

Iโve had the privilege of crossing paths with some of the most passionate and driven individuals across Africa. Teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who, against all odds, feel called to uplift their communities. Their stories inspire me deeply, but Iโve come to recognize a recurring pattern โ one that I feel compelled to talk about.
As I close out 2024, a year that has been both exhilarating and transformative, I find myself reflecting on a concept that has surfaced repeatedly in my thoughts and conversationsโsocial debt. For much of my life and career, I have carried this weight with pride, honoring my obligations to family, friends, and my broader community. As I step into 2025, I am making a conscious choice to recalibrate.
There are pieces of art and literature that stay with us, quietly shaping the way we see the world. For me, that piece is “Ithaka” by C.P. Cavafy.
When I first moved to New York City, I quickly became acquainted with the complexities of the American economy, many of which I had only observed from afar. One of the most striking aspects was the tipping cultureโa seemingly small but pervasive feature of daily life that speaks volumes about deeper systemic issues.