My name is Jane Kimani, I am a wife and a mother of two handsome boys. Originally from Kenya, I immigrated to the United States 26 years ago as an international student. I completed an associate degree at Quincy College and both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees at Worcester State University. It was a tough journey of integrating into a new culture with no family support. In Africa, we have a saying that “It takes the village to bring up a child.” I keep this saying by making myself present in my community especially to the children. I am known by many as Auntie Jane. I give special attention to children and youth especially knowing the challenges immigrant children face while integrating. I do not want them to go through what I went through.
When I am not working, I love gardening and cooking. I love entertaining friends and family, and I can spend all day in the kitchen.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am a Community Health Education Specialist by profession. I have worked at Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center as an outreach worker and at UMass Memorial Hospital as a Case Manager and Health Educator with the OBGYN Department. I went into management in 2015 working in a Home Care Agency for 7 years, and I currently work at UHAI for Health Inc. UHAI is a non profit organization working with African Refugees and Immigrants. I love impacting people’s lives positively, and UHAI provides that opportunity. I work with individuals who have experienced trauma and significant loss, building hope and being there for them as they integrate and start building their lives anew. I love when a desperate family meets me and speaks to me in Kikuyu or Swahili, and their faces light up knowing at least someone can understand them.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I love Acacia Grill. It is an African owned restaurant. I love Ugali (corn meal) and Tilapia with collard greens.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I have met so many interesting people in my life, but in this context, I would say Dr. Leonard Morse. He was a Commissioner of Public Health in Worcester. I met him back in 2004, and he mentored me especially while in graduate school.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would to go to Thailand. I have a friend who lives there, and she extended an invitation. Her selling line “We have the best massage, $10 you can have an hour of massage.” Thai massage for $10! I would get massage every day. She also mentioned about the food being great.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Maverick City Music. Contemporary worship music. I can listen to them all day.
What is your best advice?
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Travel around the world
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Safari Cafe
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Michelle Obama. I would ask her questions on balancing family and career and how to excel as a woman of color.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, my goal is to touch as many Immigrants as possible. Especially the refugee’s population. I want to see them independent and self-sufficient.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I feel like I am an open book. Most people know almost everything about me.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
FAMILY, FAITH, LOVE
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Kerry Washington
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
The diversity.
What is your favorite smell?
Lavender
Who inspires you to be better?
The people I serve inspire me to be better. I believe to whom much is given much is required. I have been very fortunate to have had opportunities to gain knowledge, wisdom and skills that I share with the people I serve.
