Careen Mbati's journey at Tai: From university student to project coordinator

Careen’s journey with Tai began in late 2023, but her connection to the organization started much earlier. Since high school, she has been following Tai’s inspiring work in youth empowerment.
Drawn by the impactful content and meaningful initiatives, she applied to become a Tai Ambassador in November 2023. Her excitement soared when she was selected, and by December, she was actively contributing as an ambassador, supporting the American Film Series project.
The American Film Series, a partnership with the American Embassy, brought American movies to university students, addressing a range of thought-provoking topics. As a university student herself, Careen leveraged her unique perspective to build strong connections with her peers. Organizing events on campus gave her a platform to foster engaging discussions and empower fellow students.
One of her most memorable experiences was facilitating a screening of Hidden Figures, where conversations about the power of women in technology left a lasting impact. A panelist’s words stayed with her: “Women are capable—you just need to find the right opportunity and its resources.”
Through her work with Tai, Careen gained much more than technical skills. The program strengthened her networking abilities and helped her connect with people from diverse backgrounds—skills that have been invaluable for her personal and professional growth.
But her journey didn’t stop there. Careen’s exceptional performance as an ambassador led to a promotion as an intern in our project department for the American Film Series. In this expanded role, she took on greater responsibilities, from leading project activities and coordinating panelists to sharpening her writing and leadership skills.
What began as a small opportunity evolved into a transformative experience, equipping her with the ability to manage projects effectively and tackle challenges with confidence. When we asked Careen what she loves most about her work, she highlights teamwork, the cooperative spirit of her colleagues, and the infectious energy of the people around her. She especially enjoys field work, where she gets to engage with beneficiaries and the thrill of traveling to explore new places and broaden her horizons.
From February onward she will start her role as a project coordinator. With her passion and dedication, we have no doubt that Careen will continue to grow, take on new challenges, and reach even greater heights with Team Tai. We’re proud to have her flying alongside us on this incredible journey!