Creating Change with Belief, Community, and Art with Zikki Munyao

Episode 58 of the We Rise podcast with Christine Gyovai

In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai talks with Zikki Munyao, who shares his inspiring journey from Kenya to the US, his experiences in the military, and his transition into philanthropy and community engagement. Zikki discusses the challenges and lessons learned from farming in Kenya, the mission of the nonprofit Just Help Africa, and the importance of education and clean water initiatives through the nonprofit. He also reflects on personal joy, trusting the process, and the power of storytelling through art. Zikki also shares about his newest global project, Consuming Carbon. 

Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the transformative power of belief and its role in engaging communities and creating meaningful change. Discover how belief in oneself and a commitment to community can drive impactful change, and learn how art can serve as a legacy to tell unique stories. Tune in to be inspired by the stories of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a better future. Check out Zikki's bio below.

Takeaways • Zikki's journey is rooted in service and community engagement. • Farming requires patience and resilience; it takes time to see results. • Just Help Africa focuses on providing clean water and education in Kenya and Nigeria. • Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofit initiatives. • Art can be a powerful medium for storytelling and legacy. • Personal joy comes from connecting with others and giving back. • Facing fears and self-doubt is part of the journey to success. • Starting projects, even when scared, is essential for growth. • Trusting the people around you is vital for achieving your vision. • Finding joy in your work can lead to a fulfilling life.

Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Zeki Munoz 01:18  Journey from Kenya to the US 05:10  The Importance of Discipline 07:25  Farming in Kenya: Lessons Learned 13:56  Just Help Africa: Mission and Impact 19:05  Community Engagement and Partnerships 23:05  Personal Reflections and Joy 24:24  The Joy of Giving and Personal Fulfillment 25:35  Self-Understanding and Positivity in Tough Times 27:34  Navigating Feelings and Maintaining Belief 28:59  Facing Self-Doubt and Building Trust 32:53  Art as a Storytelling Medium 36:13  Climate Sustainability and Community Engagement 41:32  Lessons Learned and the Power of Starting

Links from the We Rise conversation include:  

https://consumingcarbon.com  https://munyao.art

https://www.justhelpafrica.org/ 

https://drjoedispenza.com/  

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See full show notes, episode transcript, and podcast app links to our show at https://yeswerise.org.

Nzioki “Zikki” Munyao is a Kenyan-born artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His creative journey is deeply rooted in his rich cultural heritage and global experiences, which he channels into vibrant artworks that resonate with themes of unity, nature, and the human spirit.  Zikki's artistic endeavors are centered around munyao.art, a platform where art converges with philanthropy. Through this initiative, he showcases his diverse collection of paintings and digital art while supporting various charitable causes. A significant portion of the proceeds from his art sales is dedicated to supporting girls’ education in Kenya, providing clean water, and aiding community development projects through collaborations with organizations like Just Help Africa. 

Zikki’s commitment to community empowerment is further exemplified through his active support of local and international non-profits, including the Makindu Children’s Program, which provides resources to orphaned and vulnerable children in eastern Kenya, and the United Way of Greater Charlottesville.  An advocate for blending art with technology, Zikki has embraced the digital art revolution by creating unique NFT collections. These digital artworks offer collectors exclusive pieces and contribute to meaningful social causes, reinforcing his belief in art’s power to drive positive change. 

Through his multifaceted endeavors, Zikki Munyao exemplifies the transformative power of art, business acumen, and altruism, continually striving to make a lasting impact on communities both locally and globally.