In a world increasingly focused on gender equality, Equity Bank is at the forefront, helping women break barriers through its Equity Leaders Program (ELP). The program, which nurtures high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds, has produced remarkable female alumni excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields such as STEM, leadership, and business. These women are not only challenging societal norms but are also inspiring future generations of female leaders.
One shining example is Grace Munyiri, whose journey from Chogoria Girls High School to becoming a prominent leader in data analytics underscores the transformative power of the ELP. Selected for the program in 2015, Grace gained essential skills in professionalism, leadership, and client relations, which would shape her career. She pursued a degree in Actuarial Science at the University of Nairobi and later earned a master’s in data and Analytics from Cardiff University, all with continued support from the ELP.
Grace thrived at Cardiff, serving as the Black and Ethnic Minority Officer and Anti-Racism Officer at the university and engaging with the National Union of Students in the UK. Her leadership experiences inspired her to create the Cacumator Mentorship Foundation, which helps high school students develop personally and academically.
“The Equity Leaders Program was the turning point in my life. It gave me the education and confidence to pursue a career I once thought unreachable,” she says.
Another inspiring story is Agnes Ouko, an accomplished data scientist who has blazed her own trail in technology leadership. Armed with degrees from The University of British Columbia and The University of Edinburgh, Agnes now plays a pivotal role in driving innovation at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). She leads enterprise data teams and works across sectors, showing that women can excel in spaces where they are still underrepresented.
Agnes credits ELP with giving her the courage and vision to lead. “Leadership isn’t about gender; it’s about vision and drive. The ELP taught me to embrace challenges and opportunities, and now I’m thriving in an industry where women are often overlooked,” Agnes shares.
Equity Bank’s impact doesn’t stop at STEM or leadership. The bank is also empowering female entrepreneurs, helping them succeed in business environments traditionally dominated by men. By providing tailored financial solutions, business mentorship, and access to networks, Equity Bank is ensuring that women-led businesses can thrive and scale.
Equity Bank’s commitment to gender equity is woven into every aspect of the ELP. By helping women excel in fields where they’ve historically been underrepresented, the bank is contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. The success of these women is a testament to the program’s lasting impact and Equity’s belief that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit.
As more ELP alumni continue to break barriers and rise in male-dominated industries, Equity Bank’s mission remains clear: to support gender equity and ensure that everyone—regardless of gender—can reach their full potential.
You can also follow other alumna journeys as they chase their ambitions across the globe Equity Leadership Program Alumna