In 'Find Me Unafraid,' Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner share their extraordinary journey from the slums of Nairobi to the global stage. Their love story intertwines with a passionate mission to empower girls through education and combat poverty. The vivid narrative reveals the transformative power of hope and determination against the backdrop of challenging circumstances. As they navigate cultural differences and societal obstacles, readers are left wondering: can love truly change the world? This inspiring memoir encourages us to fight for justice and never lose sight of our dreams.
By Kennedy Odede, Jessica Posner
Published: 2016
"In the face of adversity, we do not seek pity; we seek purpose."
Find Me Unafraid tells the uncommon love story between two uncommon people whose collaboration sparked a successful movement to transform the lives of vulnerable girls and the urban poor. With a Foreword by Nicholas Kristof. This is the story of two young people from completely different worlds: Kennedy Odede from Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, and Jessica Posner from Denver, Colorado. Kennedy foraged for food, lived on the street, and taught himself to read with old newspapers. When an American volunteer gave him the work of Mandela, Garvey, and King, teenaged Kennedy decided he was going to change his life and his community. He bought a soccer ball and started a youth empowerment group he called Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO). Then in 2007, Wesleyan undergraduate Jessica Posner spent a semester abroad in Kenya working with SHOFCO. Breaking all convention, she decided to live in Kibera with Kennedy, and they fell in love.Their connection persisted, and Jessica helped Kennedy to escape political violence and fulfill his lifelong dream of an education, at Wesleyan University. The alchemy of their remarkable union has drawn the support of community members and celebrities alike—The Clintons, Mia Farrow, and Nicholas Kristof are among their fans—and their work has changed the lives of many of Kibera’s most vulnerable population: its girls. Jess and Kennedy founded Kibera’s first tuition-free school for girls, a large, bright blue building, which stands as a bastion of hope in what once felt like a hopeless place. But Jessica and Kennedy are just getting started—they have expanded their model to connect essential services like health care, clean water, and economic empowerment programs. They’ve opened an identical project in Mathare, Kenya’s second largest slum, and intend to expand their remarkably successful program for change. Ultimately this is a love story about a fight against poverty and hopelessness, the transformation made possible by a true love, and the power of young people to have a deep impact on the world.
Kennedy Odede is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and author known for his evocative storytelling and powerful narratives that shed light on social issues and the resilience of marginalized communities. His notable works include 'Find Me Unafraid,' co-authored with Jessica Posner, which recounts his journey from the slums of Kibera to becoming a renowned advocate for social change. Odede's writing style combines personal experiences with broader socio-political commentary, often infused with hope and inspiration. He is the founder of Shining Hope for Communities, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in poverty.
Jessica Posner is a celebrated author known for her compelling narratives and insightful character development. Her notable works include 'The Clover House' and 'The Girl Who Lived,' which have garnered critical acclaim and captivated readers worldwide. Posner's writing style is characterized by rich, vivid prose and a keen sense of emotional depth, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. With a passion for storytelling, she continues to engage audiences with her thought-provoking tales.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "Lives of the Stoics," Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman blend biography with philosophy, illuminating the lives of history's most influential Stoic thinkers. Each chapter reveals not just their teachings, but the trials, triumphs, and personal struggles that shaped their philosophies. Discover how figures like Seneca and Epictetus navigated adversity, power, and personal loss, offering timeless wisdom for modern dilemmas. The book invites readers to ponder how these ancient insights can be harnessed to cultivate resilience in today's chaotic world. Are you ready to explore the transformative power of Stoicism through the lives of its greatest practitioners?
In 'Einstein', Walter Isaacson unveils the life of the iconic physicist whose theories changed our understanding of the universe. Delve into the personal and professional challenges that shaped Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking ideas on relativity and quantum mechanics. This captivating biography explores his revolutionary thoughts while revealing the man behind the genius—his passion, eccentricities, and relationships. With rich anecdotes and historical context, Isaacson brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a mind that dared to defy convention. Discover how a simple man became one of the most brilliant minds in history, inspiring generations to think differently.
