In 2001, Kathleen (Keen) Harrison, PhD, took a leave from her university faculty position in medical genetics to travel with the Semester at Sea program. A visit to Kenya’s first orphanage for HIV-positive children changed the course of her life. She returned home feeling, “I just can’t walk away from this.” She didn’t.
In 2005, Keen founded Project Harambee, a volunteer-run nonprofit supporting community-led initiatives across three pillars: health care, economic opportunity, and education. Its programs are both practical and powerful: Plant a Seed–Grow a Doc helps students from high schools in under-resourced communities to attend medical school and return to serve rural communities. Livestock donations—dairy goats, chickens, and pigs—help families reduce hunger and generate income.
Women’s cooperatives create crafts sold in the United States, building sustainable livelihoods.
Today, Keen remains deeply committed while gradually transitioning leadership to nonprofit partners in Kenya and dedicated U.S. volunteers. Sustained by a wide circle of generosity, Project Harambee continues to grow—transforming lives across communities and generations.
"I left a profession in medical genetics and found a vocation supporting women and families in Kenya." - Kathleen Harrison
Connect with Keen:
Email: keen.harrison.mcnulty@gmail.com
Website: www.projectharambee.org
Facebook: harambee.nfp
Africa photo book
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
OUR SPONSOR
AARP Illinois is dedicated to empowering adults 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP-Illinois advocates for the health, financial security, and overall well-being of Illinois residents through community programs, expert resources, and member benefits and is here to help its members thrive.
https:www.aarp.org/state/Illinois [activate link]
aarpil@aarp.org
AGE-WISE COLLECTIVE
Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined connects with other women podcasters to shine the light on remarkable women in mid-life and beyond.
We are pleased to recognize Jane Leder, host of Older Women and Friends: Stories of Aging Well, whose guests take a deep dive into the joys and challenges of being an older woman. Older women know a thing or two about living with a keen sense of wonder and an abiding appreciation for the gift of longevity. So, it’s time to change the perception that the gig is just about up when, in truth, the second wave of the journey has just begun.
https://janeleder.net
https://www.youtube.com/@olderwomenandfriends
https://www.instagram.com/older_women_and_friends_/
