Destination Imagination Africa

Destination Imagination in Africa is a non-governmental organization that specializes in STEAM based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) curriculum education. We offer a suite of educational experiences which can be combined or used alone to create a solution unique to the landscape of needs for each country.
We believe that quality education goes hand-in-hand with gender equality. All learners regardless of gender must be exposed to and develop technical and soft skills. Through our STEAM-based challenges, we offer a platform where girls and boys develop technical skills based on their interests in an environment that encourages soft skill acquisition

DI Botswana was founded in 2021 in collaboration with Destination Imagination, Inc.  We have run STEAM Education project during Covid 19, two seasons reaching youth across junior and senior schools in Botswana. 
The first season, 2020-21, reached 2000 students and was funded by Lumen Technologies. The second season was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development) BMZ and is jointly implemented by Enabel and GIZ. 
Through these collaborations and partnerships, Destination Imagination Botswana has served over 5000 learners in and around Gaborone, cultivating their creativity, Innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
 DI Botswana also uses a boot camp format to introduce more youth to DI and has begun to work with the private schools to reach over 5,000 students over their time as licensee for Botswana

Chief Executive Officer

The Happiness Tribe

A successful businessman was on vacation in a small coastal village. One afternoon, as he strolled along the shore, he came across a fisherman hauling in his catch. The fish were large and plentiful, their scales shimmering in the sunlight.

"That's quite a catch!" the businessman said. "How long did it take you to catch them?"

"Not long," the fisherman replied with a smile.

"Why don't you fish for longer? You could catch more fish and sell them to make more money!" the businessman suggested.

The fisherman tilted his head curiously. "And then what?"

"With the extra money, you could buy a bigger boat, hire some help, and catch even more fish. Over time, you could expand into a fleet, sell internationally, and build a thriving business."

The fisherman chuckled. "And what would I do then?"

"Well, after years of hard work, you could retire, move to a quiet village, spend time with your family, fish for pleasure, and enjoy life!"

The fisherman grinned and said, "But I already do that now."

This simple yet profound story stayed with me as I traveled the world. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of Africa, from boardrooms to rural villages, one thing remained constant: all humans, regardless of race, wealth, or status, crave happiness. 

Inspired by this realization and deeply rooted in the spirit of *Ubuntu*—the belief in our shared humanity—I founded *The Happiness Tribe*. A movement, a community, and a way of life dedicated to spreading joy, mindfulness, and a sense of belonging.

Co-Founder/ CEO 

Edustore Africa 

CEO Edustore Africa

We have a massive warehouse filled with books and classroom resources that cater for everyone’s
tastes. We have accumulated this stock for the past 15 years. Our current inventory stands at over
50,000 books worth an estimated 7 Million Pula.

managing distribution of Edustore Africa products to Majid Al futaim Carrefour Supermarkets.

Director International Collaboration clusters in Africa

Smpl Ecosystem

Driven by a profound passion for leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion and empowerment across Africa, I am honored to serve as the Chief Ambassador for Africa at Smpl. With a rich background in business development, partnerships, and compliance, I am wholeheartedly committed to representing and promoting Smpl Ecosystem's interests throughout this vibrant continent.

In a world where millions remain unbanked or underbanked, I believe in the power of innovative solutions like Smpl to transform lives. By providing access to financial services, we can unlock potential, foster entrepreneurship, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

My role involves fostering meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, spearheading strategic initiatives, and ensuring cohesive operations in alignment with Smpl's global objectives. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on financial accessibility and literacy, driven by the conviction that financial empowerment is a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Beyond the pursuit of financial inclusion, Smpl's intention to educate and uplift individuals resonates deeply with my personal mission. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their finances effectively, we are not just creating customers – we are empowering citizens and shaping the future of finance in Africa.

I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can redefine the landscape of financial services in Africa, making it more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all.

Chief Ambassador for Africa

Destination Imagination Botswana

Destination Imagination (DI) is a global educational organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders and creative problem solvers.
At Destination Imagination, we believe that when an educational experience is hands-on, collaborative and fun, students are empowered to take their learning to the next level and are excited to do so. DI provides unique educational experiences across different project-based Challenge types–Technical, Scientific, Engineering, Improvisational, Service Learning, and Early Learning.
In 2020, nearly 9,000 teams from across the United States and 3,168 international teams participated in DI. 

Each team represents seven students plus at least one team manager, along with their adult parents 
or caregivers. Typically, about 10 percent of all global teams attend Global 
Finals.

Billion Child Foundation

BCF empowers national ministries of education to train principals/head teachers to reinvent all their under-performing schools to become centres of excellence, and teachers and religious organisations to facilitate parenting skills training programmes.

These programmes promote social mobility and alleviate three global pandemics – poor educational outcomes at government schools, the breakdown of family cohesion, and family and gender-based violence.

