Dr. Onono Selected for Women Lift Health 2024 East Africa Cohort

Dr. Onono Maricianah, the Ag Director of Scientific Programs, Partnerships, and Grants Management, and a Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist, has been selected to participate in WomenLift Health’s 2024 East Africa Signature Leadership Journey cohort. This year long program is designed to equip talented women leaders with the tools-confidence, networks, understanding of barriers—along with peer, mentorship, and coaching support to use their voice, expertise, and leadership skills for health impact. Dr. Maricianah joins an elite group of 30 women leaders in global health from various sectors and disciplines.

In the bustling corridors of KEMRI, Dr. Maricianah Onono is a force to be reckoned with, known affectionately as the ‘smiling energizer battery.’ Her tenacity and unwavering commitment to leadership shines through. In an exclusive interview for the KEMRI Bulletin following her nomination to the WomenLift leadership program, Maricianah shares her thoughts on her journey.

“People call me the energizer battery with a smile—I don’t give up; I am tenacious, and you really want me on your team,” she begins with a laugh. “My leadership style is grounded in the ability to see the big picture, break it down into smaller parts, and then orchestrate the small parts to tell a meaningful story and achieve intended goals. I think this is a unique skill set—often people get lost in the smaller details or get overwhelmed by the big picture and not able to translate it. I have clarity in that. Also, I am a multiplier at heart. I pride myself on creating systems and mentees that thrive independently, raising leaders capable of standing on their own and who don’t need me to micromanage.” She animated with a bubbly face.

Dr. Maricianah’s leadership prowess is evident in her impressive staff and partner retention rates, consistently in the high nineties. She attributes this success to her philosophy of opening doors for others, fostering growth, and providing opportunities for all. Reflecting on her life’s leadership journey, Dr. Maricianah acknowledges that leadership has always been thrust upon her, even from her kindergarten days.

“I have rarely volunteered for positions, and have always found myself appointed. In this way, I have found that I must chart my path through the bushes for myself and for others behind me,” she shares, emphasizing her commitment to not reaching the top of the ladder alone.

Despite facing challenges in finding meaningful mentorship and sponsorship throughout her career, Dr. Maricianah remains undeterred. She reveals her strategy of seeking guidance from a professional coach and identifying both male and female allies in her space. She has successfully revived the Directorate of Scientific Programs, Partnerships, and Grants Management, where she has attracted more funding, contracts, and partnerships, fast tracking reviews of document and ensuring no partnership is lost, no contract delayed and that every scientist is heard, thus reshaping KEMRI’s leadership landscape. In her role as the head of partnerships, Dr. Maricianah is the face of KEMRI when engaging with foreign entities and external partners. Her ability to navigate diverse cultures and fields outside of health research, positions her as a valuable asset to the institute.

With humility, she acknowledges that her journey has been one of trial and error, marked by hard knocks. Eager to learn from those who have gone ahead, Dr. Maricianah expresses her desire to pave way for those behind her. The women’s leadership program represents a structured opportunity for her to gain theoretical and experiential knowledge, mentors, and coaches. As Dr. Maricianah delves into this leadership development journey, she plans to focus on reflective practices, extensive reading, and management studies. Recognizing the need for time, resources, and self-reflection, she aims to create an accountability network to support her through the challenges.

Her ultimate commitment lies in paying it forward. Dr. Maricianah envisions designing a KEMRI institutional mentorship policy, ensuring that the lessons she learns become part of the legacy she leaves behind. Her story is not just about personal growth; it’s about nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and creating a lasting impact on KEMRI and beyond.

We congratulate Dr. Maricianah for this great achievement.

For more information on the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey, visit: www.womenlifthealth.org/ the-leadership-journey. You can read about the other members of the 2024 East Africa Signature Leadership Journey here: https://www.womenlifthealth.org/africa/eastafrica/2024-thematic-cohort/