Clarena Amatha: A Seasoned Entrepreneur Using Social Media To Provide Transformational Entrepreneurship Roadmap

Published on Dec. 23, 2024, 9:01 p.m.

Clarena is a seasoned entrepreneur and a business adept with experience in leadership, communication, business development and sustainable agricultural management. Her background stems from environmental studies, community development and entrepreneurship. She is a beneficiary of both local and international programs for both technical and financial support. She leverages her social media platforms to share useful insights on entrepreneurship as a roadmap to transformation. Clarena is devoted to providing sustainable solutions for communities to thrive. Besides that, Clarena is dedicated, organised and unwaveringly committed to supporting students’ academic and professional aspirations by connecting them to world-class educational opportunities. What was your Chevening Cohort, what did you study and in which University? I was part of the 2022/2023 cohort and studied MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at the University of Leeds. How was your Chevening experience and how has it impacted your life? Chevening was truly a life-changing opportunity for me. From featuring in my university newsletter to being selected for a departmental Europe study tour. I was privileged to interact with individuals from across the globe and share different perspectives for a common good, a better World. Additionally, I travelled and explored the United Kingdom and Europe. Becoming a Chevening Scholar was more than just an academic achievement, it was a transformative experience that opened doors to a world of opportunities. This whole journey boosted my self-confidence, provided invaluable professional growth and created lifelong friendships. It fostered a sense of responsibility to give back thus my commitment to seeing fellow young people pursue their dreams of studying abroad. Truly, you are ‘A Scholar for a Year but A Chevenor for Life’. As a Chevening Leader, what would you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement? Using the abilities and connections I acquired to inspire others, promote change, and make a long-lasting beneficial impact on society is, in my opinion, my greatest accomplishment as a Chevening leader. During my time as a Chevening Scholar, I connected with industry experts and learnt from global best practices. Whilst studying, I also worked on a community project that aimed at building the capacity of smallholder farmers in Western Kenya for better protection as vulnerable and marginalised value chain system workers and diversification of postharvest management measures. This project has since supported 60 smallholder farmers through training and the adoption of irrigation systems for effective and efficient use of water and energy in production, allowing access to timely market information thereby reducing postharvest wastages and providing availability of quality products to consumers. I am delighted to have used the skills and networks I gained to drive change and leave a lasting positive impact on society. Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life? My greatest influence in life stems from both the circumstances that pushed me to improve and the individuals who had faith in me. From an early age, I was taught the virtues of tenacity, diligence, and compassion by my family, especially my parents. Even when things seemed uncertain, their unfailing support and belief in my abilities provided me with the courage to follow my dreams. What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? I have learned that success is rarely a solo journey. A personal dedication to self-improvement coupled with the belief, support, and encouragement of others is what makes significant growth. You can persevere through even the most trying situations by combining your internal grit with your external belief. How would you like to be remembered? I would like to leave a legacy of transformation, not just for myself, but for the many lives I have touched along the way.