Esther Wainaina has been with Simama since 2016 and currently serves as the Director of the Center of Worth at the Simama Project. What began as a volunteer opportunity grew into a long-term commitment to Simama's mission, and over the past decade, she has held various roles supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families.
Esther holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of Nairobi. With a background in counseling, social work, and youth development, she has extensive experience designing and implementing programs that promote healing, resilience, life skills, and positive outcomes for young people. She is passionate about empowering children and youth to recognize their worth, develop their potential, and successfully navigate life's transitions. Her greatest joy is seeing young people grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach.
Outside of work, Esther enjoys staying active and can often be found at the gym after a busy day. She also values self-care and enjoys nature walks at daybreak, especially those with breathtaking views of Mt. Kenya. A fan of the medical drama Brilliant Minds, Esther is inspired by its themes of empathy, teamwork, and purpose—qualities she strives to bring into her own work and leadership.