Alumna ’13, Onboarding Program Manager, One Acre Fund

Akilah contributed a lot to the position I am now in. I was a shy person, but Akilah helped us build our confidence. When we started doing the leadership course, I developed new goals, and I started focusing on leadership.

After I joined One Acre Fund, an international NGO that empowers rural farmers, I found myself leading a group of 11 people. We have an international team here, and without that confidence from Akilah, I couldn’t face them. I can say something, and even if it’s not correct, I feel confident that I have just spoken up.

Scovia at the One Acre Fund HQ farm

When I saw that most people appreciated what I was doing — arranging transportation for donors and people visiting the company and organizing their accommodations — I realized I could do the job.

One Acre Fund gave me another opportunity to be the Onboarding Program Manager. I was a little bit anxious. This was my first time to work in a big company. But my supervisor encouraged me to take on the position, which is similar to working in hospitality. I gained a lot of hospitality skills at Akilah, and I used that experience.

For the first month, I was nervous because I had to host the new group, and most of the people were from abroad. I had to explain things in English, and I feared they would not understand what I was saying. We gave them a Google survey for feedback, and when I checked it, the comments were very positive. My manager now gives me projects, and I run them by myself.

Even though I have confidence, my manager motivates me to try new things. She tells me that I can do it, and that gives me a lot of energy. Sometimes I feel scared, but I know in my heart she’s right.