Wangari Muchau

HEC Paris

“Empowered, ambitious, passionate, global thinker, driven to create true impact for women and girls through community.”

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Fun fact about yourself: I am an avid hiker

Undergraduate School and Degree: Strathmore University; Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing major

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Brand Manager, Unilever

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Estee Lauder Companies, Paris, France

Where will you be working after graduation? Google Ireland, Mid-Market Sales, Google Customer Solutions

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: 

• President, Africa MBA Association Vice President
• Marketing Club Director, Women in Leadership Club
• Head of Marketing, HEC Startup Club
• Advisor, HEC International Club
• The Executive Committee (TEC) Member
• Student Ambassador

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my most meaningful experiences during business school has been my involvement in the Women at Dior program, where I became a semifinalist and worked on the Hive & Thrive initiative. We started this initiative to empower high school girls (ages 15-18) in Kenya’s Forest region by equipping them with beekeeping skills that provide sustainable income to fund their education and build brighter futures – for them and the environment.

Only 55% of girls in Kenya complete high school due to financial hardship, household duties, and early marriage. This project focuses on helping girls in the Kirimiri forest region of Kenya by teaching them beekeeping, business skills, and financial literacy. What I find most impactful is the combination of practical training in managing hives and producing honey with lessons on how to manage money and build a steady income. It’s not just about helping them make money, but giving them the chance to stay in school and have the financial freedom to shape their own futures. The project also goes beyond business and education; it introduces the girls to the importance of bees in the environment, helping them understand the bigger picture of sustainability. It’s been incredibly inspiring to see how this initiative is helping to create a lasting impact, not only for these girls but also for their communities.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest moments at Unilever was leading the launch of four hygiene products during the COVID-19 pandemic, directly addressing the urgent sanitation needs across Africa. As the pandemic spread the urgent need for hygiene solutions across Africa grew, I had the opportunity to lead the development and rollout of these products to directly address the sanitation gap and help curb the spread of the virus. Beyond meeting immediate demand, we designed these products with a long-term vision, ensuring they were accessible, effective, and packaged in 100% recyclable materials—reinforcing our commitment to both public health and sustainability.

This initiative expanded into four countries, gaining a 12% market share in key stores within the first year. But the real impact went beyond sales. I also led a project in Kenya, where we built new sanitation facilities at the country’s largest public school. This project increased girls’ attendance by 50%, as it eliminated one of the major barriers to their education. Seeing how these efforts directly improved health and education for communities in need was incredibly fulfilling.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose HEC Paris for my MBA because of its commitment to diversity – not just in nationalities, but in perspectives, industries, professional backgrounds and ways of thinking. Coming from Kenya, I really wanted to immerse myself in an ecosystem that would challenge my worldview, expose me to global best practices, and prepare me to lead across different cultures.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Roxana Barbulescu, who taught Advanced Management and Leadership in Global Organizations. She had a unique ability to challenge and inspire her students, pushing us to think critically while also recognizing and nurturing our strengths. Her feedback on my leadership skills helped me gain a deeper understanding of my abilities, particularly in sensemaking and visioning. She encouraged me to step into more visible leadership roles and leverage collaboration effectively. Her classes were both intellectually engaging and personally transformative, making her an unforgettable mentor in my MBA journey.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? The Giving and Receiving Feedback course taught by Amer Madi was one of the most valuable parts of my MBA experience. It completely changed the way I approach leadership, communication, and personal growth. I learned how crucial it is to both give and receive feedback effectively, especially in high-pressure environments, and how this skill can significantly impact team dynamics and individual development. The course helped me become more self-aware, improve my communication, and foster stronger relationships with others. It contributed greatly to my growth during the MBA, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their leadership and personal development.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event at HEC Paris was MBA Tournament (MBAT) —it’s basically the Olympics for European business schools, and it’s as intense, chaotic, and ridiculously fun as it sounds. I played in three different sports and I was responsible for running the CrossFit Games, which was a wild mix of strategy, logistics, and making sure no one passed out mid-burpee.

