Staff Spotlight: Ruth Obilo

Title:
Deputy Volunteer Coordinator

Photos

Ruth Obilo is a passionate community development enthusiast and Deputy Volunteer Coordinator at Better Me Kenya Network, dedicated to empowering youth and adolescent girls through community-driven projects, mentorship, and strategic collaborations. With a background in Community Resource Management, she is also passionate about driving change and fostering inclusive growth at the grassroots level and the world at large.

Staff Spotlight: Ruth

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory has been accompanying volunteers on cultural experiences across Kenya. I love the look of wonder on their faces as they discover local foods, traditions, and ways of life. Travel is therapeutic for me, and being part of these journeys makes every trip a learning moment. What stands out most is not just the destinations but the conversations and laughter shared along the way. These moments remind me that when people open themselves to new experiences, they grow. For me, every travel memory connects back to our motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me,” because personal reflection and transformation often begin the moment we step into a new environment.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since joining Better Me in 2022, I have experienced remarkable growth in many areas of my life. Working as a deputy Volunteer Coordinator has given me the chance to interact with people from different cultures, and through this I have learnt tolerance, patience, and open-mindedness. I have developed stronger communication and leadership skills, especially in listening to others and appreciating their unique perspectives. Before this role, I often hesitated to contribute new ideas, but Better Me has created a space where creativity is encouraged and valued. This environment has made me bolder and more confident in sharing my thoughts and taking initiative. Another area of growth has been adaptability. Learning that every person and situation is different and requires flexibility. Above all, I have come to embrace our guiding motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me.” I now understand that by working on myself whether through confidence, empathy, or new skills I am better equipped to contribute meaningfully to my team and community. My growth is not just personal; it ripples outward to those I work with every day.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the most inspiring stories I’ve heard came from a volunteer who once struggled deeply with self-confidence. When she first arrived at Better Me, she could hardly speak in front of a group. She doubted her ability to lead or even to be heard. But over time, with encouragement and opportunities, she started gaining courage. She practiced, tried again, and slowly grew into someone who could stand before children and volunteers to deliver meaningful sessions. When she later returned, she shared how the experience had transformed her completely. Today she speaks at events, leads presentations, and inspires others through her journey. Her story reminded me that real change begins within.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program that Better Me offers, I would choose the youth mentorship program. I find mentorship to be one of the most powerful tools for change, especially when working with young people. There is something magical about guiding youth to discover who they are, what they are capable of, and how they can grow into the best versions of themselves. Mentorship provides a safe space where children and young people can ask questions, share dreams, make mistakes, and still feel supported. For me, this aligns perfectly with my personal passion for working with youth and children. Watching a young person gain confidence, discover their talents, or realize their potential is one of the most fulfilling experiences. When young people learn to better themselves, they not only improve their own lives but also become role models and agents of change in their communities. Joining this program would be an opportunity to pour into others while also growing myself. Mentorship is transformation at its most practical and heartfelt level, and that’s why I would choose it.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes Better Me unique is the freedom it gives everyone; staff, volunteers, and any youth to express creativity and contribute fresh ideas. We are not just an organization but a community that values collaboration. I was especially proud of our team during the 10th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Looking back on the networks we built, the lives we impacted, and the global connections we created, I felt humbled to be part of such a dedicated team. The celebration was proof that our motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me,” is alive in the stories of transformation we witness every day.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company is empowering individuals to grow on a personal level. A company is only as strong as the people who make it up, and unless each person is supported, encouraged, and motivated to improve, the larger mission cannot succeed. Success also depends on fostering an environment of trust and innovation where people feel safe to contribute new ideas and know they are valued. For Better Me, success is not just about numbers or achievements but about stories of transformation. When I see someone who once struggled step up and thrive because of the opportunities we create, I know that we are on the right path. Better Me is a home away from home for any individual from any part of the world, and that sense of belonging is what ensures long-term success.