Meet Regina Reithii, the Founder and CEO of the Upendo United Foundation, and this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE. Read her story below!
Wilmington Connection
How long have you lived/worked in Wilmington?
I landed in Wilmington 23 years ago from Nakuru, Kenya, with two children, ages 2 and 8, and just $100 in my pocket.
My Background:
I grew up in Nakuru, Kenya, where I attended Mereroni Primary School. After relocating to Wilmington, my journey took a pivotal turn—it’s here I learned Word and Excel at age 30 and wrote my very first resume. Wilmington is what gave me the opportunity to work in the USA and start building my career. I went on to work at the Register of Wills for eight years before founding Upendo United Foundation five years ago.
Upendo is a Swahili word meaning “love,” and this perfectly reflects the mission of the Upendo United Foundation. I am the Founder and CEO of this organization, dedicated to bridging the digital divide and addressing food insecurity through innovative nonprofit initiatives. In 2023, I was nominated by Microsoft as a TechSpark Fellow for the state of Delaware, acknowledging my contributions to tech-driven community solutions.
Why Wilmington?
Wilmington fosters a sense of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal hub to amplify Upendo’s impact and connect with diverse partners.
Professional and Personal Growth:
Wilmington’s thriving nonprofit ecosystem, paired with national recognition like my TechSpark Fellowship, has been instrumental in scaling Upendo’s initiatives. The community’s support helped me successfully upcycle a shipping container from Delaware into a resource center and technology classroom in Kenya, empowering more than 700 students. Collaborating with the MSK community, we’ve also established a community garden that integrates technology to enhance sustainable practices. Additionally, we’ve facilitated three impactful trips to Kenya with Wilmington residents, focusing on service and cross-cultural learning to strengthen global bonds.
Wilmington Favorites
Favorite Attraction/Event:
The Riverfront Market—it’s a vibrant space for community connection and local entrepreneurship.
Live Music Spot:
The Queen Wilmington—it’s where the city’s heartbeat truly comes alive.
Ideal Itinerary:
Begin the day with a scenic walk along the Jack Markell Trail to historic Old New Castle, soaking in the beauty and history of the area. Wrap up the evening with dinner at The Quoin on Market Street for a perfect blend of ambiance and cuisine.
Insights and Future Vision
Exciting Developments:
I’m thrilled about the city’s investment in education and technology programs that empower underserved communities and foster connections between Kenya and Wilmington.
Future Vision:
I’d love to see Wilmington expand its resources for nonprofits, and my vision includes establishing more community gardens. These gardens wouldn’t just offer fresh produce, but also empower residents to grow their food while integrating technology and entrepreneurship to optimize sustainability and access to knowledge.
Advice for Wilmingtonians:
Dream big and build together—Wilmington thrives when we collaborate to create change. I also encourage Wilmingtonians to visit Kenya to serve and learn, fostering global bonds and a deeper appreciation for community-driven solutions.
Personal Reflections
Proudest Moment:
Launching Upendo United Foundation’s programs in Wilmington and Kenya, bridging continents to make a global impact, and receiving recognition as a TechSpark Fellow in 2023.
Volunteer Work:
Active involvement in digital literacy workshops, STEM bootcamps, community garden initiatives, food security programs, and facilitating service trips to Kenya with Wilmington residents.
Interesting Facts:
- I manage operations in two countries within just four hours a day, despite an 8-hour time difference.
- I upcycled a shipping container into a resource center and technology classroom in Kenya, empowering over 700 students.
- At the age of 30 in Wilmington, I learned Word and Excel and wrote my first resume, marking the beginning of my professional journey.
Additional Anecdotes:
The Talbert family hosted and supported me and my two children when I first arrived in Wilmington. Their kindness was life-changing—the mother fondly referred to me as “an angel sent all the way from Africa.” The father had a beautiful garden on 4th Street that also inspired me. In his honor, I envision creating a technology hub paired with a garden space in Wilmington, blending growth, innovation, and community.
