Upendo Mtataiko works as an education program officer at the Maasai Women Development Organization. She is also the founder of the Light for Girls and Women initiative. She mentors young girls and women in the Maasai community who are highly motivated to change their lives and the lives of other young women in the community. She empowers young women to fight for their rights to education and to acquire leadership and business skills. Upendo holds a degree in Law from Tumaini Makumira University and a Master of Business Administration from Maharishi University (India). After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Upendo plans to apply her new skills and network to expand the impact of her organization.