🌍USAID may be gone, but its legacy lives on

With its dissolution, we risk losing not only an institution but also the models, tools, and lessons that shaped development practice for decades.

We all connected with USAID in different ways. For me, my engagement came mainly in the past 10 years as an independent consultant in policy, strategy, and resilience. In that time, I was privileged to work with about 15 programs — mostly in Kenya and East Africa, but also in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

That’s why I’m starting a community-driven campaign: #CelebratingUSAID.

But, this isn’t just about my story — it’s about ours.

Whether you were a staff member, implementing partner, or beneficiary, your voice matters. Together, we can celebrate and honor the models, tools, and lessons that shaped our work — and ensure this collective memory lives on.

📌 Celebrating USAID: Share Your Story

I invite you to post on your own feed using #CelebratingUSAID (and, if you wish, #CelebratingUSAIDLegacy, #CelebratingUSAIDImpact, #CelebratingUSAIDVoices).

Tag colleagues, mentors, and partners. Share the lessons, photos, and memories that meant the most to you.

Here are some simple prompts you can copy-paste to get started:

➊ Which USAID model or tool shaped your work the most — and how?

➋ Share a photo from your USAID days that brings back memories.

➌ Who’s one USAID colleague/mentor you want to appreciate, and why?

➍ What’s the biggest lesson you learned from a USAID program or framework?

📌 This is OUR campaign. To spark the conversation, I invite you to complete this short survey. Your voice will help inspire colleagues and friends to share their stories too: https://lnkd.in/dEGu-eYt

Together, we can ensure USAID’s legacy is remembered, celebrated, and passed on.

Friends of USAID, Jennifer Maurer, Sheila Roquitte, Bert Ubamadu, Jacob Veverka, PMP, Jacquie Ndirangu, Lukas Barake, Joseph Ngaara Mungai, Dubale Admasu, Chip Bury, Sheila Karani-Monda, Felesia Muyia-Odada, Irene Gathinji, Irene Karimi, Robert KN Mwadime, Josephine Songa (PhD), Robert Ouma, Dorine Genga, Edwin Odhiambo, Shannon Sarbo, Maureen Ogada-Ndekana B.Pharm I Msc., Mercyline Adhiambo, Jasper Morara, Margaret Mwangi, Wairimu Gakuo, Faith Njoki Njung’e, M.A.Mulinge Mukumbu Mukumbu, Moses Sitati, Harrigan Mukhongo, Amanda Robertson, Jason Oyugi, Florence Randari, Francis Kahihu, PhD.