"A Pattern Language" introduces a revolutionary approach to architecture and design, emphasizing the harmony of built environments with human needs. The authors present a collection of 253 patterns that provide practical solutions for creating livable spaces, from the scale of a room to entire communities. Each pattern encapsulates observations and wisdom drawn from nature and cultural practices, urging designers to foster deeper connections between people and their surroundings. This book challenges conventional design principles, inviting readers to rethink how spaces influence human interaction and well-being. Dive into a world where every structure tells a story and transforms everyday life into an art form.
In '7 Powers,' Hamilton Helmer unveils a groundbreaking framework for business strategy, identifying seven key powers that successful companies leverage for industry domination. Each power, from scale to brand, is meticulously dissected with real-world examples that illustrate their formidable impact. Helmer pairs strategic theory with actionable insights, equipping leaders with tools to navigate competitive landscapes. With a fresh perspective on timeless principles, the book challenges conventional thinking and ignites a quest for deeper understanding. Dive into this compelling exploration and discover what it truly takes to outmaneuver rivals and thrive in today's market.
Dive into the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela as chronicled by Barry Denenberg. This captivating biography unveils the journey of a boy from a small South African village to a global symbol of peace and resilience. Discover how Mandela's relentless fight against apartheid, his years of imprisonment, and his incredible leadership transformed a nation. With heart-wrenching challenges and triumphant victories, this story inspires hope and underscores the power of forgiveness. Join Denenberg in exploring the legacy of a man who changed the world, and be prepared to rethink justice and humanity.
In 'Guerrilla Marketing', Jay Conrad Levinson and co-authors unveil unconventional strategies that defy traditional marketing norms. Discover how small businesses can leverage creativity and resourcefulness to achieve extraordinary results without a hefty budget. This book is packed with actionable insights and innovative tactics that empower marketers to make a lasting impact in their communities. Dive into real-world examples that illustrate the power of unconventional thinking in driving customer engagement. Unlock the secrets to standing out in a crowded market and watch your business flourish!
'Willpower' delves into the science behind self-control, revealing how it can be nurtured and strengthened like a muscle. Baumeister and Tierney illustrate the interplay between willpower and decision-making, shedding light on its limitations and potential. With engaging anecdotes and compelling research, they unravel how societal demands can deplete our self-control reserves. The authors offer practical strategies to enhance willpower in everyday life, making it accessible to all. Readers will be captivated by the revelations on how to harness their inner strength to achieve their goals and prevail against temptation.
No summary available
Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Aubrey Plaza is an acclaimed American actress, comedian, and producer known for her deadpan delivery and versatile performances across film and television. Although primarily recognized for her roles in productions like "Parks and Recreation" and "Legion," Plaza has also made significant contributions to literature. She co-authored the best-selling children's book "The Legend of the Christmas Witch" with Dan Murphy, blending her unique storytelling style with festive folklore. The book showcases her ability to captivate young readers and expand her creative talents beyond the screen. Plaza continues to influence both the entertainment and literary worlds with her innovative and multifaceted approach.

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

Anu Hariharan is a distinguished partner at Y Combinator's Continuity Fund, where she has been instrumental in scaling numerous startups into successful enterprises. With a strong background in economics and technology, she has become a respected voice in the venture capital community. Hariharan has also made significant contributions through her writing on startup growth and investment strategies, offering insightful analyses and practical advice to entrepreneurs. Her work is frequently featured in leading business publications, showcasing her expertise in the tech industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hariharan is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

Morgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

Aileen Lee is a distinguished venture capitalist and founder of Cowboy Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. She is widely known for coining the term "unicorn" to describe startups valued at over $1 billion, significantly impacting how the tech industry views high-growth companies. Lee's keen eye for innovation and her advocacy for diversity in tech have made her a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. Beyond her financial acumen, she has authored insightful articles on entrepreneurship and startup culture, contributing valuable perspectives to business literature. Lee's work continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors.

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
Showing 8 of 16 related collections
“In the face of adversity, we do not seek pity; we seek purpose.”
Find Me Unafraid
By Kennedy Odede, Jessica Posner
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.