Our goal: By 2044 to have enabled a billion children to attend government schools which operate as centres of excellence while being supported by a committed informed parent/carer.

Executive Director

Toni Focus Group of Companies

Toni Focus is a sales and marketing cosultancy firm specialising in assisting start up with business analysis and existing companies increase their profits. We help companies develop and execute  business strategy to grow faster than the market with our collection of actionable service offerings.

CEO at Toni focus group of companies, Edustore Africa and Tradelink Pty Ltd.

NKP Life & Style

C.E.O

Edustore Africa

Toni Focus

Women face unique circumstances and challenges in life. I have 
gone through my fair share through the school of hard knocks! 
From living in a foreign country at the age of 21years to building a 
mega business, going belly up and rising again! My immense 
internal drive and determination despite all the obstacles I have 
been through but surmounted stronger and wiser. My passion and 
Zeist for life gives me the urge to inspire and coach other women in 
business or aspiring to. My 21 years of experience global trotting 
and building businesses from scratch in Southern and Eastern Africa 
with my deep/inherent believe that the world has so much to offer, 
and we sell ourselves short has equipped me with astounding 
business skills. We limit ourselves! 
We have created a coaching programme that can take your 
business to the next level, exposing you to a world of possibilities. 
Our core focus is transforming entrepreneurship whilst awakening 
the giant in you. Each session is one hour and can be done either in 
person or via skype. Our coaching cycle consist of either 6 or 12 
sessions in total.

Awarded Among Top 50 Global Thought Leaders & Influencers in Edtech 2023. Empowering Future Innovators: STEAM Education Pioneer & Bestselling Author of Children's STEAM Books and Courses

Global EdTech and Sustainability Ambassador

A Journey of Heart and Innovation 

From the bustling heart of Khayelitsha, a slum in Cape Town, and against the tranquil backdrop of the pristine beaches of Mauritius and Zanzibar, my journey has woven a tapestry of diverse African experiences.

It's been a transformative quest to uncover Africa's greatest resource—her youth. 

As the CEO and founder of Edustore Africa and Destination Imagination Africa, I've seen first-hand the brilliance and resilience of young minds in the most marginalized communities. 

This experience has fueled my passion to educate, travel, adventure, and celebrate our rich African culture.

 Empowering the Future of Africa 

With 17 million unemployed youths, our mission is critical. I am humbled to have led STEAM education projects, impacting thousands across the continent. From coding in slums to innovating in urban classrooms, each experience has deepened my appreciation for the unstoppable spirit of African youth. 

They are not just learners; they are tomorrow's leaders, our untapped gold mine.

The Mission: A Call to Action 

We are on a journey to showcase the innovation and talent of Africa, but we cannot do this alone. Your support, from referrals to potential donors, advice, and mentorship, is invaluable. Join us in this movement to skill our youth with 21st-century competencies, creating the Africa we all dream of.

A Legacy of Excellence and Dedication 

Recognized globally for my work in EdTech, I have championed initiatives reshaping education in Africa. 
These accolades are not just mine; they belong to every child who dared to dream big. My commitment goes beyond education - it's about fostering sustainable development and cultural understanding.

Connect with me for.

Speaking Engagements: Engage me for insightful talks on EdTech, STEAM education, and sustainable development in Africa.

Consultancy: Utilize my expertise in setting up STEAM education projects or clubs, tailored to diverse African contexts.

Educators and Learners Workshops: Collaborate for interactive workshops designed to empower educators and engage learners.

Distribution of EdTech Products: Partner with me for the effective distribution of innovative EdTech products across Africa.

EdTech Entrepreneurship: Connect for mentorship in starting and scaling EdTech ventures in Africa.

Collaboration in Sustainability Projects: Work with me on projects that integrate sustainability into education and technology.

#SustainableDevelopment #EmpoweringYouth #AfricanInnovation #EdTechRevolution

Miss Kim (Sally kimangu)

Have you ever seen a moment so powerful it felt like the whole nation exhaled?

At the Children’s Parliament yesterday, something shifted.

The cultural dances, UNICEF’s UNICEF engagement , the joy in the room,

 it all came together when the President stepped forward and danced with that little girl.

In seconds, leadership became human.

A child became the symbol of our future.

And Botswana showed the world that our children are not waiting… they are leading.

That little girl carried the dreams of every child who deserves to be seen, heard, and lifted.

If one child can shift a room with her courage, what could happen if we empowered all of them?

#Botswana #ChildrensParliament #YouthPower #LeadershipWithHeart #FutureOfAfrica

Ms Kim  (Sally Kimangu) 

What do we truly owe the men and women who carried the weight of our freedom and asked for nothing in return?

Yesterday, I watched President Obama walk down the aisle of a plane filled with veterans.


No speeches. No ceremony.

Just eye contact, warmth, and respect, one handshake at a time.

You could feel it, the quiet pride of people who gave everything and still carry it with grace.

