Winnie Choni Barawa is the founder of Washindi Africa, where she works directly with Kenyan coastal communities to support health and education initiatives covering sexual and reproductive health and research; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and academic mentorship. She empowers her community through skills development and capacity-building. Since Washindi Africa's inception in 2015, Winnie has reached out to more than 10,000 community members. Winnie, who has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Moi University, is currently pursuing a master's degree in International Health at Mount Kenya University. She has four years of experience in nursing care and is lecturer of nursing at Kenya Medical Training College's Mombasa Campus. On completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Winnie hopes to replicate her newfound knowledge, skills, and networks to scale up Washindi Africa's health and education programs in coastal communities.