We are thrilled to announce that Executive Director, USA, Dr. Sharon Runge was named a TIAA100 Difference Maker Honoree. This honor is in recognition for the tireless work by Sharon to help break down barriers to education and through providing enrichment and empowerment programs to students and teachers at 55 partner schools in rural Kenya. Along with Sharon being an honoree, Kenya Connect will receive $10,000 to support its work

“I am humbled and honored to be named a TIAA Difference Maker. This honor is as result of the work of our co-founder and Executive Director, Kenya, Mr. James Musyoka and the talented staff in Wamunyu and our wonderful Board of Trustees. I am grateful that TIAA celebrates the work of so many working in the non-profit world.”

In celebration of TIAA’s 100th year of serving those who serve others, TIAA is recognizing 100 people like Sharon who work for a nonprofit and are making significant contributions in their community or the world. TIAA is awarding each Difference Maker 100 Honoree with a $10,000 donation to support the nonprofit organization through which they make a difference. In Sharon’s case, $10,000 will be donated to Kenya Connect.  Sharon was selected from among more than 4,000 entries.

“We could think of no better way to commemorate our centennial than to celebrate the people we have a mission to serve – the millions of nonprofit professionals driven by purpose and service – and to help enable them to continue having a positive impact on the world,” said Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., president and CEO of TIAA. “We were delighted to receive over 4,000 submissions.  Each represents an inspiring story that epitomizes what it means to be a difference maker.”

The Kenya Connect team is grateful for this designation and the work that TIAA does to help us serve the world!