Naked & Afraid: My 5.5-Year Journey at the African Union Commission
It feels like just yesterday, I was stepping into a strange hotel in Addis Ababa, marking the beginning of an exciting yet uncertain chapter of my life as a Health Policy Communications and Advocacy Specialist at the African Union (AU) Commission. My two male colleagues came by to introduce themselves, welcoming me into what would become a life-altering journey. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into, but now I often say—it was the change I never knew I needed.
If I were to liken my journey to a TV show, it would undoubtedly be Naked & Afraid. These 5.5 years at the AU Commission have been a rollercoaster of exposure, vulnerability, discomfort, and beauty. In this continental role, I’ve navigated uncharted waters, forging global connections that blossomed into friendships and family while working tirelessly to advance Africa’s health and development agenda.
Top Moments of Pride: Mama, I Made It!
Certain achievements stand out—not just for the outcomes they delivered but for the lessons they imparted about patience, collaboration, and perseverance.
One of my proudest accomplishments was the AU Malaria Conversation Guide for Youth in Africa, the first of its kind. This project demanded over a year of research, collaboration, and meticulous planning. Featuring actionable plans and endorsements from three Heads of State and global malaria champions, the guide empowers African youth to engage in malaria policy discussions and influence transformative change. This experience taught me resilience and the value of partnership in tackling complex challenges.
Another highlight was launching the “Leaders Speak” Health Financing Podcast Series, the AU Commission’s first podcast dedicated to health financing. This series amplified critical voices—experts, advocates, and policymakers—to address urgent issues like increasing health investments and strengthening systems. It became a beacon for policy dialogues that aim to sustain impactful change.
The “Protected and Informed” Digital HIV Advocacy Campaign, developed in collaboration with UNAIDS, remains a transformative project for me. It utilised innovative treatment options, education, and digital health strategies to inspire renewed commitment across African communities. Witnessing its impact in energising action against HIV was immensely rewarding.
Receiving the 2023 Recognising Excellence Around Champions of Health (REACH) Award in the “Rising Champion” category was another defining moment. This prestigious award celebrates leadership in disease elimination, and being honoured for my contributions to youth leadership and malaria advocacy reaffirmed the importance of my work. The REACH Awards, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, emphasise that no one should suffer from preventable disease—a belief that deeply aligns with my commitment to creating a healthier, malaria-free Africa.
The most interesting thing about these moments is that I asked God to guide me on key initiatives I can launch and so He did. For the award, it was one of my prayer points for my next job when I was in my previous job, and indeed, God delivered. How amazing is that!
Through these milestones, I’ve learned that meaningful progress takes time, dedication, and strong mentorship. I’ve been fortunate to work with bosses who mentored me through rewards and constructive criticism, shaping my professional and personal growth. Serving others has taught me that the true measure of success lies not in accolades but in the impact we create for others.
Leadership Lessons: Staying True to My Values
My time at the AU taught me that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness and a commitment to integrity. The political environment exposed me to selfish ambitions, envy, and sabotage at a whole new level, but I learned to stay grounded, letting my work and reputation speak for themselves. By practising daily forgiveness and choosing peace over offence, I found joy and fulfilment even in difficult moments.
The more time I spent around people with narcissistic tendencies, malicious intent and useless political debates, the more I wanted to be a person who genuinely cares about others and upholds pure motives when it comes to the work I do and how I live. The more I wanted to be a leader whose values flowed from the heart and strive for the greater good. I had to learn how to be (and remain) honest with myself, especially in the face of compromise, and then be (and remain) honest with others.
I remember discussing my challenges with one of my supervisors, and at the end of her advice, she asked me, “Now that you see your challenges and the people around you, what is your strategy?” That has stayed with me and brought about a mindset shift.
The shifts and evolution made me a better CEO at the Story Book Africa, which has been particularly fulfilling. Through this initiative, I’ve created platforms for young people to share their stories and showcase their talents. Our podcast now reaches over 4,000 monthly listeners worldwide, a testament to the power of storytelling in advocacy.
I’ve also led impactful youth campaigns like #PackingItAway in 2020, which encouraged young people to prioritise mental wellness, and #WorkOfMyHands in 2022, aimed at empowering youth entrepreneurship. These campaigns reflect my belief in the power of young people to drive transformative change.
I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about control or external validation. It’s about being honest, having pure motives, and genuinely caring for others. These lessons reshaped how I approach my work and inspired me to build a culture of servant leadership.
Rockbottoms Can Be A Compass
I remember during my first year at AUC, I’d get to the office at 7 am and leave as late as 10.30 pm. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic tested me in unimaginable ways. Contracting COVID-19 twice while supporting the Africa CDC’s crisis communications left me physically and emotionally drained. Ethiopia’s water, electricity, and internet shortages added to the challenge, turning my home into a fortress of survival. I could no longer uphold such long working hours.
There was a time there was war in between, so there was a national internet shutdown so I had to sit in my house – rather tiny and cold at the time. Ethiopia had severe water and electricity shortages at the time so in addition to no internet, I truly rekindled my ice-bucket challenge days in boarding school during my baths.
These struggles forced me to prioritise my well-being and seek help when needed. I established boundaries, embraced mentorship, and leaned on my faith, which became my anchor during this period. It was during this time that I established an authentic relationship with God, which was not transactional but rather one of truth and vulnerability. This has been my pillar ever since, guiding me through life’s highs and lows.
Discretion and Diplomacy: A Political Masterclass
Coming from a fast-paced environment, I initially struggled with the AU’s bureaucratic pace. I was the walking embodiment of “circling back on my previous email,” impatiently waiting for responses to what I considered urgent matters. My frustration led to embarrassing moments, like the time I yelled at a colleague who disrespected me at work so loud I could hear the echo of my voice down the corridor. It was my wake-up call to rethink my approach. Additionally, there were so many things I witnessed but had to master the art of seeing without seeing, moving forward as if I had never been there in the first place.
I’ve since learned that discretion, diplomacy, and patience are non-negotiable in a political environment. Not every slight needs a response, and not every battle needs to be fought. Silence, I discovered, can be a powerful strategy for maintaining integrity and focus.
Shaping Policy: Communications, Advocacy, and Legacy
Communication has been central to my work, yet I’ve had to fight for its recognition as a strategic tool rather than an afterthought. At the AU, the process of policymaking is rigorous—drafting documents, convening technical experts, engaging Ministers, and eventually securing endorsement from Heads of State. As a Communications professional, my role has been to shape narratives, lead advocacy, and ensure that good policies are not left in the shadows.
Without communication, even the best initiatives remain invisible. I’ve learned to advocate for my role, ensuring that communication is seen as essential to driving impact. This has been one of my most rewarding battles, and I encourage budding communicators to seek roles where their contributions are valued, not seen as clerical roles.
A Heart Full of Gratitude
Looking back, my journey at the AU has been a gift I never thought to ask for. I’ve been shaped by challenges, uplifted by victories, and transformed by the lessons I’ve learned. In the end, it became more about character development. My sweet mum passed away this year, but I am so glad she witnessed many of these milestones. I still treasure the memory of her cheering me on during the virtual launch of the Malaria Guide, typing, “Great job, Whitney and colleagues!” into the chat. I am endlessly grateful for these 5.5 years and look forward to building a legacy of impact that transcends generations.
And one last thing—could we stop asking AU staff if we work? We work, thank you! 🙂