Umuliza M. Njiru joined The Rockefeller Foundation in February 2021 as the Lead, Communications, Policy, and Advocacy for the Africa region. She now serves as the Director, Communications, Africa Region. For the past decade, she has solved communications challenges with real-world strategies that transform brands, inspires audiences and energize markets. She is an award-winning communications professional with thirteen years’ success producing creative multi-channel media campaigns that contribute to maintaining outstanding reputations of global institutions, insights from research and innovation at an international level to advocate for solutions to world issues. Expert knowledge management and communication strategist, with proficiency in creating web-based campaign and advocacy materials for regional, national, and global strategic initiatives. Exceptional relationship builder with an international social network, including contacts in the media, government, and philanthropic sectors. Drives positive results by developing public campaigns including print, web, media, film components, and event design and implementation. Accomplished program strategist, designer, and mentor who uses skills to build positive group dynamics, improve stakeholder engagement, and drive public relations initiatives. Published writer fluent in English and Kiswahili.
Before joining The Rockefeller Foundation, Umuliza previously led the Communications and Knowledge Management function for Feed the Future Kenya Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) Program, a $25M USAID funded development program. She developed and oversaw strategic communications and knowledge management initiatives that deliver program growth and propagation goals. Her successes so far have been largely due to her ability to leverage creative and critical thinking skills, making it possible for her to conceptualize and carry out strategies to deliver targeted goals while always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Balancing targeted actions with big-picture impact has allowed her to identify critical areas of improvement to achieve better results. Umuliza has a master’s degree in Organizational Development and a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism from United States International University.
Umuliza, bringing unparalleled insight, experience and passion to her work. She strives to clarify and unify messaging—across platforms, media and channels—to influence core and emerging audiences around the mission of The Rockefeller Foundation on the African continent.