Gina Din facts for kids

Gina Din-Kariuki, born Gina Din on October 23, 1961, is a famous businesswoman from Kenya. She is an expert in public relations, which means helping companies and people share their stories and build good relationships with others. She is most known for starting her own company, Gina Din Corporate Communications, in 1997. Before that, she worked at Barclays Bank of Kenya.

Early Life and Learning

Gina Din was born in Nanyuki, Kenya, on October 23, 1961. She was the third daughter of Shamsu and Malek Din, who owned a hotel. Her parents taught her how important it is to build good relationships with people. They showed her that all customers want to feel important and valued.

When she was 15, Gina had her first job. She managed a disco night at her parents' hotel twice a week. She charged an entrance fee and used the money as her pocket money.

In 1985, Gina Din finished her studies at the London School of Journalism. She earned a degree in journalism. In the same year, she started working as a communications manager at Barclays Bank Kenya. She worked there for 14 years.

Starting Her Own Business

On October 1, 1997, Gina Din left her job at Barclays Bank of Kenya. She then started her own company, Gina Din Corporate Communications. Barclays Bank became her very first client. Gina says that starting her business felt like a natural step for her. She is thankful that Barclays Bank helped her pay her first bills.

Over time, her company worked with many other big clients. These included Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

In 2007, Gina Din Corporate Communications helped manage a big crisis. They handled the public relations for the 2007 Kenya Airways plane crash in Duala, Cameroon. Gina believes this was some of their best work in handling difficult situations.

In May 2009, her company won a special award. They received the Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) gold award. This was for helping the electronics company LG reach its marketing goals in East Africa.

In 2013, Gina Din's company partnered with Weber Shandwick. This is a very big public relations firm from around the world. This partnership helped both companies grow their work in Africa. Later that year, Gina Din Group was named the best PR firm in Kenya. This award was given at the Public Relation Society of Kenya awards.

Helping Others

Gina Din-Kariuki is also known for her charity work. On August 18, 2008, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for the Kenya Red Cross.

In 2011, she helped launch the 'Kenyans for Kenya' project. This project aimed to help people during a very bad drought in Kenya. It was the worst drought in 60 years.

On March 22, 2016, the United Nations Population Fund gave her another important role. They named her an Honorary Ambassador. In this role, she helps support women and young girls. She focuses on improving their health and rights.

Personal Life

Gina Din-Kariuki is married to Chris Kariuki. They have two children together. Their daughter is Dr. Natalya Din-Kariuki. She is a professor at the University of Warwick in England. Their son, Naythan Din-Kariuki, works in football. He is a recruitment analyst for Aston Villa Football Club in the UK.

Awards and Recognition

Gina Din-Kariuki has received many awards for her work and influence.

• In 2011, her group was praised for the 'Kenyans for Kenya' campaign. This campaign raised over 700 million Kenya Shillings to help people during a famine.
• In 2013, New Africa Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential Africans.
• In 2015, she was named East Africa Business Woman of the Year. She received this award at the CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA).