From Rock Bottom to 10th Award - How Maryben Akinyi Omollo Embraces Her Inner Champion

A few years ago, Maryben Akinyi Omollo, the founder and CEO of The Maryben Foundation in Kenya, was intimately familiar with failure. She often felt like she couldn’t achieve success no matter how hard she tried. Her days were filled with self-doubt and struggles, and her idea of “making a move” was switching from one TV series to another. She humorously referred to herself as the president of the ‘Stay in Bed and Sulk’ club.

However, Maryben’s story is one of incredible transformation and resilience. On August 28, 2023, she proudly announced that she had won the Gold category for the Digitally Fit Award under Entrepreneur, Icons Making an Impact Online. This marked her 10th award in just three years, a testament to her remarkable journey from self-doubt to success.

Maryben’s path to success was not easy. She faced numerous challenges, including overcoming five suicide attempts and the trauma of gender-based violence. Despite these obstacles, she managed to turn her life around and embrace her inner champion. She transformed her mindset from believing she was a magnet for misfortune to becoming a magnet for success. She turned her “can’t” into “can” and her “won’t” into “will,” and the view from her new perspective was breathtaking.

Maryben’s journey is a powerful reminder that every storm eventually runs out of rain. It’s okay to stumble and doubt, but it’s not okay to give up on oneself. She believes that everyone has incredible power within them, waiting to be unleashed. Her story is an inspiration to those who feel stuck in their own personal dark clouds, encouraging them to embrace their journey, scars, setbacks, and comebacks.

Under Maryben’s visionary leadership, the Maryben Foundation has become a beacon of hope for young single mothers and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). The foundation offers comprehensive psychosocial support, ensuring that these women receive the emotional and psychological care they need to heal and thrive. Additionally, the foundation provides education sponsorships, enabling young mothers to continue their education and build a better future for themselves and their children. Empowerment training is another cornerstone of the foundation’s work, equipping women with the skills and confidence to pursue their goals and achieve economic independence.

Maryben’s innovative approach extends beyond her foundation’s core programs. She has successfully adapted and implemented the World Health Organisation’s Disability-Inclusive Health Services Training Package in South Sudan. This initiative, delivered through a hybrid approach, has been instrumental in improving health services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve.

Maryben has introduced mental health education and workplace wellness programs across fragile and post-conflict settings. These programs have helped shift community and school-level attitudes towards mental health, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment. Through grassroots storytelling campaigns and survivor-centred policy advocacy, Maryben has challenged existing systems and created meaningful change. Her advocacy for inclusive leadership and mental health rights has reached global platforms, including the United Nations, the African Union, and various regional forums.

Despite facing significant personal challenges, Maryben has emerged as a global voice in mental health and women’s empowerment. She has built her career and organizations with little institutional funding, operating in under-resourced, conflict-affected areas. Maryben has balanced her lived experience with leadership to gain recognition and credibility in both community and international arenas.

Maryben’s future ambitions are equally inspiring. She aims to establish a Pan-African Trauma Recovery & Leadership Academy to equip survivors to become change agents. This academy will provide training and support to individuals across the continent, empowering them to lead initiatives in their own communities. Additionally, Maryben plans to expand The Maryben Foundation’s programs to over 15 African countries by 2030. Her vision includes mainstreaming disability-inclusive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into public policy and development programs continent-wide.

Maryben’s dedication to her cause is evident in every aspect of her work. Her initiatives are not just about providing immediate relief but also about fostering long-term resilience and empowerment. By addressing the root causes of trauma and mental health issues, she is helping to build stronger, healthier communities.

The impact of Maryben’s work is profound. Her efforts have not only provided critical support to thousands but have also raised awareness about the importance of mental health and trauma recovery. Through her foundation, she has created a safe space for survivors to share their stories, find support, and rebuild their lives.

Maryben’s leadership is characterised by compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to social justice. She understands the complex challenges faced by the communities she serves and works tirelessly to address them. Her ability to adapt and scale her initiatives demonstrates her strategic vision and her unwavering dedication to making a difference.

In addition to her work with The Maryben Foundation, Maryben offers free mental health group therapy sessions specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and founders. Recognising the unique pressures and challenges faced by those in the entrepreneurial world, she provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, receive guidance, and develop strategies for maintaining their mental well-being. These group therapy sessions have been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs navigate the stresses of building and running businesses, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Maryben often says, “What if I told you that you can be anything you desire? A billionaire, a president, a teacher — just whatever you want to be. But you aren’t that person because you have given people and the universe the power to dictate who you are. Self-love and self-belief are not selfishness”

Her words resonate deeply with those she mentors and supports, encouraging them to reclaim their power and pursue their dreams.

Maryben Akinyi Omollo is a rising trailblazer in the field of mental health and trauma recovery. Her work through The Maryben Foundation has transformed countless lives, providing hope, support, and empowerment to those who need it most. Her successful adaptation of the WHO Disability-Inclusive Health Services Training Package in South Sudan further underscores her commitment to inclusive and accessible health care. Maryben’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and transformative change, making her a true champion for mental health and social justice. Her future ambitions promise to extend her impact even further, making her a leader to watch in the years to come.