Their presence was a reminder that freedom has a face.

It remembers.
It breathes 
It limps 

That’s what leadership should look like not performance, but presence.
Not power, but gratitude.

To every veteran: thank you for your courage, your silence, your scars, and your service.

You remind us that leadership is not about being seen, it’s about seeing others.

If moments like this move you too, follow me.

Let’s keep shining a light on humanity, leadership, and the power of heart-led action.

#VeteransDay #RealLeadership #GratitudeInAction #HumanityFirst #LeadWithHeart

What future are we creating if our children learn to swipe before they learn to feel the earth beneath their feet?

This simple clip of kids sliding in the mud shook me in the most beautiful way.

In a world racing toward AI, automation, and screens everywhere, these moments remind us of something profoundly human:

Tech builds skills… but play builds identity.

Yes, our children must learn to code.
Yes, they must understand digital tools.

But they must also climb trees, run barefoot, laugh loudly, get dirty, experiment, fail, rise, imagine.

Because innovation does not come from devices,it comes from hearts that were allowed to experience childhood fully.

Are we preparing children for the future, or are we taking away the very childhood that gives them the courage to shape it?

#FutureTechIgnite #AfricaSTEMQueen
 #DigitalTransformation #ChildhoodMatters #AIForGood

I watched this young man today and couldn’t shake one truth, the people who keep our food systems alive are still the ones earning the least. 

We applaud their strength, but we ignore the system that traps them. 

And somehow, we still call this ‘hard work’ a pathway to progress.

If we don’t transition our youth into digital skills now, are we building a future or repeating a cycle of survival?

#FutureOfWorkAfrica #AgricultureValueChain #YouthReality #EconomicDignity #AfricaDeservesBetter

“Service to mankind is the rent we pay for our room on this planet.”

This week, that truth settled deeply in my spirit.

Being featured in the DBE Diverse Business Elite Magazine Chamber of Commerce Q4 2025 Magazine felt like a powerful reminder that purpose-driven work never returns empty. 

Serving on their global judging panel, listening to bold entrepreneurs from different parts of the world filled me with so much hope. 

Every story reflected resilience, creativity, and human possibility.

When they handed me a certificate of appreciation afterward, I felt emotional. 

Not because of recognition, but because it affirmed the journey… the long nights, the community work, the passion for transforming education, and the dream of building the Africa we want.

I’ve shared the full magazine in the comments.

I truly encourage you to read it. 

The stories will lift your spirit.

Deeply grateful to President Ms. Adlika for the honour.

#PurposeDrivenLife #AfricaWeWant #WomenLeadingChange #GlobalInnovation #LegacyInMotion

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I thought I understood resilience, until 2025 tested me, refined me, and ultimately reshaped the way I see myself.

There were days I felt stretched thin, moments when the setbacks hit deeper than I’d admit, and times I questioned whether I was moving forward at all.

 It’s truly been a tough year.

But here’s the part I didn’t see coming:
 this was also the year I learned what I’m actually capable of.

Somewhere between the disappointments and the small wins, I realized something important:

Growth doesn’t happen in the moments that go right, it happens in the moments that force you to rebuild your strategy, not your spirit.

That’s the lesson I’m taking with me.

And to everyone who stood by me, encouraged me, challenged me, or simply believed in me when I was running on empty,

May your cup runneth over. 

Your presence mattered more than you know.

What gives me hope now is how quickly the world is changing, and how much potential that gives each of us.

Digital transformation is no longer optional; it’s the new foundation of opportunity.

And the people who thrive will be the ones who choose to learn, adapt, and upskill, even when life feels heavy.

So as 2025 wraps up, here’s my promise to myself:

keep growing, keep learning, keep evolving, especially when it’s hard.

Let’s finish this year with intention.

 Let’s step into 2026 with courage and capability.

What skill, technology, or mindset will you commit to mastering, so the challenges of this year become the fuel for your next one?

#DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork
#UpskillingJourney #ResilienceInAction
#2026Ready

I think the biggest danger in business right now isn’t AI… it’s our belief that we still have time.

When I watched Bill Gates interview explaining the 

“new thing called the Internet,” 

it reminded me how often the world gives us warnings we ignore, right before everything changes.

We’re living through that moment again.

AI isn’t tomorrow.
AI is now.

And if history has taught us anything, it’s this:

We either adapt together… or we get left behind together.

Change has always been constant, but today it moves with a speed that punishes hesitation.

That’s why we’re helping SMEs build practical digital skills, automation systems, and AI capabilities that keep our businesses alive, competitive, and earning… even as the world shifts.

Not theory.
Not hype.
Real tools. Real systems. Real transformation.

If we want to grow, scale, and future-proof our income, we have to evolve intentionally.

Join our SME Digital Transformation Workshop.

We train you, support you, and walk with you through your entire automation journey.

#AdaptOrDie #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #SMEGrowth #BotswanaBusiness

What if the next chapter of your life turned out to be the most innovative one yet?

