About Us

I am a happily married woman, mother of 2 great kids, our dog Skipper, and our 2 cats Misty and White Socks. I haven’t quite figured out what I want to do when I grow up, but I am steadily growing into the woman I always wanted to be.

I strongly believe that we all belong to each other, and that we are all connected to each other. The idea for Umoja, Swahili for ‘unity’, formed in February 2016 during my first trip to Kenya which proved to be a life-changing experience. Meeting courageous women, listening to their stories and learning about their challenges had a profound impact on me. I was moved to action. Having the privilege of living in Silicon Valley, and being part of an active global network allows me to be a bridge-builder between sometimes very diverse communities. This platform gives a voice and a face to some everyday people with audacious dreams. I invite you to be part of this community of dreamers, and become a link in the chain of positive change.

Martine Bolsens-Peetermans

Founder, Umoja

Global Ambassador and Program Manager for Women Leaders for the World, www.gwln.org

Board Member Destiny Foundation USA, www.destinyreflection.org

West Coast Operations, www.amicilovanienses.org