The 2023 Cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity come together to honor the life of our beloved friend and colleague, Felicia “Fela” Magiri Mburu. In the face of sorrow, we turn to what we know best—organizing—and through this collective act, we find solace in the enduring spirit of our friend, who so powerfully translated love into meaningful action every single day.

We recognize the urgent need to provide financial support for Felicia’s daughters and her mother during this profoundly difficult time. In the spirit of collective care that Felicia embodied so fully, we call to our broader Atlantic Fellows Community and our local & global connections of friends and allies to move with us into action.

Felicia transcended all boundaries, weaving through hearts from every walk of life, in so many corners of the globe. She has created ripples of  meaning and change that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Let us come together now, across borders and backgrounds, in this shared action of love and solidarity, to offer Felicia’s family not only financial assistance, but also a reminder of the deep and far-reaching impact Felicia made—and the community that stands beside them now. 

With Love, 
AFHE 2023  
"Statement of Transparency and Accountability: This fundraising page is organized by 2023 AFHE Fellow Sarah Chambers who is affiliated with Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. Funds raised are not distributed to Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Sarah is only acting as facilitator and 100% of funds will be distributed to the family of Felicia Mburu for immediate family support.  Supervision for this fundraiser is provided by AFHE program staff. "

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In Loving Memory of Felecia Magiri Mburu (1986–2025)

The life of Felecia Magiri Mburu was a vibrant song; one of courage, compassion, laughter, and unshakable faith. Though she left this world too soon, on 8 September 2025, she left behind a legacy so radiant that her presence will continue to inspire generations to come.

Felecia was born on 10 February 1986 in Nakuru, Kenya, a beloved daughter and later a devoted mother, sister, and friend. From her earliest days, she carried a spark that set her apart, an eagerness to learn, to give, and to speak up for what was right. Those who knew her best describe her as a woman whose strength was matched only by her generosity, and whose deep faith shaped every choice she made.

Her childhood and education nurtured a curious and determined spirit. She grew up surrounded by love, alongside two brothers with whom she shared a bond of loyalty and friendship. Felecia excelled in her studies, from nursery school to university, her sharp mind and determined heart always propelling her forward. Her journey eventually took her across the world to the American University Washington College of Law, where she honed her skills in justice and human rights. In 2023, she was recognized as a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity, an achievement that reflected her global vision and her commitment to building a more inclusive world.

But Felecia was never defined by degrees or titles. She was a proud Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, yet what mattered most to her was how she used that platform. Whether serving in national institutions, leading initiatives she helped build, or working across Africa with international organizations, her principle remained the same: “Nothing For Us Without Us.” She tirelessly championed the voices of those often ignored, especially persons with disabilities, and she never shied away from challenging entrenched systems of injustice. For her, the law was not an abstract exercise, it was a tool to make dignity, fairness, and equity real for everyday people.

Her advocacy was fierce, but it was rooted in love. Felecia had the rare gift of combining boldness with compassion. She fought hard for justice, but she also gave freely of herself, whether through pro bono legal work, mentoring younger colleagues, or simply being present for a friend in need. Her laughter was contagious, her advice steady, and her faith unshaken.

Above all, Felecia was a mother. Her daughters were the joy of her life, and she poured into them her love, her values, and her example of living with both strength and kindness. To them, she was not only a parent but also a role model of courage, faith, and resilience.

Her faith was the anchor of her life. A long-time member of St. Mark’s Church Westlands, she served faithfully in the church, teaching Sunday School and contributing her skills as a lawyer to her community. Her walk with God was not just private devotion; it was visible in the way she lived, the way she raised her children, and the way she served others. She embodied the belief that worship and service go hand in hand.

Even in her final days, after falling ill in late August 2025, Felecia faced the moment with grace and peace. On 8 September, she rested in the Lord, leaving behind not silence, but a living echo of her values, her work, and her love.

Felecia’s story is not one of loss, but of legacy. Her life reminds us that even in a short span of years, one person can move mountains of injustice, lift the brokenhearted, and shine a light that cannot be extinguished. She showed us that justice is worth the fight, that love is worth giving freely, and that faith can sustain us through all seasons.

We celebrate her not only as a daughter, sister, and mother, but as a champion of equity, a friend to many, and a servant of God whose life was a gift to us all. Her memory continues in the children she raised, the policies she shaped, the lives she touched, and the countless people she inspired to believe that change is possible.

Rest well, Felecia. You lived fully, you loved deeply, and your light continues to shine.