Today’s podcast, The Happiness Tribe  
episode explores how seniors can tap into digital opportunities, 

build online income, and step confidently into a future filled with possibility and renewed purpose.

With a dynamic panel of leaders and changemakers, this conversation will spark hope, courage, and fresh imagination for every generation.

Join the conversation let’s redefine what the golden years can look like.

Happy Sunday!

#GoldenYears #DigitalOpportunities #OnlineIncome #TheHappinessTribe #AfricaSTEMQueen

I wonder… what would happen if we stopped doubting our potential and finally stepped into the future we keep talking about?

Yesterday, I witnessed it.

A room full of dreamers who stopped talking and started building.

I saw fear turn into fire, and confusion turn into clarity.

They didn’t just learn about technology they learned about themselves.
About courage.

About creativity.

About how powerful it feels to finally take control of the tools shaping our world.

Every face told a story of curiosity, of resilience, of rediscovery.

They realized that AI isn’t here to replace them… it’s here to remind them of what’s possible when humans think big and learn fast.

I walked away feeling emotional, proud, grateful, and certain that Africa’s brilliance needs no permission to shine.

This isn’t the end of a workshop, it’s the beginning of a movement.

A movement of thinkers, doers, and dreamers choosing to lead the future instead of waiting for it.

I wonder… how many more of us are ready to stop watching the future and start creating it?

#FutureTechIgnite #DigitalAfrica #AIReady #InnovationInAction #ThinkBigStartSmallLearnFast

I felt lost I felt stuck I was drowning in silence, watching everything I built start to crumble. 

Clients disappeared, calls stopped, and confidence vanished.

It felt like the end until I discovered something unexpected—LinkedIn.

LinkedIn became my lifeline. 

One post at a time I started rebuilding my voice my visibility and my value

Today I’ve grown to nearly 40,000 followers, over 2 million impressions and built a global network of real friendships and business collaborations, that changed everything

That’s why I’m hosting a free 45-minute live podcast this Wednesday at 3 PM SAT on LinkedIn

🎙️ Digital Footprint = Digital Opportunity | Why Every Professional Needs a LinkedIn Presence

We’ll uncover

✅ How to rise again using your story and your skills
✅ How to turn visibility into trust and trust into opportunity
✅ How LinkedIn can become your most powerful growth engine

If you’ve ever felt invisible this is your reminder that your comeback might begin with your next post.

#LinkedInJourney #DigitalOpportunity #FutureTechIgnite #PersonalBranding #FromZeroToGlobal

Boniface Ndayambaje, J Silas Green /G\ and 64 other attendees

Be Seen, Be Trusted, Be Hired: The Real Power of Your LinkedIn Presence

I’m always anxious and excited heading into our one-day masterclass on digital transformation. 

There’s a certain mystery baked into the experience.

 You never quite know who you’ll meet, but you know the alchemy will be powerful.

Last Friday’s bootcamp was an absolute game-changer.

The fusion of soft skills and tech capability ignited real momentum across the room. 

Participants dove into hands-on sessions, tackled real community challenges, and built sharp, solution-driven business cases in agile teams of three to four.

The talent mix was electric, with a teacher syncing seamlessly with a recent high school graduate, a chartered accountant brainstorming with a young innovator, diverse voices converging and creating instant synergy. 

Thabiso C. Morapedi, BEng captured the moment perfectly: “I came in unsure, but I left feeling unstoppable.”

Many arrived asking, “What exactly is AI?” and by the end they were navigating AI fundamentals, experimenting with digital marketing tools, unpacking cybersecurity essentials, and amplifying their collaborative confidence. 

The curiosity, 
The energy, 
The bold questions and the teamwork, it all created a high-impact learning environment.

Demand is expanding rapidly, and we’re scaling from monthly to twice a month to keep pace. 

We’re ready to activate across cities and communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Invite us. 

Bring us to your town. 
Let’s build capability at scale.

This is Africa’s moment. 

We’re not observing the future; we’re shaping it.

Follow this page for upcoming bootcamps and free courses.

 Comment #AIjobs below for access to the free learning resources.

#DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWorkAfrica #AIEducation #SkillsForAfrica #TechEmpowers

Could Botswana be leading the world with the youngest and most educated cabinet in modern history?

This is a statement to the world that when a nation invests in its youth and their skills, it rewrites its destiny.

This is proof that education, vision, and courage can transform power into purpose.

The world should pay attention 

Africa’s future is no longer waiting, it’s already leading.

#BotswanaRising #YouthInPower #AfricaLeads #FutureSkills #NextGenLeadership

I picked up my phone with my usual bubbly Tuesday morning energy…
…and in one email, everything collapsed.

A global company cancelled our SaaS contract.

Just like that, the revenue vanished.

The project I had poured my soul into was gone.

I didn’t leave the house for weeks.

