Ayda Kagambo, a Risk Assurance Consultant at PwC Kenya, graduated from AIMS Tanzania in 2015. She takes us through her post-AIMS journey.

Q: How did you first hear about AIMS?

Ayda: Prior to joining AIMS, I took my BSc in Actuarial Sciences at the University of Dar es Salaam. The person who introduced me to AIMS was my mathematics professor, Mr. Estomih Massawe. I remember the day he told me about it, I was so interested, and I applied immediately without hesitation. I love mathematics, and the idea of using numbers to solve different issues in my society appealed to me.

Q: How would you describe your time at AIMS?

Ayda: I would describe AIMS as a leadership camp where passionate and impactful leaders are made. My AIMS experience taught me that change begins with me, and as an individual, I can impact my community and the world at large. I made many friends from different parts of the world during my Master’s program at AIMS Tanzania.

My favourite memories were when no books were involved, and we took trips to the beach, danced the nights away, and everyone just told stories of their home country and what is most important to them. Those were days colleagues turned to the family since you could relate with people on a deeper and personal level. Despite our differences, AIMS gave us our shared passion for becoming problem solvers and helpers in our communities.

Q: Tell us about the impact AIMS has had on you.

Ayda: I am currently working for PWC as a Risk Assurance Consultant, and I can confidently say AIMS sharpened my confidence, critical thinking and analytical skills. I can have meaningful conversations with the board of directors and senior management members on how to improve their control environment, prevent fraud and cybercrimes.

Q: Which of the SDGs is most important/relevant to you? How do you plan on addressing it in your work?

Ayda: I support the SDGs, and I am working towards the “No Poverty” goal. I believe with no poverty, people will be able to afford clean energy, water, food and decent sanitation, to mention a few.

Q: What is your message to current AIMS students and young people across the continent?

Ayda: Once you get into AIMS, you have hit the jackpot! Maximise this opportunity and leverage what the AIMS network has to offer; it will help you along the way.