One Girl, One Vision - The Rise of Amb. Maryben Omollo and Her Mission to Empower Women

Introduction

On June 15, 2022, Ambassador Maryben Omollo—an award-winning mental health and leadership coach, founder of the Maryben Foundation, and a trailblazer in women’s empowerment—was spotlighted by @kuwa_women as their #WednesdayWoman. With over 93,000 followers on LinkedIn and a global reach of more than 50 million, Omollo continues to inspire through her work in building resilient and inclusive workplaces across Africa. This recognition celebrated not only her entrepreneurial achievements but also her unwavering commitment to uplifting young women, particularly single mothers, through skills development, mental health advocacy, and economic empowerment.

Greeneseal Limited: A Business with a Purpose

Maryben Omollo is the Founder and CEO of Greeneseal Limited, a Nairobi-based company that provides commercial and residential services such as cleaning, fumigation, pest control, gardening, landscaping, and general supplies. But Greeneseal is more than a service provider—it is a platform for transformation. The company actively recruits and upskills young single mothers, offering them employment, training, and a pathway to financial independence. In a society where single mothers often face stigma and economic hardship, Omollo’s model is both revolutionary and restorative. Her approach is rooted in the belief that economic empowerment is a critical pillar of mental health and self-actualisation. By giving women the tools to support themselves and their families, she is not just creating jobs—she is restoring dignity.

A Champion for Women and Mental Health

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Omollo is a passionate advocate for mental health and self-empowerment. She understands that true empowerment begins from within. Her work emphasises the importance of healing, self-awareness, and emotional resilience—especially for women who have been marginalised or overlooked. Her advocacy is deeply personal and community-driven. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and her foundation, she creates safe spaces for women to rediscover their worth, define their goals, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

Recognition and Awards

Maryben Omollo’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including:

1. Founder of the Year Award (2020)
2. Top 35 Under 35 by the Youth Agenda (2021)
3. Eastern African Ambassador to the Global Startups Award (2021)
4. Rising Star Award by Women on Board Network (2021)
5. Top 40 Under 40 Africa (2022)
6. Top 50 Women in ERP (2022)

These honours reflect her influence not only in Kenya but across the continent. They also highlight her ability to bridge business, advocacy, and leadership in a way that is both impactful and sustainable.

A Visionary Leader with a Revolutionary Belief

Speaking on the occasion of being named to the Top 40 Under 40 Africa, Omollo shared a powerful statement:

“I believe one girl with a vision is a revolution… This is the result of commitment, focus, and selfless action, because we seek to empower the less privileged.”

This quote encapsulates her philosophy. She believes that change begins with one person—one girl, one dream, one act of courage. Her leadership is not about personal gain; it is about collective upliftment. It is about using her platform to open doors for others.

Academic and Professional Background

Omollo’s journey is also grounded in academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nairobi and a certification in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from Maseno University. Her educational background has equipped her with the skills to lead both in the boardroom and in the community. Her ability to merge technical knowledge with emotional intelligence makes her a unique force in the entrepreneurial and advocacy spaces.

Lessons from Maryben Omollo’s Journey

Maryben Omollo’s story offers several key lessons for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers:

1. Purpose-Driven Business Is Powerful - Greeneseal Limited is proof that businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. When companies prioritise people, they create lasting impact.
2. Empowerment Begins with Opportunity - By hiring and training single mothers, Omollo is not just offering jobs—she is offering hope, stability, and a future.
3. Mental Health Is Foundational - True empowerment includes emotional well-being. Omollo’s advocacy reminds us that healing is a critical part of growth.
4. One Vision Can Spark a Movement - Omollo’s belief that “one girl with a vision is a revolution” is a call to action. Every individual has the power to create change.
5. Recognition Is a Responsibility - Awards and accolades are not just milestones—they are platforms to amplify impact and inspire others.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s journey is a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. Her work with Greeneseal Limited, her advocacy for mental health, and her commitment to empowering women are reshaping narratives across Africa. She is not just building a business—she is building a movement. Her story reminds us that leadership is not about titles or applause. It is about service, vision, and the courage to lift others as you rise. In a world that often overlooks the marginalised, Omollo chooses to see them, support them, and stand with them. She is, indeed, a revolution in motion.

Lesson to Learn

One woman with a vision can change the world. Whether through business, advocacy, or mentorship, true leadership is about creating space for others to thrive. Empowerment is not a slogan—it is a strategy. And when rooted in compassion and courage, it becomes unstoppable.