When Esther Passaris went into Slum lighting she was brought face to face with the degrading and inhuman conditions that people in the slums live. This had a profound effect on her life, opening her eyes to other dimensions of life, especially in the slums that transforming the lives in the slums have become more than her personal goal and her passion.
Her passion and energy is infectious and I recently had the opportunity to meet this amazing vibrant woman. She is really a twister full of energy, warmth and passion which can be infectious. Seeing her full of life as she excitedly outlines her plans for and visions to make this a better place for herself and her fellow Kenyans.
In 2003 she incorporated a non profit firm called Driving Kenya Foundation to help her with her vision to reach out and share with others. One of the projects called One in A Million is an example of the sharing concept whereby Kenyans work together to alleviate poverty within our country. Her belief is to for Kenyan men and women pulling together to achieve a Kenya free of Poverty.
As the social entrepreneur that she is, she has made a difference to peoples lives in many ways. She has employed street families and deaf individuals in her companies. She has contributed to many causes within the communities and schools.
She has inspired many young people as she gives talks to universities, many schools and social gatherings in Kenya where she talked about success, business, social work, passion, being a woman in a men’s world, giving back, finding balance, and dealing with challenges.
She has been featured many times by Jeff Koinange in Capital talk and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Richard Branson.
One of the tenets she strives for is leaving the world a better place. It is a challenge but it can be done and she is ready to do it. Esther Passaris has been quite an encouragement to women trying to do business in Kenya.