Leah Wanjiru, affectionately known by many as Shiro, a shortened form of her Kikuyu name Wanjiru, is one of the hearts and hands behind Ujuzi Fulani Hub. A proud mother of three daughters, a daughter, sister, and friend, Shiro is above all, a vibrant, people-loving soul who believes deeply in purpose, resilience, and the power of community.

Professionally, Shiro is a seasoned multi-sector expert with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Administration, Project Management, and Social Impact Entrepreneurship. She currently serves as an HR Specialist in a Social Protection Organization and as an Office and Projects Manager at a Humanitarian Organization, leading key functions such as recruitment, performance management, staff welfare, and operational oversight, while championing inclusive and value-driven workplace cultures. She is also a Board Member at her rural Primary School in her village, where she champions for both girl and boy child’s education development.

But it’s her personal journey through crocheting that birthed Ujuzi Fulani Hub

Shiro discovered crochet during one of the darkest seasons of her life; between 2013 and 2015, when she was navigating job loss, bereavement, and marital strain. At the brink of depression, a random online article titled “How Crocheting Saved Me from Depression” led her to a beginner’s tutorial. That moment changed everything.

Reconnecting with a craft she’d dabbled in during her village childhood, she purchased her first ball of yarn and a hook using pocket change and never looked back. Crochet became her therapy, a healing outlet that replaced worry with creativity and gave her a renewed sense of peace and purpose.

Since then, Shiro has crafted everything from hats to dresses, bags to dolls, and passed on this love to two of her daughters, who now crochet and sell their creations. What started as a coping mechanism blossomed into a thriving enterprise and a tool for empowerment. Today, Shiro teaches women and girls, especially from underserved communities how to crochet, instilling in them skills, confidence, and financial independence.

Crocheting, for Shiro, is more than a hobby, it is a movement. A way to reclaim joy, restore dignity, and build community, one stitch at a time.

Whether she’s designing a crochet pattern, mentoring young artisans, managing systems, or running training programs, Shiro brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and compassion to every space she enters.

Her door is always open; to collaborate, share ideas, and continue building a world where every thread tells a story of strength and purpose

Meet The Team

Leah Wanjiru

Tabitha Gichia

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