Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg: A Visionary and Passionate Political Scientist
Alumni of Notable Achievement recipient Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (MA ‘05, PhD ‘08, political science), "passionate about unleashing the potential of human capital for social transformation,” is a changemaker who fosters equity and empowerment. As the founder of Akili Dada and Black Women in Executive Leadership (B-WEL), she has created platforms that invest in young African women and amplify the voices of Black women in senior executive roles, addressing systemic barriers to gender equality.
Meet CLA's 2024 Outstanding Alumni
CLA alumni are transforming the world. If you need proof, look no further than these eleven catalysts for change. Nominated by their peers, we're excited and proud to recognize this year's Alumni of Notable Achievement and Emerging Alumni Award recipients.
What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up studying what you did?
I was drawn to the University’s political science department, which was among the top-ranked departments nationally. The opportunity to study under some of the world's leading international relations scholars on a full scholarship was a dream come true.
What do you do now? What energizes you about it?
I just accepted a new role as the Managing Director for Africa at one of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, part of the world's leading agricultural research organizations. It is the honor of a lifetime to lead and support colleagues as, together, we leverage scientific research to ensure Africa's food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.
What was something special about your home department?
The people, especially my fellow learners, were the most special thing about my time at the University of Minnesota! I got to be part of a tight-knit community of some of the most beautiful human beings. Not only are they brilliant minds, they are the kindest, most generous, and most fun group of humans!
Reflect on one of the defining experiences from your time as a CLA student. What impact does it have on your life today?
The students mobilizing to engage in proposed reforms of the CLA during my time as a student were profoundly impactful. Watching the levels of participation and engagement by students reaffirmed my belief in democracy in ways that continue to shape my work today.
What are some ways your liberal arts education provided a foundation for what you do now?
I have ended up building a portfolio career in large part thanks to my liberal arts education. I am a political scientist who has worked in academia, philanthropy, diplomacy, and civil society. The ability to move through these fields is because of my liberal arts education starting with my undergraduate degree from Whitman College.
What should current students understand about your profession if they are considering it for themselves?
The world is changing and an ability to weave a thread of purpose through disciplines is even more important now than it has ever been.
What has scholarship support meant to you?
My entire education and subsequent career, including founding Akili Dada and Black Women in Executive Leadership (B-WEL) are the result of strangers investing in my education through scholarships. Scholarships are a sure way to break intergenerational poverty, invest in the next generation of leaders, and secure the future.
What's next? What are your personal/professional goals for the next five years?
I'm excited about working with colleagues to transform Africa's food systems, agricultural production, and climate resilience. I'm also really excited about the boards I serve on and would welcome an opportunity to grow my skills and impact by sitting on a corporate board.
About the Alumni Awards
The Emerging Alumni Award is one of CLA’s Outstanding Alumni Awards that highlights recent graduates who have been remarkable leaders, creators, and community service-oriented individuals.
Nominees of this award are chosen each year by members of the CLA Student Board and past honorees of this award. All nominees are new alumni who have graduated from the College of Liberal Arts generally within the past 10 years. These individuals are chosen for their outstanding contributions to their fields and communities while still emerging in their professional careers.
The College of Liberal Arts Alumni of Notable Achievement award, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is one of two Outstanding Alumni Awards that highlight former students who have stood out as great leaders, professionals, and community service-oriented individuals. This award is one of the ways that CLA comes together to celebrate alumni for their achievements in all areas of society—career paths, interests, community involvement, talents, achievements, and more.
All nominees for this award are submitted by fellow CLA faculty, alum, staff, and friends, and the winners are selected by a committee of past honorees. This award was started in 1994 and has since been given each year (with the exception of 2019-20). These handpicked individuals are celebrated and honored for their impact on the world around them.
Learn more about CLA's Outstanding Alumni Awards.
This story was edited by Sally Adams, an undergraduate student in CLA.
