Self-drive, consistency, and mentorship have propelled June to the top of her game.
Before joining the State agency, KenInvest (Kenya Investment Authority), she served as the marketing head at the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, public relations lead at Safaricom, a business journalist on a local radio station, and grocer in Nairobi’s Kibra.
“While at Konza, I got exposure to conceptualising, marketing, and fundraising for big projects, as well as developing programmes to be supported both by government and the private sector,” she says.
"The most important thing is for one to apply themselves, do their best, and run their race, then opportunities will follow."
This marked the turning point in a career she started shaping 18 years ago, upon arriving in Nairobi after high school. A part of her achievement at Konza is leading the team that successfully bid for Kenya to host the International Association of Science Conference in 2024. Kenya won against Canada.
She played an active role in developing the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative, bringing together players in government, the private sector, and academia to think through innovative solutions to challenges facing enterprises.
Her entrepreneurial motivation developed when she operated a grocery that helped to raise money for her college fees. “Some days I would be at Gikomba and Marikiti markets by 3.30am to get supplies,” she says.
Over time she has learnt to juggle school, work, and family. At a tender age, she built a picture of success for herself and always benchmarked against the best.
Mentors such as former new KCC chairman Matu Wamae, ICT Permanent secretary John Tanui, business leader Rita Okuthe, her high school teacher, and colleagues have pointed her to the right path.
The mother of two says the most important thing is for one to apply themselves, do their best, and run their race, then opportunities will follow.
Lynet Igadwah