Meet the 2021 Leadership Impact Award Winner: Ian Tarimo

In 2021, Ian Tarimo, 2019 Fellowship Alumnus from Tanzania, was selected for the Leadership Impact Award.  In 2013, Ian co-founded Tai Tanzania, a non-governmental organization that inspires social behavior changes through 3-D animations and media technologies. Ian is using the lessons he learned during his Fellowship to increase positive outcomes in health, education, and social justice.

I had an idea to create content that challenges the stereotypes… I am proud to see that the content that was created really impacted my community… I encourage you as you are taking this next step to be open-minded and to explore all possibilities so that you can grow your impact, but it also grows the impact of the Mandela Washington Fellows.”

Ian Tarimo, 2019 Fellowship Alumnus and 2021 Leadership Impact Award Winner

In early 2021, he received grant funding from the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) to create Nivushe, an animated short film about a young girl determined to excel in the STEM field, despite the prejudice she faces as a person living with albinism. Another of Ian’s recent animations, Tuishi Salama, raises awareness on COVID-19 prevention measures in Tanzania.

Ian has been an active Alumnus and has helped inspire positive change through storytelling and technology.  We commend his work finding innovative ways to raise awareness on important issues, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations, Ian, from your Mandela Washington Fellowship family.  We look forward to seeing you succeed and empower youth across Tanzania and the continent.

Download the video transcript for The 2021 Leadership Impact Award, Ian Tarimo

Learn more about the Leadership Impact Award