A risk taken 11 years ago set Umulqer on her redefined path. The decision, though uncertain, opened her eyes to other possibilities in life.
“While pregnant with my first baby, I was working for a fast-paced organisation and due to the numerous projects I needed to deliver, I had to shorten my maternity leave. This made me want to avoid relying on others for an income and instead be able to build a future for my children,” she says about her turning point.
Umulqer is the Founder and Director of Research Programmes at UMITA Limited, a management consulting company that deals with social science research in the climate change sector.
The mother of two says the support of family members was crucial for her success. “My mother-in-law who is one of my mentors is a renowned environmentalist and has guided me through everything,” the holder of a Bachelor’s and Masters degree in International Relations Foreign Policy and Diplomacy from the United States International University (USIU) who is currently pursuing a PhD, says.
"You can be who you think you are."
Today she pinpoints the moments that led her here. “You can be who you think you are,” she says.
She believes knowledge is transcendent with her main hurdle been financial management. “We made considerable financial losses when we started,” she says.
Umulqer empowers the community to generate steady incomes.
“I estimate we’ve helped over 4,000 individuals. Considering it’s a public serving around 10,000 households, mostly women,” she says.
While her biggest motivation is her children when not at work or home, she will be out experiencing new things.
“I’m a foodie and love exploring good restaurants and enjoying good wine,” she shares.
– By Marion Sitawa
