Esther Passaris - Straight From The Heart

I was born in Kenya to a beautiful Kikuyu mother and a hardworking Greek father. I am a mother to two children a boy and a girl of whom I cherish every moment with. My career kicked off in the hotel industry where I rose to position of sales and marketing at Nyali Beach Hotel. I entered into self employment by starting sharp images and Adopt A Light after working for various companies in Nairobi. As an entrepreneur, I have traveled far and wide and in the process gaining a wealth of experience in, business, success, social work and passion. As a result, I have received invitations from schools, universities and social gatherings to speak and share on these very important issues. The media too has called me for interviews and forums to discuss the social and economic issues facing our country.

I incorporated a project called Adopt A Light that basically addresses highway lighting, street lighting, billboard advertising, slum lighting and other forms of outdoor advertising. The company inspiration came from the need to provide safer cities and provide enough street lighting. Our advertising revenue is steered in community development. Adopt A Light is built on core values that include dedication, team work, customer focus, excellence, integrity and corporate social responsibility.

Being a Social Entrepreneur, I saw a need of reaching out and giving back to the community. The high mast lighting we as a company introduced in the Urban slums can greatly reduce cases of insecurity in the slums and provide the much needed light. Having a good look at the living conditions of the slum dwellers, I felt a desire to at least do something that will help and tackle or reduce poverty in these areas. As a result I started the Driving Kenya Foundation, a non for profit charitable organization and One In A Million as the main vehicle through which contributions will be channeled while the Jig Saw is the communication arm of the charitable foundation.