One Million Cups

 Lessons from the Road: A Cross-Country Driver’s Story to Purpose and Community

In this engaging and inspiring talk, Emmah shares her journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to leading one of the U.S.’s largest entrepreneurship programs at the Kauffman Foundation. Framed through the lens of a cross-country driver, she reflects on resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose, while highlighting the critical role of community in driving entrepreneurial success. She also introduces 1 Million Cups, a national movement with over 85,000 members and 800 volunteers across 100+ communities and invites Rotary members to help strengthen local entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunity.

Dr. Emmah Muema is a leader, published scholar, and advocate for entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. She supports the national 1 Million Cups program at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, one of the largest community-driven entrepreneurship initiatives in the United States.

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Muema has built a career across corporate banking, higher education, and public service. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, teaching international public relations.

Dr. Muema is passionate about building spaces where entrepreneurs can be seen, heard, and supported in strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing inclusive economic mobility, and empowering communities through connection and shared learning.