About

About US

Who are we?

InspirED Africa is an educational venture designed to offer immersive educational trips to Africa for young students from across the globe. The program focuses on experiential learning, where students engage in hands-on experiences and reflections, helping them connect classroom theories to real-world situations.

Inspired by the transformative power of cultural immersion, InspirED Africa aims to expose students to the diverse culture, innovation, and opportunities within the African continent. Starting with trips to Kenya, and eventually expanding to other countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of Africa's dynamic landscape.

Participants will visit various industries (manufacturing, agriculture, government), volunteer at educational and healthcare organizations, enjoy exciting adventures like trips to the Masai Mara, and have the opportunity to create and manage non-profit organizations with their peers. Targeting high school students globally, InspirED Africa seeks to build global connections, foster impactful experiences, and offer students the best time of their lives while learning about Africa's rich heritage and modern advancements.

Meet The Founders

Founders

Khushi Malde

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Khushi is driven by a mission to highlight Africa's place on the global stage. With undergraduate degrees in Data Science and Business Administration from UC Berkeley, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology at Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Khushi’s journey, spanning over 20 years in Kenya and extensive global travel to promote experiential learning programs, has shown her that the world's perception of Africa often contrasts sharply with its vibrant reality.

 

During her time at UC Berkeley and Stanford, she became acutely aware of how little is known about the innovation, cultural diversity, and global influence emerging from African economies. This realization fueled her passion to bridge this knowledge gap and showcase Africa’s true potential. Khushi’s professional journey includes roles with educational organizations like Lumiere Education, where she worked to make their programs more accessible to African students, and consultancy for organizations like GlyphMe, aiming to create meaningful impact in Africa. Additionally, she co-founded a non-profit, T&E Ladder, which provides entrepreneurship education and resources to students and organizations across the continent.

These experiences have deepened her understanding of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry, its groundbreaking innovations, and the transformative opportunities it offers. Through inspirED Africa, Khushi is committed to empowering the next generation of global citizens by providing young students from around the world with an authentic glimpse into the opportunities and impact that await them in Africa.

Megan Cistulli

Megan is pursuing her JD at the University of Chicago Law School and her MBA at Booth School of Business. Megan graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Berkeley and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a B.A. in political science with specializations in international relations and American politics while minoring in human rights. Thereafter, she worked as a postgraduate research fellow at Berkeley Law's Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law. Megan co-authored a chapter in “Sexual Harassment and the Law in Africa: Country and Regional Perspectives,” published by Routledge, and is a research consultant for the Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative.

 

Passionate about equity in education, Megan co-founded Technology & Entrepreneurship Ladder, Inc. in Nairobi, Kenya. She believes knowledge empowers students to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Education transformed her life, especially by empowering her to pursue law and business. She strives to inspire all young students to pursue any passion, idea, or goal, especially young women and girls in law, STEM, and business, fostering agency and creating opportunities for personal and communal growth.

Africa Unveiled

Why are we doing this

At InspirED Africa, we believe that the most profound learning and impactful change come from lived experiences. Africa, a continent at the forefront of innovation, offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture and pioneering advancements. Our mission is driven by a deep commitment to sharing the untold stories of Africa and contributing to its rightful place on the global stage.

Benefits of This Experience

Forge lasting connections with high school students from around the world.

Participate in volunteer experiences that create real change during your immersion.

Discover the richness of African culture and actively contribute to the promotion of African innovation.

Dive into various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, healthcare, education, and government.

Collaborate with peers to build and manage a global non-profit organization.

Embark on unforgettable experiences, from a safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

By bringing students to the heart of Africa’s innovation and culture, we aim to inspire a new generation of global citizens who recognize Africa’s role as the future.