Showing Up Fully

A Conversation with One Good Turn's Field Program Director, Georgette Akinyi

Spend a few moments with Georgette, and you’ll see why she is the heartbeat of our Kenya team. She always asks the most important question: Are we creating meaningful change?  Deeply committed to real impact, Georgette lives out the principles that define our mission.

Her Path to One Good Turn

Originally from Nairobi, Georgette has been with One Good Turn since 2023, overseeing the local implementation of our School Health Training Program as our Field Program Director. She works closely with teachers, partners, and communities across Kenya to bring practical, life-saving health education to schools. “My passion and zeal for community work and advocacy for change got me referred to this awesome organization.”

Georgette with Executive Director Ann Messer after completing One Good Turn’s facilitator training.

Georgette is no stranger to community health work. Before joining OGT, she served on the board of KEMRI, a national health research institute in Kenya, where she helped lead a study focused on preventing early pregnancy and STIs. She also worked as a sexual and reproductive health peer educator and counselor for KMET, a Kenyan nonprofit focused on women’s and youth health.

Humbling and Fulfilling

Georgette brings this breadth of experience to her current role with the School Health Training Program, leading teacher trainings and school follow-ups while monitoring progress and mentoring field staff. In participating schools, we’ve seen a 17 percent decrease in health-related absences; “seeing improved outcomes and positive feedback from schools reminded me that the effort is worth it.”

For Georgette, the most rewarding part of her work is “seeing real on the ground impact, watching our planning, coordination and problem solving translate into actual change. Whether it’s improved health outcomes, empowered communities or more efficient service delivery, the results are tangible. You also get to build strong relationships with local teams and communities, learning directly from them and adapting programs to meet real needs. The field constantly teaches you to be resourceful, resilient and people centered which is both humbling and fulfilling.”

Impact takes persistence. The hardest part, she says, is “managing different expectations with limited resources. I navigate this by staying flexible, communicating clearly and adjusting plans quickly while keeping the team and mission aligned.”

In her time at OGT, Georgette shared that she has learned the power of teamwork and community-driven solutions. “I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge in health, which helps me confidently advocate for important health knowledge to help others even beyond work.”

Living Her Values

Her principles show up in how she works every day. “My work connects deeply to my personal values, especially service, integrity and impact. I believe in showing up for others and my goal is to always create meaningful change and by doing so with honesty and compassion. Working in the field allows me to live out these values and these goals every day.”

What She Wants You to Know

“One thing I’d like people to understand more about our work is that it’s deeply rooted in humanity and passion. It’s not just about ticking boxes or completing tasks, it’s about showing up fully, listening and going above and beyond because people’s lives are at the heart of it. Every effort, big or small, is driven by a genuine desire to create real lasting change and that’s why I normally say “More energy, More passion”. The energy we put in is fueled by passion to achieve better.”

Outside of Work and Georgette’s Kenya Recommendations

In her free time, Georgette loves writing songs and spending time with children; “my creative side lets me face paint kids and tell them a creative story with any topic of their choice.”

And if you travel to Kenya, Georgette has all the tips on what you should do, "definitely Maasai Mara at the governors camp. Waking up to the sounds of the wild, watching elephants and giraffes and if you’re lucky, you can witness the migration of wild beasts.”

And for food? You have to try her favorite: layered chapatis with a good stew. 

She also has a Kenya music recommendation for your playlist: “Bien. His voice, lyrics and stage presence are unmatched. He’s soulful, honest and lively whether with Sauti Sol band or solo, his music always speaks to real emotions and experiences. My favorite album is “Midnight train” Listen here

On The Horizon

Georgette is inspired to keep growing the School Health Training Program. “The impact OGT has created is great and we are heading to greatness because health is the greatest wealth you can have.”

We are so lucky to have her on our team!

Learn more about SHARE (One Good Turn’s School Health Program) and how to get involved.