I questioned my intelligence my purpose my entire journey.

I thought it was the end.

But pain has a strange way of unlocking clarity.

In that quiet place of disappointment,I realised something powerful;

I wasn’t supposed to build for them
I was supposed to build for my people.

For Africa.
For the youth.

For the dreamers who just need one digital skill to change their destiny.

That failure became my awakening.

That loss is where I found my life’s work.

That moment is exactly where Future Tech Ignite was born.

Today when I train entrepreneurs youth and professionals across Africa,

I see the purpose that came from that darkest season.

And I would choose this path again
Even in my next life

Because digital transformation didn’t just save my career, It rebuilt my identity.

I found my purpose when I lost that project

And that fire still drives everything I build.

Are you walking through a hard season?

Maybe your greatest purpose is hiding inside that exact moment.

#DigitalTransformation #FutureTech #Leadership #AfricaRising #PurposeDriven

What if the future of Africa is being shaped right here… around an open fire with 200 children? 

Every other Saturday, we gather for our STEAM Club 

Sometimes 150 children, sometimes 200, all showing up with hungry stomachs and even hungrier minds.

No fancy kitchen.
No big budget.
Just firewood, heart, and a bold commitment to their future.

Because STEAM education isn’t a privilege…
It’s a lifeline.
It’s the new literacy.

It’s the difference between surviving and thriving.

Science teaches them to question.

Technology connects them to the world.

Engineering strengthens their problem-solving.

Arts unlock creativity and confidence.

Mathematics builds discipline and structure.

Together, STEAM equips a child to innovate, create, and lead Africa’s next wave of transformation.

So every other Saturday, we show up.
We cook.
We teach.
We build possibility, one child at a time.

If this touches your spirit, tap ❤️
If you believe every child deserves STEAM education, share this video so more people can witness what real community impact looks like.

#AfricaSTEMQueen  #FutureTechAfrica
#STEAMEducation #YouthEmpowerment
#CommunityImpact
#BuildingTheFuture

I have carried this magazine long before it had a name.

It began as fragments of encounters spread across classrooms, villages, labs, and boardrooms.

Children soldering broken wires into working circuits.

Teachers turning scarcity into curriculum.

Youth interpreting code like poetry.

It was born in the ordinary moments no one archives.

A girl staying behind after camp because she was not ready to stop learning.

A boy whispering that building something made him feel seen.

A grandmother asking if she too was allowed to learn.

These were not activities.
They were revelations.

I realised something unsettling.

Our story is rarely written from within.

Reports speak of potential.

Analysts forecast opportunity.

But who captures the lived reality of transformation as it unfolds?

Who records the child whose first robot carries water to a neighbour?

Who writes about the teenager scripting hope into software because life gave him none?

This magazine is my refusal to let those moments disappear.

It is an archive of a continent inventing itself in real time.

It is a ledger of intelligence that is often unseen but always undeniable.

Africa STEM Queen Magazine exists because I have watched brilliance emerge without permission, without applause, without resources.

And I am done waiting for validation from elsewhere.

These pages are not motivation.
They are evidence.
Not a promise but a record.
A record of minds that do not wait for rescue but design their own futures.

If you read closely, you may recognise yourself.

A dream you once set aside.
A question you never dared to ask.
A possibility you assumed belonged to someone else.

This magazine insists otherwise.
It reminds you that you were always part of the story.

Our decade has begun not because someone announced it but because ordinary people decided to build without guarantees.

Will your work be featured in our first issue or will history proceed without your voice?

#AfricaSTEMQueenMagazine
#DocumentingGenius
#DesigningTheFuture
#VoicesThatBuild
#BeInTheRoom

I’ve met entrepreneurs who’ve poured their entire life into their business, their savings, 
their pride, their sleepless nights only to feel invisible online. 

That pain is real… and it’s why this work matters

That’s exactly what happened at our recent SME Digital Growth workshop.

People walked in carrying quiet worries.....

 “I don’t understand digital.”
 “My business isn’t ready.”
 “Maybe running a business isn’t for me.”

But by the end… everything shifted.
I saw faces light up.
I saw confidence return.

I saw business owners, some for the first time, finally believe, “Yes, I can do this.”
We didn’t just teach digital tools.

 We gave people hope, clarity, and a simple path forward… one they can actually follow without feeling overwhelmed.
And honestly?

 It reminded me why this mission matters so deeply.

If you had been in that room with us, what’s the ONE thing you wish you could have learned or asked?

#DigitalGrowth #SMEDevelopment #SmallBusinessRising #EntrepreneursAfrica #FutureTechTransformation

💔 If your business had to close for 30 days today, would you still make money, or would everything stop? 

Let that sink in.
Not in theory.
Right now.
Today.

What if life hit you hard with illness, family emergency, burnout, or even just needing to rest?

Would your income continue... or would your entire business disappear with you?

Because if you are the system........

