Inspirational women through the eyes of Fulbrighters #4

For International Women's Month, we invited Fulbrighters to share stories of some of the most inspirational women they encountered during their Fulbright grant.

Victo Nalule, Executive Director of the Tunaweza Foundation

Tunaweza in Swahili means “We Can.” Victo is on a mission to leave no one behind. Every bone in her body and every action she takes displays authenticity and commitment to the inclusiveness of people with disabilities. She is one of the most powerful, authentic leaders I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. You’re going to see this woman in Forbes magazine one day. She is sincere and genuine. To her core, she is caring and kind no matter how long of a day she has. She is the person that stops when she sees young women waiting on the boda boda after an evening event to ask them if they need a ride. After presenting all day when I can barely form a sentence, she makes calls and responds to messages for the two-hour drive home always asking every single person how they are. She ensures everyone gets to talk even when we are overtime so that everyone gets a chance to be heard. She says the hard thing when it needs to be said. She makes you feel seen by truly listening, asking questions, and taking time. She is the most positive person I’ve ever met and radiates joy wherever she goes. She brings people together and cares deeply about her community. She is a smart, business-minded leader who is constantly thinking about ideas of how to make the world a better place. She turns up the music and lives life to the fullest. She radiates energy. She says yes! And she also says no! She commands a room. When she speaks people listen. She demonstrates a balance of love, tenderness, and directness. She is a powerhouse and dynamic. She is creating space for women in leadership positions everywhere! She cares deeply about ALL people. After a long, fun day of a safari— when my head is literally down on the table at dinner— goes over to the table next to us just to say hello and ask them if they enjoyed their day. She not only advocates for inclusion, she lives it. She frequently says at the end of meetings, “I’d like to hear from all members of the team.” She encourages and expects multiple communication methods so that everyone can participate. There are very few people in this world that I’ve instantly connected with— but Victo is one of those people. This woman is my forever soul sister. I am so much better for knowing her. Thank you for making the world a better place just by being you. Thank you for allowing me to be a very small part of this incredible work.

- Dr. Kristina Zaccaria who completed the Tunaweza Inclusive Education Project in Uganda

Punam Munjal

Punam Munjal was my sister’s best friend in high school. But, by the time she was nineteen, her marriage had been arranged by her parents and she became Mrs. Punam Soni. During my Fulbright grant last year, I spent a few delightful afternoons with her and her family at their home, and at Second Innings, the Senior daycare center Punam had started in 2015. While trying to help someone find a place for their aging parents, she realized how the transition from the joint families to nuclear families was isolating seniors: there was no safe place in Gurugram, India where seniors who did not have friends and family, could go to meet other people. Punam did not just lament about the problem, she devised a solution; and, not having any experience in this area did not hinder or deter her. Second Innings is a place where the members are taken care of with the same warmth, thoughtfulness, and respect that Punam takes care of family and friends. To entertain the members, the staff organize games such as Bingo, fortnightly live music and dance sessions, festival celebrations, and members’ birthday celebrations. Medical care, transportation to-and-from the center, yoga classes, acupuncture sessions, and meals are also provided. A daycare center for seniors was a very unique concept in India in 2015. Even today, it would be easier to find a needle in a haystack than such a place where seniors can meet friends and have fun. What is notable, is that she did not need to do anything for this community, yet she invested her time and resources to help a segment of India’s society that are becoming invisible.

- Mrinalini Watson is currently translating the folktales she collected during her Fulbright grant, and is seeking different platforms to publish the stories