Throughout the month of February, we shared profiles of some of our Black students. To end the month off, we’re taking that journey from student to alumni with profiles of a few of our distinguished Black alumni. Visit the African Heritage Month page to learn more about how we’re celebrating at Acadia, information on events and resources, and reflections from our community.

When you hear the theme “For Us, By Us: Celebrating Black Excellence,” what does it mean to you personally?

The 2026 theme, “For Us, By Us,” signifies an acknowledgment of my heritage and ancestry, as well as recognition of our collective achievements. These fundamental values are deeply embedded within my identity.  Knowing who I am and from where I came allows me to situate myself, squarely and with dignity, in the present without being deterred by obstacles such as discrimination. The roots of my ancestry propel me to leave an indelible mark wherever I traverse thus changing institutions to acknowledge our distinct experience.

What program did you study and what year did you begin your Acadia journey? Tell us what you’re up to now!

I enrolled as a graduate student in 1985 and majored in Geology, graduating with a Master’s in 1986. Therefore, I lived in Wolfville for two years when it was essentially a tiny outpost. Graduate housing was not available at the time. Therefore, I lived with two host families in 1985 and another in 1986. Both families were welcoming and made me feel at home.

Seeing another black person in Wolfville was extremely rare. The few I knew were all international graduate students in STEM. We met as often as we could for Saturday potluck dinners.

I was the only black student in the entire Department of Geology. Women were approximately fifteen percent. Friendships and associations revolved around specific laboratories according to specialization. The international community was small and we bonded easily.

Since leaving Acadia in 1986, I have had a diverse and exhilarating career in academia, international diplomacy and public service. I have served as a geologist in the Government of Kenya, teaching at the University of Nairobi, Penn State University, and affiliations with many other Universities such as Edinburgh University and the University of Sussex. Some highlights include first, serving as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (Minister) of Environment, Water & Natural Resources. In this role, I exercised my leadership to enact several seminal environmental legislations, including banning single-use plastic bags. Second, I also served as Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Portugal, Holy See, Serbia and Monaco. This capacity allowed me to enhance our bilateral ties with the countries to which I was assigned. The role also allowed me to influence Kenya’s position on critical multilateral issues such as environmental and climate change governance to peace and security matters. Third, I have served as Vice-President of the United Nations Environment Assembly, Energy Advisor to the World Bank, Scientific Advisory Board of the UN Secretary General, co-Chair of the International Assessment of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and several other distinguished commissions and task forces.

My work has been recognized internationally through various awards. I’m an Oceans Award Laureate, Clark R. Bavin Award Laureate, Honorary Doctoral Degree in Sciences from the University of Reading UK, distinguished alumni awards from Penn State University and St. Lawrence University- just to name a few.

Today, I continue with my academic and diplomatic duties by serving on several International Boards as well as serving as a mentor to upcoming young professionals. Very few people have the credentials of Professor, Cabinet Secretary, and Ambassador. My brand is highly recognized and I’m in demand for advice.

Where do you call home- and how has your sense of home shifted or expanded since your time at Acadia?

My singular identity of home is where I was born in Kenya. However, my itinerant lifestyle as an aspirational journey woman enabled me to appreciate that home is not necessarily a physical location. Rather, it is where my heart lies and how I have learned to be attuned to myself and thus navigating obstacles.

Where have you found community, care, or kinship? Either during your time at Acadia or afterwards?

Community is my family both immediate and extended. We have remained close throughout our combined achievements, trials and tribulations. Community is also my friends, especially those that I have known since childhood. We are fortunate enough to still by close and in touch despite being scattered all over the world. Many of my colleagues over the years have also joined ranks as an essential component of my life experience.

For me, Acadia University was a significant whistle stop on my aspirational path. As foreign graduate student, I was immersed in the rigour of education and research that I did not remain in touch with anyone. In other words, upon careful reflection, Acadia of the 1980s did not offer international cultural experiences. Further, I also believe that in the mid-1980s, Acadia University had not yet developed the protocols of engaging with foreign student alumni after they graduated. This was a serious oversight that has obviously been corrected.

What accomplishments are you especially proud of right now-big or small-and why does it matter to you?

It would be very subjective of me to discern what is big or small. But let me note that, I’m proud of several accomplishments especially that of situating evidence-based science and technology in public policy at the forefront. These include all aspects of environmental legislations at both the national and international levels. I have served as a formidable influencer on issues such as climate change, conservation, plastic pollution, and safeguarding marine protected areas. My work and leadership have been emulated in many countries and regional economic communities. Additionally, the seminal accomplishments of my former students and junior colleagues is extremely rewarding to me. Observing them scale the heights in their careers in very satisfying.