Isaac Kuria is the President and Founder of Myles of Great Hopes and leads the organization’s general operations and strategic direction across several states and different countries. In addition to involvement in various organizations, Isaac has also continued to serve as the as Vice President of membership for the Raleigh Sister Cities for the past 4-years, a Global Peace Initiative founded by Former US President Dwight Eisenhower. As an Executive Director of the African Diaspora Coalition of North Carolina he has furthered the goal of enhancing African Economic Empowerment and Unity and has additionally been credited as the lead liaison in building the bridge between the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh NC and the National Museums of Kenya and fostering the growing partnership.
Isaac is of Kenyan origin and while he appreciates the renowned beauty of the country and the hospitality of the people, he acknowledges the immense challenges due to lack of adequate clean water especially in the arid and semi-arid districts, which come with the additional impact on sanitation, health and education. Isaac feels deeply that it is critical to empower the communities with strategic, yet realistic and sustainable hope, through the vision for Myles of Great Hopes.
Isaac was one of 10 children, lost his father at an early age but was raised by their mother who was extremely hardworking, generous and believed one should walk the talk with integrity, helping where one can. Her legacy lives on as those principals were imparted to the family and continue to resonate with Isaac when he sees a need, and in his belief that ‘people of the world, we are all the same, with similar core goals and objectives in this life’. He conceptualized ‘Myles of Great Hopes’ with the foundation of giving back to the society through the pillars of Water, Health and Education.
Isaac continues to be very active and passionate in community development and improvement. He graduated from University of Phoenix school of Business and Project Management Institute certification from North Carolina State University. He has worked in Banking at Wachovia Mortgage and Barclays Capital PLC, and in Project Management at the Taylor Family YMCA, (formally Cary Family YMCA). Isaac is currently a Business Contractor with a local transportation company, while pursuing an MBA at the North Carolina Central University in Leadership, Technology and Entrepreneurship.
Isaac explains that it has not always been easy. Nonprofit work is challenging, but the rewards are priceless and serving others is extremely fulfilling. The United Nations / United Nations International Children & Emergency Fund (UNICEF) classifies Kenya as a chronically water scarce country due to having one of the lowest natural water replenishment rates, per capita per annum globally. Only about 56% of the population has access to safe water and approximately 80% of illnesses requiring hospitalization in the country is due to preventable diseases. About 50% of these illnesses are water, sanitation and hygiene related. (https://www.unicef.org/kenya/wes.html)
Isaac quotes Dr. Margaret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. Myles of Great Hopes comprises a small group of volunteer professionals across the United States, United Kingdom, Turkey and across Kenya, representing members of all ages and backgrounds, from more than nine countries. The organization is welcoming and encourages you to join them today, to grow and continue making a difference together across the world.
Isaac is married and a father of two children, Myles and Jasmine. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, traveling, music, gardening, camping, cooking and organizing events. Isaac truly needs to have more than 24-hours in a day!