Author: Becki M’mari

By Becki M’mari What does it mean to be a hero? As a globally recognized pioneer in the fight for social and environmental justice, Professor Wangari Muta Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. To many, she was a hero because of her commitment to fostering innovation and positive growth. Born and raised in the highlands of Kenya, Maathai was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctoral degree. From there, she became the first woman elected as Chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Nairobi.  One of Maathai’s most pivotal and meaningful contributions was creating the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organization empowering women to make meaningful improvements ...