. I wrote one blog, shared some in other blogs, and others are still in draft.  I am a happy person and I enjoy watching stand-up comedies in local context. I enjoy listening to inspirational life stories; in Kenya we have a platform called ENGAGE (a near equivalent of Ted Talks). I like listening to music, especially worship music and spending time with my family.

Describe your vision for a better world.

A place that is fair, equitable, orderly, and just, where people live in peace and harmony.