Marie Muhadia Shabaya
Nairobi
Summary
Visionary Founder and Managing Director of Publika Strategic Communications Advisors, specializing in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and brand positioning. Versatile leader with a multi-disciplinary perspective, skilled in devising innovative strategies that propel organizational growth, enrich brand narratives, and refine market positioning. Demonstrated expertise in formulating and executing dynamic communication frameworks that resonate across industries, yielding measurable impact and cultivating meaningful audience engagement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Managing Director
Publika Strategic Communications Advisors
Nairobi
11.2019 - Current
- Led the establishment of a premier strategic communications consultancy serving both private and public sector clients across Africa and Europe.
- Advised founders and C-suite executives in Nigeria, Kenya, and Europe on high-impact communication strategies, enhancing brand positioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Forged strategic partnerships with leading communications firms across the Middle East and Africa, expanding service offerings and market reach.
- Directed high-profile projects across creative industries, sports, tourism, and technology, delivering tailored communication strategies that drove measurable engagement and business growth.
- Spearheaded communications efforts for Maliyo Games, playing a pivotal role in securing a historic partnership with Disney Games and establishing the company’s marketing function.
- Led initiatives promoting accessibility and advocacy for persons with disabilities, including supporting the launch campaign for East Africa’s first fully accessible safari camp, Kiboko River Camp, founded and designed by an entrepreneur with a mobility impairment.
- Built collaborative partnerships with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including a visually impaired, hard-of-hearing cancer survivor with a passion for digital marketing and photography, championing inclusivity and innovation in communications.
- Provided bespoke strategic guidance to public and private sector clients, crafting narratives that maximized influence and visibility.
Investigative Researcher
Songhai Advisory
London
11.2017 - Current
- Conducted business intelligence investigations on corporate subjects in East Africa, Indian Ocean and South Africa.
- Successfully completed five investigative projects since 2017, focusing on offshore financing issues.
- Investigated Special Purpose Vehicles created by African companies in Mauritius for financial misconduct.
- Examined corruption allegations within South African mining sector to provide actionable insights.
Contributor
Forbes Africa Magazines
Johannesburg
12.2014 - Current
- Contributed articles for Forbes Africa and Forbes Woman Africa on diverse topics.
- Wrote business and human-interest stories from across Africa, including exclusive interview with Angelique Kidjo.
- Specialized in East Africa coverage since 2018, producing impactful narratives.
Fellow
Centre of Excellence for Human-Centered Global Economy
Washington D.C.
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Convened Maendeleo Future Africa Working Group to analyze policy lessons from the Kouroukan Fouga.
- Authored research on Africa and A.I. regulation, focusing on Climate Change and African Data Commons.
- Presented findings at African Society of International Law Conference, African Union, October 2023.
- Participated in WEF Davos 2023 to launch Africa Coalition Initiative with private sector and multilateral partners.
Senior Intelligence Consultant
Africa Practice
Nairobi
12.2020 - 05.2021
- Produced research and analysis for client accounts in Agriculture, Telecommunications, and Philanthropy sectors in East Africa as Senior Consultant in Intelligence Unit.
- Supported strategic communications for client accounts in Banking, Agro-Forestry, and Tea industries.
- Conducted comprehensive analyses to drive informed decision-making across diverse sectors.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance client account strategies and outcomes.
Consultant
Mandela Institute of Development Studies (MINDS)
Johannesburg
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Revamped internal and external communications infrastructure at MINDS.
- Delivered five-year Communications Strategy for MINDS Board under leadership of Mrs. Graca Machel.
- Guided pan-African think tank through decennial anniversary re-branding initiatives.
Editor
One Acre Fund
Nairobi
03.2019 - 01.2020
- Directed editorial strategy and thought leadership to support government relations and fundraising goals.
- Conducted research, reporting, and data analysis for client stories and impact metrics.
- Authored strategic communications on behalf of leadership for external publications.
- Established a stringer network via Communication Officers in Kakamega, Rubengera, and Kabwe.
- Notable publications include 'A Brighter Future by Solar Light' and 'Food Security and Kenya's Big Four Agenda.'
