Meet Juanita: Our First Create Change Fellow is Paving the Way
- obrianshannen
- Jan 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 14
After years of grassroots work in Northern Ghana, we know one thing for certain: when young women lead, everything changes.
That’s why we’re so proud to introduce Juanita, the very first Create Change Fellow.
Juanita grew up in the rural community of Bu, in the Upper West Region of Ghana. She comes from a loving family, studied Basic Education at the University for Development Studies, and has always been an active volunteer in her community. But her journey to leadership wasn’t immediate. Like many young women in rural areas, she spent several years at home after secondary school before pursuing higher education.
Her story with Create Change began in 2020, when she joined us as a work experience trainee. From the start, Juanita stood out, not just for her skills, but for her heart, her patience, and her passion for helping others succeed.
Since then, Juanita has grown into multiple roles: mentoring girls through CAMA Ghana, supporting rural youth with education and life planning, and most recently, working as our Rural Community Development Contractor, coordinating programs, facilitating workshops, and guiding trainees in the field.
Becoming a Fellow: More Than a Promotion
For Juanita, stepping into the Fellowship is more than just a new role, it’s a turning point.
“I initially thought I would settle into the role of Rural Community Development Officer,” she shared. “But being chosen as a Create Change Fellow means everything to me. It’s a chance to learn, to lead, and to create meaningful change for my community.”
Already, she’s laying the groundwork for her new responsibilities, reading, researching, and preparing to lead project development and community initiatives.
Her typical week is a balance of fieldwork and leadership: supporting programs on the ground, preparing resources, leading workshops, and meeting with our team to review plans and challenges.
But beyond the tasks, what drives Juanita is her passion for helping others thrive, especially rural women and girls.
“I am proud of the progress I’ve made empowering rural communities,” she says. “Building relationships, creating safe spaces for learning, and helping others grow, this is what gives me fulfillment.”
The Road Ahead
As a Fellow, Juanita will continue building her leadership skills with the support of our team, while also preparing for future studies. Upon completing her two-year Fellowship, she’ll receive funding to pursue a Master’s degree in a field related to community development.
Her long-term dream? To become a leader who creates lasting impact, through education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable community development.
“Being a Create Change Fellow means being part of a movement that’s bigger than me,” Juanita says. “It’s about using my skills and experience to drive meaningful change, for my community and for future generations.”
She carries with her a quote from Nelson Mandela: “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
With leaders like Juanita rising from within rural communities, we know the future is in good hands.
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