 If clients only get served when you show up...
 
If sales only happen when you pitch...

 If money stops flowing the moment you stop moving...

Then what you’ve built isn’t a business.
 
It’s a job.

 A job with no backup.
 No freedom.
 No exit plan.
 No safety net.

And deep down, you know that.
 You’ve felt the pressure.
 You’ve lived the overwhelm.
 You’ve whispered to yourself:

“What if I can’t keep this up?”

The truth?

You don’t have to.

There’s a better way.

You can build a system that runs even when you don’t.

 A sales process that keeps working while you’re resting, healing, breathing, or growing.

That’s what digitizing gives you.

 Freedom. Backup.  Peace. Power.

Watch the full video in the comment section for real solutions to go digital and create income that doesn’t rely on your exhaustion.

#DigitizeToThrive #BuildFreedomNotFatigue
#SmartBusinessSystems #YouDeserveBackup
#PassiveIsPower

I have often been reprimanded by my mentors about how I relate to my team.

One of them once told me, “Yes, you get into situations because you even know their kids’ names.”

And honestly… that’s a part of me I don’t wish to change, because people are not machines, they carry dreams, fears, families, and real lives behind the emails and deadlines.

I’m not easy to work with, but I deeply care.

I demand excellence, I challenge comfort zones, and I push for impact.

But my heart is fully invested in the people who stand with me.

I see their growth.
I see their pressure.
I see their commitment when no one is clapping.

Future Tech Ignite didn’t rise because of strategy alone.

It rose because a small team kept believing  …..

when our plans were messy, when our campaigns failed, 

when the economy hit hard, 

when we were exhausted but still showed up for the mission.

They stayed through the storms.
They held the line.

They carried this movement with integrity and courage.

And I’ve learned something powerful along the way:

Impact is built by people who care not by perfect systems.

Leadership is not about distance.

It’s about presence.
It’s about empathy.
It’s about knowing the human behind the role and choosing to believe in their potential even when life stretches them thin.

To my team:

Thank you for standing beside me when everything felt uncertain.

Thank you for giving this mission your energy, your nights, your faith.

Thank you for being the quiet strength behind every milestone we celebrate.

Future Tech Ignite is not my victory, it’s the collective heartbeat of a team that refused to give up.

And if caring “too much” is my leadership flaw… I’ll own it proudly.

Because people matter. The mission matters. And the future we’re building matters.

#FutureTechIgnite #LeadershipWithHeart #TeamworkWins #HumanLeadership #ImpactDriven

How many broken hearts and silenced voices must we witness before we admit something is deeply wrong?

GBV steals futures, destroys families, and weakens communities.

We can’t heal what we refuse to confront.

Let’s stand for safety, dignity, and justice.

#StopGBV #CommunitySafety #HumanDignity #AfricaRise

What if your next breakthrough is hiding in a single skill you haven’t learned yet?

Every season tests us.

Some days stretch our courage.

Some days remind us how human we are.

And yet, every day also offers a chance to rebuild, reimagine, and rise again.

If there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s this:

You are one skill away from opening doors you didn’t even know existed.

One new capability can shift your income, your confidence, your worldview… and your future.

And because I genuinely believe in your potential, I’m gifting you something that has changed my own journey:


🎁 A Free Book : “Make Money With AI — The Beginner’s Blueprint”

A practical, simple introduction to using AI to create real income streams — even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:
	•	Turn ideas into digital products

	•	Use AI tools to automate your small tasks

	•	Start earning online with low effort

	•	Build confidence in a fast-changing digital world

This is my small contribution toward a bigger vision:

empowering more Africans, more women, more dreamers, more builders — to create the future they deserve.

If you’re ready for a fresh start…
If you need hope…
If you just want one win before the year ends…

Your story isn’t finished.
Your talent is still unfolding.
And the future is still wide open for you.

Let’s build the Africa we want — one skill, one dream, one brave step at a time.

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#AI #MakeMoneyWithAI #DigitalSkills #FutureOfWork #AfricaRising

ST Engineering

Dealing with AI research, AI product design, and implementation. 
Can't talk about details due to the nature of the clients and projects.

Head of AI Research

GoTo Financial

Data Science
-  Same scope as previously with a greater emphasis on the company-wide projects
-  Cross-entity DS project to leverage different data sources for risk, collection, and marketing projects (20% uplift (A-score) & 10% uplift (B-score)in the whitelist at the same risk level
-  ~50% savings in time and cost and 2x increase in productivity ( same working hours) due to optimization of VMs, data storage, model training, deployment, pipelines, and monitoring

Data
-  ~90% analysts data cost savings and ~75% increase in dashboard speed via data acceleration layer and more efficient queries
-  ~80% savings in DS data usage cost with the DS feature store rebuilt which included feature pruning, new architecture, and unified cross-entity scheduling

