On June 27, the Alumni Relations Department, in collaboration with ABSA Bank Kenya, hosted a high-impact CEO Roundtable at the Bank’s headquarters. The event brought together 25 students, primarily from the Chandaria School of Business, led by Whitney Akinyi, Chairperson of the Business Club.

This session featured two accomplished alumni, Ms. Elizabeth Wasunna, Director of Business Banking, (International Business Administration, Class of 1994; Master of Business Administration, Class of 1996), and Ms. Mary Wairimu Githinji, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager (International Business Administration, Class of 2011; GEMBA, Class of 2017) both working for ABSA Bank alongside Ms. Yvonne Nkirote, Communications Manager, who moderated the conversation.

Ms. Wasunna shared powerful insights on career growth, leadership, and essential life skills, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning. “Life is about learning, unlearning, and relearning,” she stated. She encouraged students to show up in the workplace with the right attitude, embrace innovation including AI, and build meaningful support systems both at work and home. Ms. Wasunna further urged them to be brave, passionate, and ready. “Do your work wholeheartedly and diligently, and make yourself indispensable by continuously creating value in your role,” she concluded.

Inspiring students with practical advice rooted in her career journey, Ms. Githinji urged them to keep their ears on the ground for opportunities and to always be proactive. “Raise your hand, show up, and stand out,” she said. Emphasizing the need for clarity and purpose, she highlighted the value of social capital and the power of visibility in advancing one's career.

The session sparked engaging dialogue as students reflected on lessons around leadership, resilience, and strategic growth. Questions from students revealed a strong desire to understand how to thrive in the professional world while staying true to one’s values.

This CEO Roundtable is part of USIU-Africa’s broader mission to connect students with its distinguished alumni, bridging academic learning with real-world experience. The event not only reaffirmed the university’s commitment to career development but also showcased the impact and leadership of its alumni in shaping industries and inspiring future leaders.