Sponsor An African Girl in STEM

WAAW Foundation was founded in 2007 by Dr. Unoma Okorafor while she was a PhD student, responding to a burning desire to see more women of African descent healthy, educated, and inspired to participate in home and community building. 

Since 2014, WAAW Foundation has been dedicated to empowering girls in STEM, nurturing their potential and witnessing them grow into influential leaders. One such inspiring story is that of Stella Murugi Muthungu, a 2018 WAAW Scholarship awardee from Kenya. Today, Stella serves as a Water and Sanitation Officer at UNICEF in Kenya and is pursuing a master’s degree in Water Management for Development remotely at the University of Loughborough, Leicestershire, under the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship.

Stella's journey to success was not without its challenges. After losing her father while still in high school, she had to take on part-time jobs to help her mother support the family and pay for her education. However, Stella’s determination and the support from WAAW Foundation’s scholarship enabled her to complete her college education, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil and Structural Engineering.

Passionate about making a difference, Stella co-founded a community-based organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and mentoring rural girls. Her work extends globally through her involvement with Rockblue, an organization dedicated to advancing water sanitation and health initiatives.

Stella’s achievements and her commitment to empowering women and girls in the water and sanitation sector make her a true role model. She exemplifies the spirit of breaking barriers and achieving greatness in STEM, even in the face of adversity. Stella’s story is a testament to the impact of WAAW Foundation's mission and the endless possibilities that arise when girls are given the support and opportunity to pursue their dreams in STEM. See our impact. See our impact