Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell is a former elite athlete who made waves in both Great Britain and Kenya during her remarkable 10-year swimming career.
As a former British Champion, world number one, and the first Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming, she shattered barriers and inspired countless individuals around the globe.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Rebecca was named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 in the Social Impact category.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Rebecca serves as the CEO of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering underrepresented talent by providing paid internship opportunities.
Under her leadership, the foundation has facilitated over 5,000 internships in just three years, partnering with more than 700 companies across the UK to create meaningful pathways for diverse individuals.
Prior to her work with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, Rebecca founded and led NKG, a creative strategy and media agency focused on driving social change initiatives. Drawing on her background in Fine Art, which she studied at the University of Oxford’s Brasenose College, Rebecca continues to engage with the creative world as a filmmaker and writer.
Her impactful documentary, “Breakfast in Kisumu,” premiered at the renowned IDFA film festival in 2019, while her thought-provoking essay, “Hegemonic America,” addressing immigration and interracial relationships, earned her the prestigious 2021 US ‘Justice For‘ Essay prize.
Excitingly, Rebecca’s literary talents will soon be showcased in her forthcoming book, “These Heavy Black Bones,” slated for publication by Canongate in June 2024. This memoir promises to delve into her groundbreaking swimming career, offering readers a glimpse into her extraordinary journey.
Recently, Rebecca’s remarkable contributions were further acknowledged as she was honored on the TIME list, “The Closers,” which celebrates 18 Black leaders working globally to address the racial wealth gap.
With her unwavering dedication to social impact and her commitment to empowering others, Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell continues to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Well done!!