Beyond her Desk - How Cecilia is Mentoring young women to believe in themselves.

At Interswitch, many women are creating impact far beyond their professional roles.

Cecilia Nyambura Macharia, a Finance Analyst, is passionate about encouraging young women to believe in themselves, stay focused on their goals, and pursue success with discipline and consistency.

In this conversation, she shares what inspired her to mentor young women and why confidence, focus, and guidance can change the trajectory of a girl’s future.

Q: For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about your role at Interswitch and the community initiative you’re involved in?

A: My name is Cecilia Nyambura Macharia, and I’m a Finance Analyst at Interswitch, though around the office, I’m fondly known as the finance fashionista.

Beyond my professional role, I’m passionate about encouraging young women to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions with confidence. I often remind them of what I call the three keys to success: Focus, Consistency, and Discipline.

Through mentorship and conversations, I encourage girls to avoid postponing their dreams and to stay committed to building the future they want.

Q: What first inspired you to start giving back in this way? What has been the most challenging part?

A: I was inspired to give back after seeing how many young girls' incredible potential has been lacking encouragement and guidance. I wanted to help them see what is possible for themselves and understand that their circumstances do not define their future.

One of the most challenging parts has been helping young girls overcome the self-doubt they often carry, especially in communities with limited resources. But seeing them grow in confidence and begin to believe in their dreams makes every effort worthwhile.

Q: Was there a moment that made you realise you wanted to create impact beyond your professional role?

A: Yes. At some point, I realised that while excelling in my professional role was fulfilling, it wasn’t enough. I saw women around me who were using their influence outside the workplace to create real impact, and that inspired me to do the same. That realisation stayed with me and pushed me to intentionally support and mentor young women.

Q: What does leadership look like when you don’t have a corporate title attached to it?

A: For me, leadership without a title is about influence, responsibility, and service.

It’s about using your voice, your experiences, and your time to uplift others, even when it’s not part of your formal role.

Q: Can you share a story of someone whose life was changed through your initiative?

A: One story that stands out is about a young woman I’ve been mentoring who was considering deferring her studies because she felt pressured to focus on finding a job.

During our conversation, I encouraged her not to postpone her education but to structure her time so she could continue studying while exploring work opportunities. I shared my own experience of balancing work and studies to show her that it was possible.

Later, she told me she felt fortunate to have someone guide her during that moment of uncertainty. Seeing her regain confidence and commit to continuing her studies reminded me how powerful encouragement and mentorship can be.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young women who want to make an impact, what would it be?

A: Believe in your potential and start where you are.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect position or opportunity to make a difference. Focus on growing yourself, stay committed to your goals, and uplift those around you.

Even small acts, such as sharing knowledge, encouraging someone, or offering guidance, can create a meaningful impact.

Q: If a young woman feels unsure about her voice or power, what would you say to her?

A: Your perspective matters more than you realise.

Confidence doesn’t always appear instantly; it grows as you continue learning, speaking up, and trusting your abilities. Don’t allow doubt to silence your voice.

For the next generation of girls, I hope to see a world where they feel confident pursuing their ambitions, supported in their education, and empowered to believe that their ideas and dreams are valuable.

Q: Why is it important for women in corporate spaces to give back intentionally?

A: Because our journeys can guide and inspire the next generation. Many young women are still navigating uncertainty about their career paths, and having someone who has walked that path offer mentorship can make a significant difference.

When women intentionally share knowledge and create opportunities for others, they help build stronger support systems and open doors for more girls to succeed.

Q: What change would you love to see for the next generation of girls?

A: I would love to see girls grow up confident in their abilities and unapologetic about their ambitions. A world where they have equal access to education, mentorship, and opportunities, and where self-doubt never limits their dreams.

Q: How has leading this initiative changed you personally?

A: Mentoring young women has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of listening.

It has also reminded me that real impact isn’t measured by titles or accolades, but by the confidence and opportunities you help others gain.

Q: What ripple effect do you hope your work creates?

A: I hope the girls I mentor will go on to support others as well. When one person gains confidence and opportunities, that impact spreads to peers, families, and communities. Over time, that ripple can create a culture where more girls believe in themselves and pursue leadership.

Q: What is one uncomfortable truth about women’s advancement in Kenya that we don’t talk about enough?

A: Even with increased access to education and opportunities, societal expectations and subtle biases still hold many women back. Real progress requires more than policies; it requires a cultural shift that truly values women’s contributions and supports them in leadership.

Q: Lastly, tell us about yourself and what you do for fun.

A: Outside of work, I enjoy listening to podcasts, exploring new ideas, and learning from inspiring stories. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, watching movies, and connecting with friends and family. Mentoring young girls informally is also something I genuinely enjoy; it’s fulfilling to see them grow in confidence while sharing meaningful conversations.

Cecilia’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by a title; it’s defined by the lives you impact.

Beyond her desk, she’s helping young women believe in themselves, stay focused on their goals, and pursue success with discipline