This page celebrates Patricia Anyango Ouma Miswa, a woman of exceptional talent and vision. A loving daughter, caring sister, and faithful friend, she was known for her imagination and ability to inspire and empower others. Patricia was a fountain of creativity, faith, and courage.
Born in Molo, Kenya, Patricia attended Molo Academy Primary School and later Naivasha Girls High School. After high school she went on to study public relations at Daystar University where she developed an interest in blogging and started her first online publication.
My wife and I first met Patricia at Carlile College, where she worked as a Communications Officer. While coordinating media and communications for the College, Patricia continued to work during her free time on the blog she had developed as a student.
A Creative Entrepreneur
A gifted writer, magazine editor, blogger, designer, and entrepreneur, Patrica was the Founder and Editor and Chief of Afroelle Magazine, a digital magazine that celebrates women of African heritage in Africa and the Diaspora. Patricia’s aim was to create a resource to “encourage and empower African women to lead fulfilled lives.”
Explaining her magazine during an interview with Saavy Sisters, Patricia shared:
“I think the most amazing thing about AfroElle is that it brings women of African descent from all over the world together, to talk and share experiences. Through this blog I have met and networked with fabulous women who I would not have otherwise met and that in itself is amazing,” Patricia said. “It doesn’t matter if you are an entrepreneur, a stay home mom, juggling school and the corporate world, as women we share a common bond. Most often than not women go through the same struggles and as women, we understand each other’s problems. At one point or the other we have gone through the same things. I know it’s said that we are our own enemies but I believe women can be their greatest supporters. I believe together women can very powerful!”
Patricia also developed Truth and Spirit Magazine, a place for women to share stories and inspire others along the journey of life. Over the course of about 5 years, Patricia created digital platforms that reached over 240,000 subscribers.
“She provided a platform for so many beautiful, successful African woman throughout the diaspora in an industry that is not invested in supporting positive images. I am eternally grateful for what she’s done. She was truly a visionary and now a legend in her own right. Thank you Patricia Miswa. Your work will live on forever.” – Iman Folayan, Co-Editor, AfroElle Magazine
Patricia wrote “sometimes life can be hard, and you feel like you are all alone. The truth is that someone else has been through what you’re going through. Our goal is to share their story so that they can encourage you to get through your situation, so you can do the same for somebody else.”
Purpose and Passion
During an interview with Nation Media Group a few years ago, Patricia explained:
“My main inspiration is God; He is the centre of everything I do. He has guided me every step of the way, from when the magazine was just an idea to what it is now and by bringing the right people, strangers from far and wide, to support my vision. My mother and family are my other source of inspiration. They are my sounding board; they are constantly advising, challenging, and supporting me.”
Patricia was a woman of remarkable faith. She was deeply committed to living out what she sensed as a calling to inspire and empower other women of African heritage.
As an adult, she was an active member of ACK Christ Church, Westlands where she was involved in the Youth Ministry. While working at Carlile College, she supported the training of pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Later, Patricia worked with Project61. Living in Maii Mahiu, she served as the Project Leader of the Women’s Empowerment Program, seeking to equip women through spiritual development, business training, and employment.
During an interview on blogging with Saavy Sisters, Patricia said: “I don’t believe in waiting for things to happen, I make it happen. I handle my business. Being savvy is an important part of my life because it helps me live my life to the fullest and helps me towards my purpose on this earth.”
Patricia pursued her purpose with a passion and eagerness that inspired. Part of that passion brought her back to the United States after many years away.
While studying for a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at Minnesota State University, Patricia served as a Graduate Assistant in the Communications Department of the Student Union. Adjusting to life in Minnesota, she joined New Creation World Outreach Church and was active in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
After finishing her first semester, we were blessed with a visit from Patricia in Virginia. Actually, when we returned from burying my wife’s sister, Patricia was already there waiting for us at our apartment. She had traveled from Minnesota to spend Christmas with us and to mourn her close friend. Little did we know that she would be gone a few days later.
Patricia is missed and remembered. May her legacy continue to inspire.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-2
Credits:
HEADER PHOTO/ZUQKA
Covers by Afroelle and Truth & Spirit
