The Impact of Volunteering

Academically successful and service-oriented, Agnes Mukuiya ‘16 VSB outshines most people her age.

Her journey began nearly six years ago in Nakuru, Kenya. After completing high school in Nairobi, Agnes wanted to continue her education and experience another culture, but as she describes, studying abroad was far-fetched for a daughter of a single-parent household.

Undeterred, Agnes applied to Zawadi Africa, a Kenyan-based nonprofit dedicated to helping academically talented young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds find scholarships to pursue higher education overseas. Through its affiliation with Villanova, Zawadi, which aptly translates to “gift” in Swahili, helped Agnes secure a scholarship to cover her tuition.

Even with the scholarship from Villanova University, Agnes still needed financial support to come to the United States. That’s when her community rallied together to hold a fundraiser to provide the funding she needed to make the journey.

Since coming here, she’s rarely gone home, only visiting once in the last three years. Fortunately, she finds considerable support within the Villanova community. Faculty and students alike ensure that Agnes never spends a break or holiday alone. In return, she gives back.

In addition to carrying a heavy academic load, Agnes graduated in May with a double major in Management Information Systems and International Business along with a minor in Business Analytics, she found time to tutor students at Northern Children’s Services in Philadelphia.

Plus, for the last two years, she tutored fellow VSN students in micro and macroeconomics as well as business analytics. “I enjoy sharing knowledge, “ Agnes explains. “It brings me so much joy to watch as someone goes ‘ah-ha’ and reaches that level of understanding.”

Agnes even spends her breaks volunteering. As part of Villanova’s Service and Justice Experiences, she has traveled to West Virginia and Kentucky to help with home repairs and other community-based projects. “It’s important to remember that other people struggle,” Agnes acknowledges. “Service is a key part of my college experience. It brings perspective to my learning.”

Clearly, she’s found the perspective she needs. Agnes has made the Dean’s list every semester since arriving at Villanova- results not overlooked by prospective employers. In fact, in the summer following her sophomore year, Agnes was recruited by EY for the first of two summer internships, which ultimately led to an offer to join EY full-time after graduation. She will be part of the Advisory Consultant Program- National Advisory Services Practice, hoping to focus on technology consulting.

Originally published in the Summer 2016 Villanova Business Magazine.