BI
-  ~95% decrease in the BI/Analysts query sizes through education on the best practices for dashboard building, data querying, and data hygiene
-  ~50% faster analysis delivery times via cross-team collaboration
-  Single source of truth alignment and pairing of subject matter experts

Head of Data Science, Data, and BI

Head of Data Science for Both Consumer and Commercial Lending Teams:
- Areas my teams support: risk, fraud, G&M, collections, finance, data, engineering, 3rd parties, OJK compliance 
- Organise teams, OKRs, and talent to best serve our stakeholders
- Setting up proper structure where there is a clear division of roles, but also flexibility in shifting resources 
- Set OKRs with internal and external stakeholders, allocate resources, set up proper milestones and roadmaps, manage progress, and deliver extraordinary results
- Help talent achieve their work and personal goals through individual development plans, project assignments, and mentoring
- Bridge the gaps between the data science teams and non-technical stakeholders (use business language to report on DS projects


Some Highlights: 
- ~10-15 headcounts saved via automation of processes for Marketing and Risk
- +30 DS models developed, deployed, and maintained by 3 DS members: (1) ~15% better AUC compared to competitors’ risk models (A score) ; (2) ~4x increase in the whitelist size due to model improvements (A score)
-  ~20%-60% decrease in the customer acquisition cost with targeting models
-  ~10-25% more retained customers via targeted retention strategies (while keeping the
budget constant)
-  ~$5K/month savings in preventing fraudulent loans by leveraging ML for KYC
-  ~10% lower collection cost by predicting repayment behavior
-  Built a team of 14 with 100% of the SG team (11 ppl) retained (6 ppl over 3.5 years)

Head of Data Science

Lazada Group

o Alibaba – part of the Alibaba-Lazada Voyager project 
-- Spent time at Alibaba’s head office (China) working on implementation of Alibaba’s big data and data science solutions
-- Part of the team that supported Home Page personalization of Featured and Trending Seller, and Just For You modules
o Machine Learning – end-to-end implementation of data science projects from idea generation, managing stakeholders, methodology research, and final deployment
-- “Spammy” title detection – designed first version of the algorithm that evaluated product titles and flagged titles with undesirable characteristics 
-- Anomaly detection – researched academic papers for the best ML unsupervised algorithms for anomaly detection, implemented 3 most promising, and productionized the winning one (Isolation Forest)
-- Fraud Detection – trained random forest model to stop fraudulent orders intended to hurt Lazada and our sellers
-- Good Sellers – created a definition of a good seller, built pipelines that combine different seller metrics, design the good seller composite score that is used in many recommendation projects
o Manager/Supervisor – was in charge of 5 members who prepared data for machine learning algorithms 
-- Trained, supervised, validated work, and provided performance reviews 
-- Supervised interns and helped them with their projects
o AB Testing – design, consult, execute, supervise, and analyze online experiments on Lazada websites 
-- Designed and implemented automation of the AB testing results 
-- Supported product ranking and recommendation algorithms, abandoned cart email notifications, new seller page redesign, and many other projects
o CRM – designed targeting criteria, provided campaign target data, and analyzed results for targeting 
--Measured effectiveness of these campaigns by employing experimental design methodologies
--Designed target and control groups to measure the impact of targeting
--Delivered campaign results along with the created lift

Data Scientist, Senior Manager

The Walt Disney Company

o Customer 360 View:
-- Blended guests’ off- and on-line activities to create comprehensive behavioral profiles
-- Advanced data blending of data from different warehouses (Hadoop/Teradata/MySQL)
-- Support of ETL processes by co-developing the methodology and QA of final tables 
-- Collaborated with the cross functional analytics teams to bring new products and services based on analytical findings and guests’ comprehensive behavior  
-- Supported Tableau visualization of RFID data from Disney’s Magic Bands and mobile GPS data 
o AB Testing: 
-- In charge of in-depth analysis of selected A/B testing & optimization initiatives
-- Leveraged big data (Hadoop/Hive) for business opportunities for the online test and target unit

Senior Advanced Analytics Analyst

Delhaize America Shared Services Group, LLC

•	Co-developed test & control (A/B) software that saved company over $750K in annual software cost
•	The new A/B testing became the foundation of the merchandizing decision process 
•	Saved $150K in annual marketing expenditures without compromising the level of service
•	Reshaped the business strategy plans through actionable data-driven business insights reports
•	Provided analytical support, advised on campaign design, and delivered program evaluation for the marketing department
•	Established a variety of campaign benchmarks for the marketing department 
•	Provided campaign simulations based on different design parameters
•	Designed and supported campaign database for the time series performance evaluation
•	Supported CRM team with their data and analytical needs
•	Optimized CRM databases to decrease the querying time from minutes to less than a second
•	Added advanced functionality with web interface, fuzzy logic, and file upload/download options
•	Developed a mentorship and an educational program for junior analysts

