The Dream Big Conference brings together young people who are invested in creating social change and economic improvement in their communities from the grassroots level and beyond through their professions, community work, and businesses and nonprofits they create.
Your support will help make the 2023 Dream Big Conference a success. The conference provides participants with crucial professional development opportunities and the chance to meet with peers on a global level in order to develop ideas on how to transform their communities.
The 3rd Dream Big Conference will provide 250 young leaders & professionals from 25+ countries with the opportunity to:
• Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills
• Build valuable networks and in-country fellowships
• Collaborate with peers, business leaders and philanthropists
• Gain knowledge and skills to reach their goals and advance their communities
Participants’ fields of study include: medicine and healthcare, engineering, agriculture, technology, business, finance, community development, and more.
Five days of workshops will be led by international business and community leaders, and subject matter experts. Previous conferences were held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2015 and Kampala, Uganda in 2018.
Thank You!
In 2026, WMI celebrates 20 years of impact! 🚀
To mark the milestone, we’re launching 20 for 20 — a yearlong series highlighting 20 extraordinary scholars whose journeys reflect what your generosity makes possible.
We’re honored to begin with Scholar Alum Peter Kabethi (Kenya).
After losing his hearing at age 10, Peter turned adversity into purpose. With the support of a WMI scholarship, he earned his degree in Special Needs Education and has since become a leading advocate for inclusive learning in Kenya — serving as an Education Specialist and creating opportunities for Deaf students and adults alike.
His story is just the beginning.
Stay with us throughout 2026 as we share 19 more scholars who represent 20 years of impact — and the future we’re building together. 💙
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🎓 Final Chance to Apply for the WMI Scholarship! 🌍
Hear from Niraja Bhitrikoti, a scholar from Nepal, as she shares her journey and encourages students to apply for the WMI Scholarship!
If you’re a motivated student from a developing country with a commitment to giving back to your community, this opportunity is for you.
⏳ Deadline: March 1st
📌 Link in bio
Don’t miss your chance to become part of a global network of change-makers. Apply today and take the next step toward your educational goals!
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🌟 Staff Spotlight: Joyce Shikuku 🌟
We’re excited to celebrate Joyce Shikuku, a dedicated leader serving as the East Africa Regional Coordinator at Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI). Alongside this role, Joyce is a full-time Project Manager working in Human Infection Studies at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme.
In her professional work, Joyce supports Human Infection Studies — carefully monitored research where healthy adult volunteers are deliberately infected with a disease-causing pathogen under controlled conditions. Conducted in Kilifi for over 13 years, these studies help accelerate the development of therapeutics aimed at preventing diseases and improving health outcomes.
At WMI, Joyce is passionate about supporting scholars as they pursue their academic dreams. She finds great joy in seeing scholars succeed through determination, resilience, and hard work.
Fun Facts about Joyce:
🌍 What She Enjoys: Traveling, adventure, and discovering new things — she believes every journey is an opportunity to learn and grow
🍽️ Favorite Meal: Chapati served with coconut beans
🎉 Special Interest: Exploring traditional marriage rites and ceremonies to learn about diverse cultures and communities
Join us in celebrating Joyce for her commitment to research, education, and empowering the next generation of leaders!
#StaffSpotlight #GlobalLeaders #HigherEducation #africa #thankyou
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An incredible opportunity for young leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa! 🌍✨We are delighted to share an exciting opportunity for young Changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa! 🌟
The Youth Assembly is now accepting applications for the second edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program! This prestigious initiative equips exceptional young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with skills, resources, and funding to create lasting, positive change in their communities.
📅 Event Dates: August 12–14, 2026
⏰ Application Deadline: Today, February 20, 2026
🎯 Age Eligibility: 18–35 years
Don’t miss your chance! Learn more about eligibility and apply still today: bankimoon.org/AFSScholarship
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Because of you, Oluwapelumi Solagbade is turning loss into life-changing impact.
After losing both parents and enduring years of financial instability, his dream of becoming a doctor nearly slipped away. But determined to help address the critical shortage of neurologists in Nigeria and across Africa, he persevered and earned admission to medical school.
Today, as a WMI Scholar studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria, Oluwapelumi is focused on neuroscience research and leading community brain health awareness initiatives—preparing to expand access to life-saving neurological care for underserved communities. 🧠
“WMI removed the constant fear of unpaid fees and allowed me to focus on studying, serving my community, and building a future in medicine and neuroscience instead of struggling just to survive,” he shares.
This is the power of your support: resilient leaders equipped to transform personal hardship into lasting impact. 🌍✨
#GlobalLeaders #dreamplando #changemakers
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The Global Advisory Board (GAB) of WMI continues to demonstrate what scholar-led leadership truly looks like.
In 2024, GAB launched the Scholar Mentorship Program — a vision rooted in connection, guidance, and strengthening our global community.
As we celebrate the closing ceremony of Cohort 3, we reflect with deep gratitude on how far this program has come.
Since its inception, over a hundred WMI Scholars and Alumni have participated, building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, sharing knowledge across generations, and deepening the cohesion of the WMI Community.
What began as an idea has grown into a powerful platform for intentional support and leadership development.
This program is more than mentorship.
⛰️It is community.
⚓It is legacy.
👩🏽🎓 It is scholars pouring back into scholars.
To the incredible members of the Global Advisory Board — thank you for your vision, consistency, and servant leadership.
Your commitment to strengthening the WMI network is creating lasting impact far beyond each cohort.
To every mentor and mentee who showed up, committed, learned, and grew — you are the heartbeat of this success.
Together, we are building a connected, empowered, and thriving community.
#WMI #youthledleadership #mentorship
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Check or Credit Card Donation by Mail
Please fill out our WMI Donation Form and send your contribution to:
Wells Mountain Initiative
25D Main Street
Bristol, Vermont 05443
USA