In this episode, Ericka sits down with Winnie Karanja and Victoria Chen to talk about how they are “reimagining education” through Nakira’s World and BridgeYear. Both women are asking big questions about what it means to educate for the future, and as founders of successful companies and organizations they are creating solutions that have impact and endurance.
More about Winnie Karanja:
Winnie is the CEO and Founder of Nakira’s World. Nakira’s World is focused on engaging young children in the wonders of STEM by connecting science to everyday life. In 2019, Winnie was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. With a background in STEM education, technology and workforce development, Winnie is committed to education equity. Her innovative programs go beyond learning—they inspire and equip the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Winnie holds a Masters of Science in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was named one of Forbes “World’s Brightest Young Leaders” for Racial Justice & Inequality in 2023.
More about Victoria Chen:
Victoria Chen received her undergraduate degree from Brown University in neuroscience and her MBA from the Yale School of Management. Through her work at BridgeYear, she received the Thorne Prize for Social Innovation at Yale University in 2017 and was named the Texas Executive Women’s Rising Star in 2019. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of BridgeYear, and she is committed to helping students from low-income communities reach their full potential through postsecondary education. BridgeYear is a Houston-based nonprofit that connects underserved youth to careers and educational opportunities that led to economic stability and independence. BridgeYear focuses on well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree and provides students hands-on career exploration opportunities, tangible resources, and direct access to local training programs through MorePathways.org.
Show Note Links:
Nakira’s World
Winnie Karanja
BridgeYear