At the heart of SAWA SAWA are our passionate founders, Anne Drane and Catherine Wambui Mung’ara. Both women bring not only their professional expertise but also their deep commitment to empowering mothers, daughters, and entire communities in Kenya. As mothers themselves, their personal experiences have fueled their passion for creating sustainable solutions for women and girls.

Anne and Catherine's journey together began many years ago when they first met as classmates at Limuru Girls High School aka Choxx, a top-tier national boarding school in Kenya known for nurturing some of the brightest young women in the country. Their bond deepened when they discovered that their parents had known each other from college days and came from the same hometown, a serendipitous connection that paved the way for a lifelong friendship and partnership.

Today, they stand at the helm of SAWA SAWA, combining their business acumen, shared values, and cultural roots to create an organization that empowers artisans, supports sustainable development, and fosters economic independence for women in rural Kenya.

Anne Drane is based in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Walter, and their daughter. Anne moved to the United States from Kenya and, driven by her desire to reconnect with her homeland, founded SAWA SAWA with a vision to make a difference. With a degree in business, Anne brings a wealth of knowledge in e-commerce, marketing, fundraising and more leading SAWA SAWA’s efforts on the U.S. side of operations.

Her expertise in building partnerships with major retail brands such as Macy’s and connecting SAWA SAWA with key collaborators has helped the brand reach new heights. Anne is passionate about storytelling, branding, and strategy, focusing on growing SAWA SAWA’s presence both online and in retail spaces. She is the driving force behind the brand’s mission to bring sustainable fashion to conscious consumers, ensuring that every purchase not only supports the artisans but also empowers the buyers to make ethical choices.

Anne’s deep connection to the cause comes from her personal experiences as a mother, knowing firsthand the impact that economic independence can have on women and girls. Her daughter is a source of inspiration, and Anne's mission is to create opportunities that will give mothers and daughters in Kenya the chance to thrive.

On the other side of the world, in Nairobi, Kenya, Catherine Mung’ara lives with her husband Simon and their three daughters. As a mother of three, Catherine’s heart is deeply rooted in the communities SAWA SAWA serves. Her degree in business equips her to expertly manage operations, logistics, and partnerships on the ground in Kenya. Catherine works closely with the artisans, traveling to different counties to connect with women’s groups and oversee the production process. She is the driving force behind the menstrual hygiene kits and education program.

She leads SAWA SAWA’s community engagement and artisan programs, ensuring that the women who create their beautiful products receive fair wages and work in conditions that uphold the highest standards of ethics and sustainability. Catherine is deeply involved in empowering women through training, mentorship, and financial literacy, helping them to build sustainable businesses that not only support their families but also strengthen their communities.

Catherine's dedication to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation further reinforces SAWA SAWA’s mission to create products that are not only good for the people but also good for the planet. She believes in the power of sustainable craftsmanship to lift entire communities out of poverty, providing women with the skills, tools, and opportunities to lead independent lives.


A Dynamic Partnership with a Shared Vision

Together, Anne and Catherine form the perfect balance of leadership. While Anne spearheads efforts in the U.S. and global markets, Catherine works directly with artisans in Kenya, ensuring the products are made to the highest quality standards while maintaining the cultural integrity and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Their shared commitment to women’s empowerment, education, and sustainable development drives every aspect of SAWA SAWA. Whether it's working with artisans from groups like the Kithyoko group in Eastern Kenya or the Emirishoi and Samburu groups, their goal is to create a path from poverty to prosperity, giving women choices, financial independence, and the power to change their daughters’ futures.


Inspired by Their Daughters
As mothers to daughters, both Anne and Catherine are deeply passionate about giving girls in Kenya the opportunity to grow up in a world where they have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Their daughters inspire them to push forward, and they believe that empowering women is the key to unlocking a brighter future for the next generation. To empower the next generation of empowered women, we need to keep girls in school today. Through partnerships with organizations such as Science In A Suitcase and menstrual hygiene resources, we achieve this end.



Building a Bridge Between Continents

Anne and Catherine’s combined efforts have created an organization that is strong on both sides of the globe. Together, they are working tirelessly to build a bridge between women in rural Kenya and the conscious consumers who value ethical, sustainable products in the U.S. and beyond. Their partnership is rooted in friendship, shared history, and a deep commitment to creating a better future for women, one handcrafted product at a time.

With Anne’s business leadership in the U.S. and Catherine’s hands-on work with artisans in Kenya, SAWA SAWA has become more than just a brand. It is a movement, a solution to poverty, and a testament to the power of women supporting women across continents.