Ellen Kamei

I attribute my success to resilience and perseverance. Growing up in a mixed-race and mixed-religion family, I was often questioned about my identity from an early age, which taught me to remain confident in who I am. Throughout my career, I have learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. I believe success comes from continuing to move forward, adapting when circumstances change, and never giving up. Most importantly, I have learned to believe in myself, because confidence in your own abilities is the foundation for achieving meaningful goals.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is to believe in myself, even during moments when I question whether I am truly ready for the next opportunity. I have realized that self-doubt does not disappear with experience, achievement, or leadership—it is something successful people learn to navigate with confidence and resilience. Throughout my career, I have come to see that setbacks are not the end of the journey but opportunities to grow, adapt, and discover new possibilities. By staying pragmatic, remaining persistent, and embracing unexpected opportunities, I have continued to develop both personally and professionally while building a meaningful career.

I encourage young women to be pragmatic about their future and recognize that opportunities often come to those who are willing to pursue them confidently. I believe it is important to motivate yourself rather than wait for permission or perfect circumstances before taking the next step. Mentors can come from many places, including peers, so I recommend keeping an open mind and learning from a diverse range of people. If the path you want does not yet exist, create it yourself. Finally, treat everyone with kindness and professionalism, because every interaction matters. Simple gestures such as expressing gratitude, following up, and building genuine relationships can open unexpected opportunities throughout your career.

I believe women have made tremendous progress in government, higher education, and public leadership, but both internal and external barriers still exist. One of the greatest challenges is the belief that we must be completely qualified or completely confident before pursuing the next opportunity. My experience has taught me that we should not wait for permission or perfection to step into leadership. I see tremendous opportunity for women who are willing to build meaningful relationships, support one another, and bring their unique perspectives into decision-making spaces. Every woman who steps into leadership helps create a path for the next generation and demonstrates what is possible.

I value family, meaningful relationships, personal well-being, and being intentional with how I spend my time. Rather than striving for perfect work-life balance, I focus on managing my priorities and recognizing that different seasons of life require different levels of attention. I make time to recharge by protecting Sundays for family and maintaining a regular exercise routine because taking care of myself allows me to better serve others. I also believe that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that sustainable leadership comes from recognizing your limits while remaining present for your family, your work, and your community.