Screens lit up across Africa, from Kenya to Nigeria, Ghana to Malawi, as mentees, mentors, and friends of Inspire Her Afrika joined the virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025. Though miles apart, the connection was undeniable. Smiles, laughter, and applause filled the digital space as we celebrated young women who dared to build, women who had spent months growing through mentorship, creating impact, and redefining leadership in their communities.
Then came a moment that stilled the screen: the keynote address by Professor (Associate) Noreen Mdege, Associate Professor in Global Public Health at the University of York. Her message, titled “Fly as High as Your Heart Desires and Keep Your Feet on the Ground,” resonated deeply with every face on that virtual call.
“Every time I say the title of my talk aloud,” Professor Noreen began, “I think of my 12-year-old daughter, who would probably say, ‘Mum, how can you fly really high and keep your feet on the ground at the same time?’” That simple question opened a heartfelt reflection on what it means to pursue success with purpose. She recalled how, years ago, she had set career goals with clear milestones: Assistant Professor, Associate, Reader, then Professor, the “natural progression.” Until one day, a mentor asked her a powerful question: “Why?”
That single question shifted her perspective. It made her realize that ambition without purpose often leads to emptiness. “When a goal is from a place of service and joy,” she explained, “you have a better chance of achieving happiness. But when it’s driven by fear or ego, the satisfaction never truly comes.” Her words reminded the mentees that *flying high* isn’t just about professional success, it’s about staying true to one’s values, finding meaning in the journey, and building a life that brings fulfilment.
Then came the second half of her message, the gentle grounding reminder. “For me,” she said, “keeping your feet on the ground is about stability, resilience, and agility. It’s about being able to deal with uncertainty and pivot without destroying the good you’ve already built.” She spoke about humility, kindness, and mindfulness, the ability to live in the present moment, and to be curious about the world around us. “When you are living in the present moment,” she shared, “you don’t have to look for opportunities. Opportunities find you, because you are exactly where you should be.”
Across the virtual call, you could see nods of agreement and smiles of recognition. Many of our mentees had walked that same balance, learning to lead with strength while staying grounded in service and empathy. Their projects had touched lives in education, health, and empowerment, each one a testament to what it means to fly high and stay rooted.
As she closed, Professor Noreen left us with a thought that summed up the spirit of the day: “I hope I did not disappoint anyone by not saying what success is or isn’t, because I truly believe that success is what it means to you. To me, it means flying as high as my heart desires and keeping my feet on the ground.” It was a message that lingered long after the virtual screens went dark. Success, she reminded us, is deeply personal. It is not just in titles or milestones, it’s in the courage to stay true to yourself, the grace to keep moving forward, and the wisdom to build a life that reflects what you truly value.
To every young woman reading this: You too can fly as high as your heart desires. You can dream boldly, rise confidently, and still stay grounded in kindness, humility, and purpose. At Inspire Her Afrika, we are proud to journey with women who are redefining success, women who know that real growth happens when we soar with purpose and stay rooted in what matters most. Share this with a young woman who’s ready to spread her wings, because this could be her in 2026.
Couldn’t join the live graduation? You can rewatch the full Inspire Her Afrika Graduation Ceremony and experience every inspiring moment, from the mentees’ project showcases to Professor Noreen Mdege’s keynote speech.
Click here to rewatch the ceremony: https://youtu.be/BWzRkO-Dt64?si=X-AMWB8ASB7-otvo
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