On Saturday, 14th June, 2025, we closed out on the Eighth Batch of the Comms Mentoring programme. In this week’s article, four mentees, Muthoni Mwangi, Elizabeth Abikoye, Everlyne Wanja Muriithi and Lucy Wanjira Ngovia share their respective stories of growth, transformation and impact.
Muthoni Mwangi
For a fact, when communicators come together in a community that celebrates growth, learning, and vulnerability, something great happens. Over the past two months, I have experienced more than a series of workshop sessions. The Comms Mentoring Programme (CMP) was more about discovering a community where I could grow, gain confidence, and network with like-minded communications professionals across the continent.
From day one, I felt at home, The CMP team created a safe space that allowed mentees to show up as we are. Whether we were just starting our careers, had some work experience, or transitioning in our careers, we were all welcomed with warmth and openness. Throughout, the sessions felt more like conversations with mentors and peers who genuinely wanted to see us succeed.
One of the most powerful aspect of the programme was the opportunity to network with mentors and fellow mentees from different countries and working, in communities, in different industries. These connections gave me a broader perspective, and I have learnt that although contexts may differ, the challenges and aspirations we hold as communicators are often the same.
I especially appreciate learning from my Mentor, Sally Beth Anyanga and other mentors throughout the programme Their insights, experiences and instilling confidence added so much life and richness to each session.
Together, we explored topics like leveraging AI in storytelling, measuring communication impact, effective communication strategy and planning, career development and carving out a career path.
In addition, CMP reminded me of the power of community even beyond the technical skills. Understanding that I am not alone in my journey and that people are rooting for me and walking beside me. This is something I will carry with me always.
Thank you, CMP, for being a safe space to learn, connect, and thrive.
Elizabeth Abikoye
One of the goals I wrote down in my notepad for the year 2025 was to get selected as a Mentee in the CMP. I had applied last year, but I wasn’t selected. This time, I was really looking out for the call for applications, I prepared my responses and gave it my best shot!
This also meant that I anticipated the congratulatory email and when I got it, I was super excited. I wrote out my expectations and goals for the program and I was fully immersed in the experience.
I knew I had value to offer but I didn’t quite know how to articulate my skills and position myself which led me to miss out on the opportunities that I really wanted.
Thankfully, I got paired with one of the best mentors!
Anna Ceesay proved to be a great coach. During each session, she patiently guided me through introspective exercises that helped me define my professional direction with confidence.
I literally got three gigs in three months: two of which were comms leadership job offers, and the other was a UNDP Volunteer contract in Kenya, also thanks to Faith Ememodo, who Anna generously introduced me to because I mentioned to her that I had been trying to secure a role there for years.
She helped me clarify my career path and I am more confident in my value and skills as a Communications professional. I gained clarity on my career path in Communications, and I also learnt how to design and implement communications strategies.
We spent time looking at my portfolio, CV, vision board, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and public speaking skills.
My mentor has an exceptional ability to truly listen, and this is what I appreciate the most from the sessions I had with her. She also taught me the value of active listening. She really heard what I said, with no judgment.
Everlyne Wanja Muriithi
When I joined the CMP, I was honestly just looking forward to learning and connecting with someone more experienced in the industry. What I didn’t expect was how much I would be stretched, challenged, and inspired both personally and professionally.
From the very first session, I felt like I had entered a safe space one where communications wasn’t just seen as a career, but as a calling. The workshops were practical and thought-provoking, and the WhatsApp group allowed us to share ideas, laugh, and grow together as young professionals from across the continent.
One of the biggest highlights for me has been my one-on-one mentorship with Jane Gitau. She is intentional, wise, and incredibly grounded. Our conversations have pushed me to think deeper about my vision and how to build a career that is both impactful and fulfilling. She didn’t just give me answers, she asked me the right questions. And through that, I’ve discovered a lot about myself.
The programme has also reminded me of the power of community. I’ve made genuine connections with fellow mentees people I hope to collaborate with beyond CMP. I’ve also been inspired to give back, and I’m already thinking about how I can mentor others in the future.
Lucy Wanjira
One of the things they don’t tell you in Communications classes is the importance of having someone to lead, guide and mentor you as you navigate this complex yet seemingly straightforward industry.
After my undergraduate studies, I got into an active job search in the industry, the reality was harsh. I had a hard time figuring out my niche in Communications until earlier this year when I heard of the Comms Mentoring programme, that offers mentorship and career guidance for young Communications and PR professionals across Africa.
When I applied to the programme, I was eager to grow but unsure of where to start. I had spent two years telling stories through feature articles, photographs, social media campaigns and even producing short films but I still wasn’t fulfilled. I joined the programme hoping to find clarity, confidence and to connect with someone who had walked this path before me.
On April 7th, I got my acceptance email into the CMP. I had been paired with Ruth Dero who was in the same country and region as me. When I looked into her LinkedIn profile I was so amazed by the work she does and her professional experience!
One of the things that stood out for me is how she encouraged me to not shrink myself or my voice. She says “you don’t have to be so loud to be heard but be confident in yourself and your voice.”
One of the sessions that stood out for me was when Ruth brought a guest mentor-Dennis Oketch who took us through personal and professional branding, digital activism and the current industry trends.
Over the eight weeks, I have grown confident in my skills, I no longer hesitate to ask for feedback and to network boldly- I have made new connections on LinkedIn. The CMP gave me not only practical skills but also the belief that my stories matter.
I am grateful to Ruth, and everyone at The Comms Avenue, for investing in my journey. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward and I look forward to mentoring others someday just as I was mentored.
