Michelle Heta Kariuki

Published & Contributing Author of "The Dump Site" in Pan-African short story novel: "Whispers from the River." (Publication date: 2020) 

• The Dump Site unfolds in a fictional impoverished South African village, microcosmic of the broader African experience. Shaka and Masego, bonded by their love for football, meet daily at the dumpsite to play, but eventually, Shaka's decision to pursue an education strains their relationship. Expressed through poignant diary entries, Shaka's language blossoms while Masego rejects education and diverges onto a different path. The narrative takes a turn when Masego is scouted abroad, prompting reflection on betraying one's homeland. Concisely yet powerfully, the story explores themes of poverty, education, love, and loyalty.
• Composed and performed "A Poetic Response to Carcase for Hounds by Meja Mwangi" at the public book launch.
• Invited panelist alongside award-winning authors Makena Onjerika (2018 Caine Prize for African Writing) and Ken Walibora (Jomo Kenyatta Literature Prize Winner in 2003 & 2009).

Winner of UCLan University Law Debate (Jan. 2020)

• First speaker: Employed persuasive speaking and critical thinking to set debate tone
• Team Leader: Utilized organizational and motivational skills for effective team leadership

Winner of Annual Speech Day A Level Sociology Subject Prize (July 2020)

• Class rank 1/6
• Tutored peers on essay writing techniques. Notably, one student progressed from a low B to a high A between the mock exam and the final exam

2nd Place Annual Speech Day A Level English Literature Subject Prize (July 2020)

• Class rank 1/5
• Achieved full marks (100%) on English Literature A Level Paper 2

Winner of Edexcel High Achievement in GCSE Examinations Award (May 2019)

• Class rank top-10/75
• Ranked 2/70 in English Literature with a score of 92%

World Scholar's Cup Gold Medal: Top Debater (Feb. 2019)

• Recognized as a Top Debater among 800+ participants and 15 schools in the competition and presented to students, teachers, and judges on the qualities of an outstanding debater
• Won additional four silver medals for Collaborative Writing and Scholar's Bowl

Turi Leadership Award (May 2020)

• Distinction at 86% in the interview

Gold Certificate of Merit for Sponsoring School Girls (March 2018)

• "This Gold Certificate is awarded to Michelle Kariuki in recognition of sponsoring 26 schoolgirls"

Harvard University - Online Course (June 24th 2024)

• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Africa Digital Media Institute - ADMI (Dec.2022)

• Certificate: Mixing and Mastering in Logic Pro

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - ABRSM 

• Grade 4 Violin Passed (May 2014), Grade 3 Violin Passed (May 2013), Grade 2 Flute Passed (May 2013), Grade 2 Violin Passed (May 2012)

The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art - LAMDA (Issued June 2011)

• Speaking Verse & Prose - Passed with a Merit

Professional Vocal Classes (2022 - Current) 

• Engaged in bi-weekly sessions covering a range of skills from breath control and pitch accuracy to resonance and articulation

Professional Dance Classes (2023 - Current) 

• Weekly sessions focusing on technique, choreography, rhythm, and expression across diverse genres of music

University of Bristol Socialist Worker Student Society (2020 - 2022)

• Engaged in bi-weekly conversations delving into socialist analyses of political affairs

University of Bristol Afro Caribbean Society (2020 - 2022)

• Contributed to organizing informal social events and actively participated in protests

Founder & Leader of 'Saturday Morning Discussions' Club. (Jan. 2020-July 2020)

• Purposed to drive an interdisciplinary approach to education predicated on my belief that widespread knowledge informs a better education.
• Involved students from multifarious disciplines convening to discuss world politics and ongoing news
• Contributed to all 6 members of the club achieving 3A's and above on their A Level examinations