2007 – In Meru, Kenya,  Africa, Karambu Ringera and her family, friends of Maida, were instrumental in training women with HIV/AIDS and those suffering from domestic violence to establish small grassroots businesses, educate their children, and together with International Peace Initiatives, build new lives.  During her time in Meru, Maida documented these programs and created the film short Comeback Women (9:37).  Time in Africa changes one’s life by coming into contact with such wholesome, generous, and loving people.

Dr. Karambu is a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. Born and raised in Kenya, she earned her Ph.D. in intercultural communication in 2008 from the University of Denver. She earned a Masters Degree in Media from Natal University, South Africa, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (with a peace and justice emphasis) from the Iliff School of Theology in Colorado. She received her Bachelor of Education degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

She has used her extensive academic background and international experience working in many countries to design and implement models of effective community engagement, women’s grassroots organizing programs, collaborative problem solving models, pre-emptive and post conflict reconciliation, proactive health campaigns, and a successful, working model of “Amani Homes,” community homes of peace for orphans and vulnerable children. Karambu is a visionary, an activist, a compassionate, committed, formidable force for change, and an inspiration to all who meet her.