Hard Work, Big Dreams, and a Journey from Kenya to ICMS

Elizabeth Muturi moved from Kenya to chase her dream at ICMS. With the ICMS Postgraduate Innovation Scholarship, she’s turning challenges into opportunities and showing the power of hard work. 

“Winning this scholarship means everything to me. It’s not just the money, even though that’s definitely helpful. It’s about what it represents.  

“It’s about someone believing in my potential,” Elizabeth said. 

Big Sacrifices, Bigger Goals

This chapter of Elizabeth’s life has not been easy.  

She left her corporate career in Kenya behind and, harder still, her two young sons.  

It’s been a year and a half of staying in touch with them through phone calls.  

It hasn’t been an easy choice, but for Elizabeth, it’s worth it. 

“I want my sons to see that dreams are worth chasing. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone,” she said. 

Since arriving in Sydney, Elizabeth has had to adapt.

From working as a disability support worker in the NDIS industry to balancing her studies, she’s shown resilience in every part of her life. 

“Supporting people to live fulfilling lives has taught me so much about empowerment and what real impact means. It’s been a learning curve, but one that’s changed me for the better,” she shared. 

Finding Inspiration

At ICMS, Elizabeth has discovered a community as diverse as it is supportive. She credits her peers and professors for challenging her and spurring her on to keep growing. 

“I’ve learned so much here. The leaders at ICMS have shown me what leadership really means. It’s not just about having a title; it’s about helping others and lifting them up,” she said. 

One of her favorite lessons has been to keep an open mind.  

Inspired by a quote from Steve Jobs that she wrote in her scholarship application, she said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish. To me, that means asking questions, staying curious, and being ready to learn from every experience.” 

Elizabeth isn’t stopping anytime soon as her passion for learning and her drive to make a difference in the world are shaping a future that’s both exciting and full of promise. 

The Power of Scholarships

Elizabeth’s story shines a spotlight on what scholarships can do.  

At the March 2025 ceremony, she was one of over 50 students to be recognised for their hard work and achievements.  

With more than $13 million in scholarships awarded to date, ICMS continues to open doors for students from all walks of life. 

These scholarships do more than help financially. They’re a vote of confidence, a chance to take that first big step towards a brighter future.