About Benrose
I am Benrose Motethya, a Kenyan born, raised, and schooled in Nairobi, so I am a true city girl. Growing up in the vibrant hustle of Nairobi shaped me a lot. I studied project management because I wanted to learn how to plan and deliver real impact.
Right now, I am a program facilitator at Sndbx. I joined through the (Mastercard Foundation) Associates Program, and it has been a journey full of learning, growth, and self-discovery.
Joining the We Can Work Academy and the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program
Before Sndbx, I went through the We Can Work program; in particular, Core Life Skills and transitioned to the Wage Employment Track. At first, I did not think the program was for me. But from day one, it helped me understand myself better, more so as a young person with disability.
Many young people do not accept their disabilities or feel ashamed. The We Can Work Academy helped me embrace who I am. It also prepared me for the job market by showing me the realities of work and how to navigate barriers.
In Kenya, inclusion is still a work in progress. I have learned to accept that and be patient with myself and others.
Finding My Path at SndBx
"The We Can Work Academy helped me embrace who I am. It also prepared me for the job market by showing me the realities of work and how to navigate barriers."
I joined SndBx because I wanted to be part of something that uplifts others, especially creatives. Here, I facilitate the SANARA program, a program focused on creatives who own businesses but have not yet taken their work seriously.
SANARA is about empowerment. We provide business development services, coaching, and tools to help creatives push their businesses forward. It feels good knowing I am supporting others turn their dreams into real opportunities.
Learning to Adapt at Work
I am Benrose and not just ‘a person with disability.’ My disability is hydrocephalus. It affects how I work best; I need structure and sometimes space to reset.
When I first joined SndBx, I had expectations about work that did not quite match reality. I learned I needed to adapt, and at the very least, so fast. For example, I am used to working on-site all day, but now I can work from home when needed, which really helps.
Another big change was teamwork. I am naturally an introvert, so engaging with people was tough at first. But every week, I meet new creatives, new faces. I pushed myself to open up more and now enjoy collaborating with my team.
Growing as a Professional
I came into Sndbx directly as a Program Facilitator, and that is still my role. Though I have not moved into a new position yet, I know there is room to grow.
Being a Program Facilitator means I need to bring energy and keep the room lively. I used to think my job would be behind the scenes, focused only on program and project management. But I quickly learned I must engage, motivate, and keep participants excited. That pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I am proud of that growth.
The work is not without challenges. Our program is still new, so changes happen suddenly. As someone who likes to plan ahead, that was hard. But I am learning to be flexible and embrace change as part of the process.
Experiencing Inclusion in the Workplace
Sndbx has been really supportive in helping me manage my disability. When I joined, I requested for reasonable accommodation, like needing some quiet time in the afternoons to reset because hydrocephalus makes me ‘zoom out’ sometimes.
I did not expect much, but they took it seriously. They let me take breaks, and my colleagues at work understand and help me out when I am not at my best.
Another example: I am sensitive to bright lights. During a ‘potluck’, I asked if we could switch off some lights, and it was no problem at all.
The Power of Peer Support
One of the most valuable things is the support from my peers. (Mastercard Foundation) Associates like Cedric and Beatrice aka ‘Kasmall’ from the We Can Work Academy. When I face challenges, like struggling with deadlines, I reach out to them.
We meet and share advice and encouragement. Knowing others face similar struggles makes me feel less alone. Together, we exchange ideas to grow and do better, both at Sndbx and beyond.
My peers keep me motivated and helps me keep pushing forward.
My Hopes for the Future
I believe there is a lot of opportunity for growth here at Sndbx. We are still learning how to best include and support persons with disabilities, and that gives me hope.
One big change needed is mindset among employers. They must see beyond disability and recognize the skills, potential, and value people bring.
Challenges will come, but I am learning to adapt and remain hopeful. My goal is to grow in my career and help create inclusive workplaces where everyone regardless of ability can be productive and thrive.
