Who we are
The Opening Doors Foundation connects young women in Kenya from underserved communities with the mentorship, skills, and opportunities they need to build their careers.
Mission
Our programs include one-on-one mentorship with industry leaders, career development workshops that build real-world skills, and resources and connections to help young women launch careers, start businesses, and step into leadership.
Together, we are opening doors to a brighter future.
Our Team
Vancouver, Canada
Michelle believes in the power of opening doors. Her journey began aboard cruise ships as a translator, travelling the world and experiencing new cultures, where she discovered a love for connecting with people and photographing doors—an early passion that would later symbolize the many opportunities she would help create for others. From those first moments at sea, her path evolved into one of leadership, high performance, and social impact.
Michelle has worked with global brands such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Fanatics, where she built high-performing teams, transformed workplace cultures, and created high-impact mentorship programs. Beyond her corporate achievements, Michelle brings this same spirit to her community—supporting newcomers to Canada, offering pro bono coaching to diverse talent, and raising awareness and funds for local charities. Her work—both professional and personal—reflects a lifelong commitment to impact, inclusion, and opening doors for others.
Vancouver, Canada
For over 15 years, Lotte has worked to empower young women in Kenya, founding One Girl Can to provide access to education and opportunity. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, Lotte saw how discrimination shaped society. After immigrating to Canada in 1960, she recognized the systemic barriers women faced and committed herself to being part of the solution. At 55, she returned to Africa to launch One Girl Can, work she describes as the most meaningful chapter of her life.
Her impact has been recognized with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, BIV’s Influential Women in Business Award, and twice as a Global Impact Honoree by the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). She also served as Education and Gender Equality Chair for YPO’s People Action Network (PAN), advocating for young women globally.
Nairobi, Kenya
Marslider understands firsthand the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. As a One Girl Can graduate, she knows that success isn’t just about talent, but also about having someone who believes in you.
Now, as part of Opening Doors Foundation, she is committed to fostering spaces where growth is nurtured, individuals are lifted to achieve what once seemed impossible, and no one is left behind. By believing in each other and creating opportunities, she knows that we can pave the way for a brighter future.
Vancouver, Canada
A career development coach with a background in psychology, recruitment, and training, Silvia is passionate about helping young women gain clarity, build confidence, and take charge of their careers. At Opening Doors Foundation, she brings her expertise to mentor young professionals and offer them the support they need to grow and succeed.
Silvia grew up in Kenya, navigating life without clear direction or preparation for the professional world. That experience sparked a deep passion for mentorship, making sure that young girls and women could receive the support she once sought.
Nairobi, Kenya
For years, Irene led One Girl Can’s Kenya programs, working to make sure young women had access to education, training, and mentorship. Now, as part of Opening Doors Foundation, she is dedicated to the next step—helping young women turn education into career success.
She knows that mentorship is just as critical as education, and she’s committed to helping young women navigate the job market with confidence and support. Growing up in rural Kenya, Irene had one female role model—her mother, a teacher. Seeing how few professional role models existed for young women in her village made her determined to change that.
Seattle, United States
Beatrice knows firsthand the power of mentorship. Every success she has achieved can be traced back to another woman who saw something in her, believed in her potential, and helped her navigate the path forward.
Beatrice has been heavily involved in the Mentorship Matters program for Holland America Line and is a strong proponent for mentorship. She wants every young woman to know that they are capable, that they belong, and that they have people in their corner —just as her own mentor once told her: "Everyone is rooting for you!"
Mombasa, Kenya
For Pamela, mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a tool for breaking cycles of inequality and transforming lives. As a One Girl Can graduate, she has seen firsthand how access to mentorship opens doors and creates opportunity.
Pamela has challenged the status quo in male-dominated spaces, proving that women belong in every field. Now, as part of Opening Doors Foundation, she is committed to helping young women step into leadership, launch careers, and claim their space.
Portland, United States
Tara has built her career in the travel industry, leading teams and helping people grow. At Carnival Corporation, she manages some of the company’s largest revenue portfolios, leading with mentorship and strategic guidance.
Her leadership has helped achieve record-breaking successes, but what matters most to her is supporting people and helping them succeed. She credits her own growth to the generosity of her mentors, who didn’t just offer advice—they truly invested in her future. That experience shaped her belief in the power of mentorship, which is why she’s now part of Opening Doors Foundation.
What we believe
With each door we unlock, we help individuals realize their full potential.
We create pathways for those facing barriers and amplify voices, ensuring everyone has the tools and opportunities to thrive. We lift others up because we genuinely care.
The relationships we build are at the core of everything we do. We connect people who might never have crossed paths, fostering meaningful relationships, learning, and transformation.
Every person holds unique strengths, talents, and dreams waiting to be realized. We are here to open doors that ignite that potential, enabling growth, empowerment, and meaningful change—one connection at a time.
Real change happens when we’re fully present, committed, and consistent. For us, showing up means delivering tailored mentorship programs, thoughtful training, and intentional support at every step. It’s about being there—not just in words, but also in action—to create meaningful connections that have lasting impact.
We’re driven by a deep sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do can change lives, and we’re committed to doing that, day after day.
One Girl Can: Our partner in impact
For over 15 years, One Girl Can has helped young women in Kenya break cycles of poverty through education. The Opening Doors Foundation builds on this legacy to ensure these graduates don’t just gain an education, but launch a career.
Together, we provide full-circle support—from classroom to career, from learning to leadership.
Visit One Girl Can to learn more.
Partner with us
We partner with thought leaders, businesses, and organizations committed to creating meaningful impact. We're looking for guest speakers, internship and job placement partners, and sponsors to help grow our programs for young women in Kenya.
Together, we can open doors that change lives.