What I love about MBAT is how it brings people together in a way that’s competitive but also just pure fun. It’s not about being the best athlete—it’s about the team spirit, the energy, and the post-game celebrations where everyone forgets who won anyway. Organizing CrossFit was a challenge (herding competitive MBAs is no joke), but seeing people push themselves and hype each other up made it all worth it.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I said yes to every opportunity that came my way. If there was more to do, I would’ve done it. The experience transformed me into someone who’s passionate and excited about life. It showed me that you can have it all, and do it all…within reason of course and without compromising what matters most. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I had and for the lifelong friends I made along the way.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One thing that’s often misunderstood about HEC is its diversity. Some people might assume it’s all about the elitism of French culture, but that’s really not the case. The student body is incredibly international, people come from all over the world, bringing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? It has lots of little hidden gems like the local fresh produce farm, which is just a short walk from the campus. It’s one of those places you don’t expect to find so close to a top business school.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? HEC Business School integrates AI into its programming in several impactful ways. Some professors encourage us to use AI tools, particularly focusing on prompt engineering, to refine our thinking and generate better outputs. This has helped me approach problems from different angles and think more creatively. Additionally, we had a course on Applied Generative AI & Large Language Models, which gave us hands-on experience with AI’s capabilities and its applications in business. The school also offers a specialization in AI, allowing for a deeper dive into its potential across various business contexts.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? One MBA classmate I deeply admire is Romaric. His passion for creating lasting impact, combined with his leadership skills, is truly inspiring. At HEC Paris, Romaric served as the President of the Search Fund Club, where he led initiatives to expand the club’s focus on entrepreneurship, investment, and leadership. He worked tirelessly to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with investors and industry experts, ensuring that members had access to the resources and networks necessary to succeed.

He is currently a Harvard MPA Candidate and a John F. Kennedy Fellow, a prestigious program focused on addressing global inequality. What makes Romaric’s journey even more remarkable is his drive to not only excel professionally but also to make the world more equitable speaks volumes about his character. Romaric’s commitment to using his knowledge and skills for social good is a constant source of inspiration. I have no doubt that Romaric will make a significant, lasting impact on the world.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My top two professional goals are to create something meaningful for women, whether it’s through a platform, product, or initiative that empowers them and provides real opportunities. I really want to building something that not only makes an impact but also helps women thrive in ways that matter. Secondly, I hope to play a role in transforming the way we consume and pay for media by contributing to transforming our advertising solutions in a way that empowers businesses to connect with consumers in more meaningful, relevant ways.

What made Wangari such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025? 

“Wangari is a true standout—not just for her academic and professional achievements, but for the way she uplifts those around her. She’s a natural leader, a changemaker, and someone who is genuinely passionate about making a difference.

At HEC Paris, Wangari has left an unforgettable mark. As President of the Africa Association, Vice President of the Marketing Club, and Director of the Women in Leadership Club, she has created spaces where people feel heard, supported, and inspired. She doesn’t just lead—she lifts others up, amplifies voices, and ensures that no one is left behind. She makes the community stronger, and her positive presence will be deeply missed when she graduates.

Her impact extends far beyond our campus. Through the Women@Dior and UNESCO mentorship program, she’s empowering young women in East Africa to become entrepreneurs, helping them build brighter futures. She also led an initiative to construct new sanitary facilities at Kenya’s largest public school—an effort that dramatically improved hygiene and increased girls’ attendance by 50%. Wangari doesn’t just talk about making a difference—she actually does it, in ways that change lives.

Professionally, Wangari has already built a career that many would dream of. She’s managed high-profile marketing campaigns for brands like L’Oréal, Unilever, and Coca-Cola, and she’s now driving digital marketing innovation at Estée Lauder Companies across 21 EMEA markets. Whether she’s working with global corporations or grassroots initiatives, she brings the same passion, sharp thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Wangari is the kind of person who walks into a room and makes it brighter. She’s not just smart and driven—she’s kind, generous, and deeply invested in making the world a better place. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award, and I support her nomination wholeheartedly.”

Anne-Sophie Chaxel
Associate Professor of Marketing
Academic Coordinator for the MBA Specialization on Strategic Marketing
HEC Paris

“I met Wangari in the Advanced Management specialization, where I teach the semester-long course on leadership. This track always attracts highly committed students, eager to refine their organizational management skills. Even in this select group, Wangari stood out. Unusual for a full-time student, she was pursuing the rigorous coursework while working part-time for the luxury firm she had interned for in the summer. Yet she demonstrated an unwavering sense of duty, ensuring that neither responsibility was compromised. I learned that her dedication is not just about hard work; it stems from an acute awareness of the opportunities she has encountered, and the responsibility to make the most of them. It is about values and character.

I noticed also her influence on her peers. Wangari is a natural leader—poised, confident, clear about her goals. Her leadership was particularly evident in her group’s case presentation, where she took charge and provided structure, directed a class exercise with quiet confidence, and motivated her peers to sustain their focus. Whether in class debates or team collaborations, she displays sharp analytical skills, all while fostering an environment of calm and constructive dialogue. She does not just lead, she elevates those around her. I have no doubt that she will continue to thrive in organizational roles of increasing visibility and responsibility.”

Roxana Barbulescu
Associate Professor of Management and Human Resources
Academic Coordinator for the MBA Specialization on Advanced Management
HEC Paris

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