When Oprah walked in, we chatted like old friends for 30 minutes. If I met her today, things would be totally different.

She is Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer at Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia County where she leads the management team and is in charge of all operations. She spoke to Queenter Mbori about breaking barriers and how women can thrive in wildlife conservation.

She doesn't have a medical degree, and is not a physician. But Joy Wanja Muraya is an award-winning health and medicine journalist with expertise in health journalism training, health policy advocacy and health communications with a deep understanding of health issues and extensive relevant networks in global health circles. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and speaks English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Swahili and Kikuyu and has skills in Kenya Sign Language.