Lapid Leaders Africa was founded by Esther Mwaniki, whose journey is defined by a blend of academic excellence, financial expertise, and dynamic leadership. Esther’s leadership began as a high school captain, where she saw the transformative power of effective leadership despite feeling unprepared.

Her academic prowess includes an Executive Masters in Public Administration from New York University, complemented by a successful career in finance as an Assurance Manager at ProcewaterhouseCoopers and Senior Manager at Guaranty Trust Bank. This background has honed her skills in strategy and management.

Through her diverse experiences, Esther recognized a pervasive issue: the need for leaders who can address systemic injustices and envision new possibilities. Her understanding of the intersection of economics and politics led her to create programs that not only activate economic freedom but also leverage it to champion societal change and justice.

Esther’s dedication to transforming lives and driving impact has been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Obama Foundation Fellowship and the African Women in Public Service Fellowship.. Her journey reflects the core values of Lapid Leaders Africa, guiding our mission to empower young leaders across Africa. With a vision to create a world where every individual can thrive with dignity, Esther’s leadership continues to inspire and shape the future of young African leaders.