Africa Area Manager
Entrepreneurs' Organisation
Nairobi
11.2017 - 01.2019
- Managed nine regional chapters across five African countries, serving over 400 entrepreneur members.
- Tracked chapter health data, providing monthly reports on progress and determining financial subsidies for compliant chapters.
- Advised chapter boards on best practices, succession planning, and operational guidelines to enhance functionality.
- Facilitated Strategy Summits at each chapter, guiding incoming boards on roles and success metrics.
- Led inception and execution of Regional Newsletter, collaborating with a freelancer in Germany to improve communication.
- Coordinated annual regional leadership conference, 'Presidents' Meeting,' held in Athens, Greece in early 2018.
- Received 'EO Appreciation Award' for successful facilitation of 2018 EO Lagos Strategy Summit after a two-year hiatus.
- Implemented effective communication tools across Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa Region to improve outreach.
Public Affairs Associate
ALU Education
Pamplemousses
03.2016 - 11.2017
- Authored key messaging documents for organizational use, including talking points for Chancellor and CEO at major events.
- Coordinated press conferences in Mauritius, attracting local and international media coverage.
- Secured substantial media opportunities for organization and Founder, featuring BBC World Service and CNN International.
- Executed comprehensive media campaigns across Mauritius, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Mozambique.
- Contributed to policy creation and regulatory affairs initiatives in Mauritius and Rwanda.
- Conducted on-site research for Short Courses Unit through Discovery visits to leading companies.
- Delivered public relations support to various organizational units, fostering collaboration with Sales and Admissions.
Entrepreneurial Journalist
New York University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
03.2015 - 02.2016
- Led research initiative and authored 'Startupedia,' providing first credible resources for UAE entrepreneurs.
- Conducted extensive research on legal procedures for onshore and offshore licenses, funding options, and investment obligations.
- Analyzed macroeconomic conditions affecting entrepreneurship in GCC region, highlighting demographic trends among business owners.
- Explored potential of entrepreneurial education in Asia through empirical studies and data analysis.
- Collaborated with Dr. Ramesh Jagannathan to produce influential 'White Paper' Series featured in The National (UAE).
Education
M.S. - Journalism
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
New York City, New York05.2014
B.A. (Honours) - Economics
University of Durham (Grey College)
Durham, United Kingdom06.2013
Diploma - Global Social Change Leadership Institute
New York University, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York City, New York07.2012
Skills
- Strategic communication
- Stakeholder management
- Brand positioning
- Project management
- Policy analysis
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Public relations
- Crisis management
- Business development
- Partnership building
- Marketing strategies
- Strategic thinking
Websites
Accomplishments
- Selected to attend the 2014 Pulitzer Prizes at Columbia University and the Committee to Protect Journalists Awards 2014 in New York City as one of four student guests
- Won both the Brown Scholarship for Digital Reporting (in partnership with Google and Stanford University) for work in digital journalism, and was one of the recipients of the Scripps-Howard Scholarships at Columbia University, awarded to only two students annually
Languages
English
First Language
Swahili
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Beginner
A1
Affiliations
- Lived and studied in the US, UK, South Africa, and Mauritius; formerly a resident of the UAE, and a citizen of Kenya
- Completed consultancy projects in Nigeria, Rwanda, Greece, Botswana, Egypt, Austria, and Switzerland, among others
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Fellow
Centre of Excellence for Human-Centered Global Economy
12.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Intelligence Consultant
Africa Practice
12.2020 - 05.2021
Consultant
Mandela Institute of Development Studies (MINDS)
09.2020 - 12.2020
Founder & Managing Director
Publika Strategic Communications Advisors
11.2019 - Current
Editor
One Acre Fund
03.2019 - 01.2020
Investigative Researcher
Songhai Advisory
11.2017 - Current
Africa Area Manager
Entrepreneurs' Organisation
11.2017 - 01.2019
Public Affairs Associate
ALU Education
03.2016 - 11.2017
Entrepreneurial Journalist
New York University Abu Dhabi
03.2015 - 02.2016
Contributor
Forbes Africa Magazines
12.2014 - Current
M.S. - Journalism
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
B.A. (Honours) - Economics
University of Durham (Grey College)
Diploma - Global Social Change Leadership Institute
New York University, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service