A Letter from the CEO No One Believed In

For much of my life, I was the one left out — the friend no one chose, the face that blended into the background. Not pretty enough, not popular enough, always the last picked or not picked at all.

Despite what others tried to make me feel, I’ve accomplished things I’m proud of. Yet, while quietly wishing for a single cheer, I often found myself waiting for a pat on the back — watching others receive recognition simply for showing up.

I’ve been invisible in college programs, dismissed and invalidated, made to question my own sanity with no support to lean on. I’ve been the friend who puts everyone else first, only to be used as emotional support or overlooked as someone “no one really needs.”

I hold deep compassion for that version of me — the one who cried alone, wondering why no one cared.

Now, as the CEO of this organization, I sometimes ask myself: Will it survive? Will I be enough? Can this vision live when I’m the leader no one believed in — the one who’s faced rejection, isolation, and the absence of support?

I know what it’s like to swim alone, gasping for air, swallowing tears while the world moves on. I know the ache of carrying the weight of being unseen.

But here’s what I’ve come to understand:

Being unseen doesn’t mean I lack value. Being left out doesn’t mean I don’t belong.

I chose to rise anyway — to build the community I once longed for, a place where those who feel invisible can find hope, connection, and strength.

This organization is an embodiment of what many desire — a unified community where everyone feels seen and fully appreciated. You may feel invisible and treated as such, but you are not. Your story doesn’t stop here. This is a stepping stone.

If you’ve ever felt invisible, unheard, or unloved, know this: You are not alone. Your story matters. And together, we will rise.

I may be the CEO no one believed in — but I believe in us.

By: Tammy Griffin

HELPING HANDS

A heart that aches, a soul that cares,

For orphans' plight, and futures impaired,

He yearns to help, to lend a hand,

But means are scarce, his efforts grand.

Tears fall like rain, as he walks alone,

Seeing young minds, with dreams overthrown,

School fees unpaid, futures unsure,

He weeps for their fate, his heart pure.

Their laughter silenced, their smiles rare,

Their potential wasted, beyond repair,

He feels their pain, their struggles too,

A sympathetic heart, that beats for you.

Though potential lacking, his aim remains,

To support and uplift, ease their pains,

A helping hand, a listening ear,

His heart beats strong, though resources rare.

He cries out loud, for their future bright,

For opportunities, and a guiding light,

In their struggles, he sees his goal,

To make a difference, his spirit's role.

With every tear, a prayer is said,

For a chance to help, to lift their heads,

Though challenges mount, he won't give in,

His compassion guides, a helping kin.

In the silence, he hears their voice,

A plea for help, a desperate choice,

He wishes to be, a beacon of hope,

A source of strength, a heart that cope.

A NEW FAMILY'S EMBRACE

In darkness, he wandered, lost and alone,

A soul forsaken, with heart turned to stone,

Both parents gone, his world shattered wide,

A future uncertain, his path unclear inside.

But then came strangers, with hearts full of gold,

A family found, that his story would mold,

They took him in, with open arms and love,

Gave him hope, sent from above.

Their kindness and care, a balm to his soul,

Helped heal the wounds, made him whole,

Their laughter and joy, a melody so sweet,

Gave him a new sense, of life to greet.

With every step, he found his footing strong,

A sense of belonging, where he didn't belong,

Their support and guidance, a beacon in night,

Led him to brighter days, and a future in sight.

By: Phunziro Chapinza

NSANJE's TALE

In southern Malawi's verdant land

Where Shire River's waters gently stand

Lies Nsanje district, rich and bright

With cultural heritage, a wondrous sight

The Gule Wamkulu ceremony's mystic charm

Unfolds with masked dancers, vibrant and warm

Spiritual roots run deep and strong

A testament to traditions that belong

The people of Nsanje, warm and kind

Welcome all with hearts that shine

Their identity, a blend of old and new

A cultural mosaic, forever true

Agriculture and tourism, potential vast

Irrigation farming, fishing, and eco-tourism to amass

The river's lifeblood, supporting all

Livelihoods thriving, standing tall

Yet challenges arise, like shadows dark and deep

Infrastructure and markets, hurdles to keep

Climate change looms, a test of might

But initiatives rise, to banish the night

Rural electrification, roads improved with care

Stories unfold, of progress and repair

Nsanje's unique blend, of culture and might

Shines bright, a path to sustainable light

Preserving traditions, harnessing opportunities too

A brighter future beckons, for Nsanje's people anew

With hope and resilience, they'll face the test

And Nsanje's story, will forever be blessed.

By: Phunziro Chapinza

We Lost a Child Today

Today, we are grieving.

If you watched our latest YouTube video, you met Frozia—a young mother raising two children with disabilities. Today, she has one.

Her child passed away. And it has shaken us.

At Umoja, we are constantly working hard to find partners, donors, and those looking to prevent the kind of desperation that comes from a lack of health, support, and resources. But today, we feel the limits of what we can do with limited resources ourselves. We ask ourselves what could have been different—what could we have done?

This loss is heavy. It reminds us why we do this work. Why we must do more.

We’re holding space for Frozia. And we’re asking you to hold space too.

– Umoja Preventative