𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮'𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Pendo Dama, a dynamic Aiducation talent from Kilifi, Kenya, has come a long way since receiving an Aiducation high school scholarship from 2016 to 2019. As a beneficiary of Aiducation’s mentoring and coaching programs and a winner of the 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Fund Award, Pendo exemplifies the power of education and determination. An active member of Aiducation’s global alumni network, she had the unique opportunity to attend the Aiducation Annual Impact Dinner in October 2024, where she shared her inspiring journey.

In the blog below, Pendo recounts her unforgettable experience visiting Switzerland—a journey filled with professional growth, cultural exploration, and heartfelt connections.

"Switzerland—what a place! From the moment I landed, I knew I was stepping into something extraordinary. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming cities brimming with history, every corner of Switzerland seemed like a scene straight from a storybook. But beyond the landscapes, it was the people and experiences that truly made this trip unforgettable.

Christina, Pendo Dama and Jerome

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The first part of my trip was an incredible professional experience. I had the privilege of visiting some of the world’s most renowned organizations—Givaudan, Bain & Company, McKinsey, Swiss Re, and UBS. Each visit was a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and global excellence. These conversations sparked new ideas and opened my eyes to exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. It was truly a chance of a lifetime to see how these industry giants shape the future and learn from their success.

In addition to these enriching professional experiences, I also had the opportunity to connect with my mentor Eva, whose support has meant so much to me over the past few months. We spent time together, reflecting on my journey, discussing my goals, and simply enjoying each other's company. I also met Willemijn in Basel and spent the night at her place and we shared conversations and amazing walks to the park. It was truly special to meet in person after all this time and share meaningful conversations.

𝗔 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀
One of the most heartwarming moments of my trip was meeting my donor, Corrina, who funded my high school education. We spent the day walking through the city, talking about everything from my growth since high school to the opportunities that lie ahead. We shared coffee and enjoyed each other's company, and I left feeling incredibly grateful for her generosity and belief in me.

I also had the chance to spend time with other incredible people like Willemijn, who stays in Basel, and Andrea, Christina, Matthias, Maya, and Obrien. We went hiking together, enjoying breathtaking views, fresh air, and lots of laughter. Martin also joined the hike, making the experience even more enjoyable. The Swiss Alps provided the perfect backdrop, and the memories we made along the way will stay with me forever.

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀
Switzerland also gave me the chance to explore its rich culture and history. I was lucky enough to visit the Kenyan Embassy, where we had coffee and engaged in great conversations about our shared connections. The warm hospitality made me feel closer to home, even while so far away.

I also visited the Philippines Embassy, where we were treated to a fantastic Filipino lunch. The Ambassador took us to an amazing restaurant, where I had the most delicious Filipino food I’ve ever tasted. The food, the atmosphere, and the conversations made this experience one I’ll never forget.

In addition to these experiences, I had the privilege of visiting ETH, the prestigious university where Albert Einstein studied. Being there, in the same place that housed such an iconic figure in history, was a surreal moment.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
Switzerland is not just a place; it’s an experience. I was captivated by the stunning architecture, especially the churches with their grand, towering clocks. The trains and trams were a delight to ride, and I found myself fascinated by how efficiently everything ran. Zurich's main station was a highlight for me, where I marveled at the vibrancy and energy of the city. And, of course, the lakes were everywhere—each more beautiful than the last. Zurich’s lake, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding views, took my breath away every time I visited.

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆
As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have visited Switzerland, for the inspiring people I met along the way, and for the chance to grow both professionally and personally. The Impact Dinner was also a significant highlight. We had an engaging panel discussion with Evangelina Vaoutsi and Samuel, and Amelia did a wonderful job moderating the conversation. It was a thought-provoking session that left me with much to think about as I move forward in my journey.

Finally, I am beyond grateful to everyone who made this trip possible and to the people I met along the way. I will always treasure this experience and the memories I’ve made. Switzerland, I will definitely be back!"

Written by Pendo Dama, AiduTalent form Kenya

Published by Boniface