Because she was denied, Dr Fiona Wanjiku Moejes decided to be generous. Be it compassion, authenticity or opportunities, she became an orchestra-style conductor with African women in science, shepherding and showing the way.
Through her work at The Mawazo Institute and Mawimbi Ocean Innovations, Fiona is chaperoning inclusive, research-driven, and sustainable solutions to some of Africa’s biggest challenges.
“It’s the creation of space so that people from different backgrounds can translate their ideas and turn those ideas and passions into things that can shape their communities and areas of interest.”
Under her leadership, Mawazo has expanded its reach to 20 African countries, supporting 92 women researchers (with 60 more joining in 2025), and raising more than $5 million in funding.
"I am working to create an environment that allows African women researchers to translate their ideas into policy and startups. "
The organisation is known for pioneering a four-day workweek and wellness funds.
“I am working to create an environment that allows African women researchers to translate their ideas into policy and startups. It’s changing how they can show up as leaders in their respective fields.”
For Fiona, her leadership mantra can be summed up thus: “There go my people. I must find out where they are going so I can lead them.” She watches from the sidelines as others make career-defining moments, choosing instead to be a facilitator, rather than a finisher.
She holds a PhD in Microalgal Biotechnology from Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf and a Master’s in Medical Genetics from the University of Sheffield. She wraps it up: “When women show up in leadership positions, the possibilities are endless.”
–Eddy Ashioya