Senior Analyst Business Intelligence/Shopper Insights

•	Planned and executed controlled experiments (A/B testing) at the store and household levels
•	Incorporated transaction and loyalty card data into business plans for internal and external partners 
•	Developed and implemented quantitative and strategic analyses that improve business performance 
•	Provided market selections for a number of strategy, merchandise, and marketing initiatives
•	Designed project scope, data extraction methodologies, logic of data cleansing, exploratory data analysis, and statistical methods for the BI department 
•	Designed, developed, and delivered reports to various CPG vendors
•	Incorporated transaction and loyalty card data into collaborative business plans that benefited both internal and external partners 
•	Created and provided detailed shopper insights reporting to support all levels of category leadership in areas such as Trip Mission, New Item, Trial & Repeat, and Sales Sourcing analyses
•	Worked with a wide variety of Delhaize America internal systems (DS, POS, Vendor Pulse, and SIP), syndicated data systems (Nielsen, IRI), custom analysis systems (Data Ventures, APT), and proprietary vendor provided systems to generate meaningful recommendations and insights regarding customers and store groups that drive an increase in sales and revenue

Analyst Business Intelligence/Shopper Insights

University of Georgia

Supported the course instructor through: 
• Lecturing on topics of expertise 
• Providing constructive oral and written feedback on students’ work 
• Handling administrative tasks and student communication

Courses assisted: 
Family Financial Planning, Fall 2011
Family Demographics & Policy, University of Georgia, Fall 2008—Fall 2011
Quantitative Research Methods, University of Georgia, Spring 2010
Household Decision Making, University of Georgia, Fall 2008—Fall 2009

Teaching Assistant

Smartphone Application
•	Drafted questionnaire, collected data with Qualtrics, and performed multivariate analysis in SPSS 
•	Identified target market, optimal price, and key features for a new Smartphone application 

Finances of Retired Households 
•	Transformed large data sets and performed MANOVA analysis in SAS to identify threats to retirement income
•	Provided results-driven recommendations that can impact over 22,000,000 US retirees 

Effectiveness of Financial Seminars, University of Georgia HR department 
•	Delivered number of seminars and developed metrics to measure their effectiveness
•	Increased financial knowledge of participants by an average of 1 on a 5 point Likert scale

Research

• Independently designed various elements of the coursework.  
• Employed a number of creative methods to engage students in taking the analytical
    approach toward the subject matter. 
• Mentored students on a number of financial, economics, business, and research topics. 
• Worked with faculty members on development of online version of a course.  
• Peer reviewed research papers for national scholarly journals.

Courses taught: 
Introduction to Personal Finance, University of Georgia, Spring 2011
Household Decision Making, University of Georgia, Spring/Fall 2010

Instructor of Record

Freelance

•	Designed econometric models to project population growth for several counties in Atlanta
•	Explored multiple methodologies to test robustness of analysis and accuracy of predictions
•	Delivered predictions with recommendations

Consulting Engineer

Wayland Baptist University

• Acted as a liaison between students and staff to provide timely resolution of a range of issues
• Planned and organized various educational/social activities for a total of over 250 residents

Residence Hall Supervisor

F.H.U. Polan

•Supervised external suppliers to assure accurate and timely project completion 
•Interpreted and integrated client needs and translated them into actionable recommendations 
•Coordinated a wide-variety of custom marketing projects for different industries 
•Utilized innovative technologies to increase the quality of services and efficiency of project execution 
• Bridged the gap between clients and their customers via different media outlets
• Applied CRM solutions within my company to increase annual revenues for three consecutive years

Owner

Entrepreneurial Head of Data Science with over 10 years of experience in Machine Learning and Data Science. I help companies build teams that deliver impactful and efficient AI solutions. 

Some examples include: 
   ●  Built and managed a team of 14 with 100% (11 people) of the SG team retained and 6 people have been with me for over 3.5 years
   ●  Over 30 machine learning models developed, deployed, and maintained by 3 data scientists: (1) ~15% better AUC compared to competitors’ top risk models (A score) ; (2) ~4x increase in the whitelist size due to model improvements (A score)
   ●  ~20%-60% decrease in the customer acquisition cost with big data models while also 10-25% more retained customers via A/B tests, advanced data analysis, and statistical models (while keeping the budget constant)
   ●  At the same time, we reduced the Data Science team’s cost by 50% and 2x productivity while maintaining the same working hours. We did this via optimizations of VMs, creative data engineering, more efficient machine learning pipelines, better SQL code, and monitoring tools

I get excited about opportunities where I can drive Data Science culture and truly make an impact.

I love connecting with new people so don’t hesitate to send me a LinkedIn message and a connection request.

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Miss Kim (Sally kimangu)

Michal Polanowski, MBA, PhD

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The Battle

Miss Kim (Sally kimangu)

Michal Polanowski, MBA, PhD

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Miss Kim (Sally kimangu)'s LinkedIn Performance

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