BT Alumni Fellows Association

  In the heart of rural Western Uganda, where challenges faced by women and girls are often compounded by economic and social barriers, one woman has dedicated her life to making a tangible difference. Tendo Mirembe Namata, a Gender and Development Expert , founded Embibo Gender Initiative to combat gender-based violence and empower marginalized women and girls. Her journey, from academic pursuits to impactful grassroots work, stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, passion, and dedication. A Foundation Built on Personal and Professional Experience Tendo’s journey began as a F ellow with Building Tomorrow , working in remote areas of Western Uganda. There, she witnessed firsthand the pervasive gender-based violence that forced many girls to drop out of school. This exposure, combined with her personal experience as a sexual violence survivor, ignited a commitment to ensure violence-free communities for girls. In 2018, she launched Embibo Gender Initiative as ...

  Every start-up begins with a spark—a vision, a bold idea, or an untapped opportunity. But the early days of building that idea into a reality are rarely glamorous. For many entrepreneurs, those first steps are the hardest, often defined by moments of doubt, scarcity, and immense pressure. The Hidden Struggles of the Early Days Founders often enter the field with high hopes and endless enthusiasm, but they quickly encounter an uphill battle. It’s a phase rarely talked about with full honesty because, in retrospect, the struggles can seem almost embarrassing. Why? Because no matter how passionate or prepared you are, the path ahead is uncertain. You might have a product or service that works “just a little,” but scaling it into something impactful feels like a distant dream. In these early days, mockery and skepticism are common. Experienced industry players may dismiss your efforts, questioning your decisions and reminding you of the formidable competitors already establis...

  In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, the drive to succeed often means facing endless demands, juggling numerous responsibilities, and pushing yourself to the limits to make your vision a reality. It’s inspiring to see our community of BT Alumni Fellows Association entrepreneurs work tirelessly to bring positive change and innovation to their fields. However, it’s crucial to remember that prioritizing your well-being isn’t just an indulgence—it’s a foundational element of your success. In a world that constantly pulls you in multiple directions, it’s easy to put yourself last, tending to everyone else’s needs and demands while your own well-being falls by the wayside. Yet, the truth is that your health, particularly your mental health, is the backbone of everything you do. Without it, your ability to lead, inspire, and create diminishes. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your responsibilities—it means reclaiming your power and setting the stage for a f...