Munira Premji

The 2017 FORBES 30 Under 30 is the most definitive gathering of today’s leading young change-makers and innovators in the U.S. Now in its sixth year, the 30 Under 30 offers an annual opportunity to embrace the optimism, inventiveness and boldness of youth. We bring you 30 game changers in 20 industries all under 30 years old — 600 in total — who are challenging the conventional wisdom and rewriting the rules for the next generation of entrepreneurs, entertainers, educators and more. They are passionate and formidable bunch, and for good reason. Their goal is nothing short of breaking the status quo and transforming the world.

Caroline Howard, Forbes Magazine, Jan. 3, 2017

We are so proud (and gobsmacked really!) to announce that Afzal and Sabrina have been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2017.

forbes-30-under-30-sabrina-afzal2Forbes has been compiling this list since 2012, and the 30 Under 30 community is 4,000 strong the world over, from the U.S. to Europe to Asia. The 2017 competition was more extreme than ever before.  There were 15,000+ nominations for just 600 spots:  that’s an acceptance rate of less than 4%; making it harder to get into than America’s two most selective schools, Stanford University (4.8%) and Harvard University (5.2%)..

The 2017 class is an impressive one:  actress Margot Robbie, Canadian tennis superstar Milos Raonic, Olympic gold-medal winning gymnast Simone Biles,  and Lonely Planet CEO Daniel Houghton.  These are individuals who are making a difference and having an impact in 20 industries.  Even more impressive is the list of past winners:  Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, musicians Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, superstar athletes LeBron James and Sidney Crosby, and the founders of Snapchat.

Forbes magazine, with 17 pages of coverage, goes on stands on January 10th.  The list is live online here: https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-2017/

Check out Afzal and Sabrina’s individual profile page right here:
http://www.forbes.com/profile/kidogo.

Afzal immediately gave credit for this award to the Kidogo Family, it’s partners and customers.  Sabrina expressed hope that the award would give exposure to the plight of mothers in the poorest areas of East Africa who have limited options for good quality childcare, particularly during the crucial first five years when 85% of brain development takes place.  Kidogo serves to offer best-practice early childhood development in the urban slums where children from 6 months to 6 years are provided with quality care and education for less than a dollar a day.  Their hope is to expand Kidogo to other low-income communities so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our prayer is that they can realize this goal.


We are just as proud of Samir Ibrahim, co-founder of Sun Culture, which sells solar-powered irrigation systems to Kenyan farmers. Samir was named Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Energy category. We know Samir’s parents, Al-karim and Tazim Ibrahim of Orlando, Florida, very well.  In fact, Nagib and Al-karim grew up together in Dar­−es−salaam, Tanzania, and their families originate from the coastal town of Mtwara, Tanzania.  How incredible is it that two of the top young people on the Forbes list have roots in the same little town in East Africa, whose parents immigrated to Canada and the U.S. in the 1970’s, and now,  the younger generation is working towards improving the lives of the people of their native lands!

Samir’s profile is here: http://www.forbes.com/profile/samir-ibrahim

18 Comments

  • Patti Kurgan , January 6, 2017

    Munira, such a wonderful honour, and so well deserved by Sabrina and Afzal. They are very humble, caring individuals, and you and your family must be very proud and happy. I will be sure to get a copy of this issue!

    • Munira Premji , January 8, 2017

      Hi Patti! I can’t wait to get a copy as well. How are you my friend? Shall we plan another spa day together?! Is/was Irene in town recently?

  • Barb Rosen Schreiber , January 6, 2017

    Thanks so much for sharing this incredible accomplishment. I am so proud of Sabrina and Afzal, so I can just imagine that you are over the moon!!!! What an honour to be chosen among so many people worldwide to be in the top 30 under 30. As you pointed out, they are standing in a class of incredible people who have made a difference in our world, including your friend’s son, Samir for his accomplishment in the Energy category

    I will send Sabrina and Afzal an email, but wanted to congratulate you, Nagib and your family for being able to celebrate such an honour.

    Woo hoo ….BIG TIME

    XOXO Barb

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    • Munira Premji , January 8, 2017

      Thanks Barb! I think they were pretty astounded as well. Remember when Kidogo was just an idea and they would be sitting in the living room trying to figure out how to make it happen?

  • Mary E Coulas , January 5, 2017

    A great achievement . A very proud time for each of you

    • Munira Premji , January 5, 2017

      It’s all God’s grace……

  • Anonymous , January 5, 2017

    I look like a Cheshire Cat right now!!
    So happy for you 😊

    • Munira Premji , January 5, 2017

      That makes us two Cheshire Cats!

  • Diana Meredith , January 4, 2017

    OMG you must be so proud! What a terrific achievement.

    • Munira Premji , January 5, 2017

      Isn’t it ever? May God’s grace always be with them…..

  • Cindy , January 4, 2017

    What incredible news!! You must be SO proud. Congratulations to all.

    • Munira Premji , January 5, 2017

      Just thrilled to pieces! I will share your congratulations with them. Thanks!

  • Shellina , January 4, 2017

    Munira this is a amazing achievement. Kudo’s to you and your entire family. Truly Inspiring

    • Munira Premji , January 4, 2017

      Shukhar. This is all Mowla’s grace….

  • Natasha Walji , January 4, 2017

    Absolutely amazing news and huge congrats!!!

    So proud of you both for the work you’ve done and for being recognized on this incredible list

    Shukar keep up the amazing work and happy new year 🙂

    Natasha

    • Munira Premji , January 4, 2017

      Hi Natasha! It is a pretty cool recognition isn’t it? You were an impactful mentor to Sabrina. Thank you!

  • Anonymous , January 4, 2017

    What great recognition of such important work that Sabrina and Afzal are doing!

    • Munira Premji , January 5, 2017

      May God’s grace be with them to enable them to fulfill their vision of giving a chance to the most vulnerable in society….

Comments are closed.

%d bloggers like this: