Description
Growing up as the only girl among six brothers, Florence was often written off as slow or incapable by those who judged intelligence through school results alone. For many years, she lived with an undiagnosed learning difficulty. It meant she stumbled where others seemed to move ahead with ease, and she watched opportunities slip past her more than once.
Yet there was something steady within her. Her intelligence showed itself in persistence, in faith, and in a quiet confidence that her life held meaning. At the centre of her journey was her mother, whose presence grounded her and whose encouragement, both spoken and unspoken, reminded her that she was more than her struggles.
In time, Florence began to shape her own path. She went on to work with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations (UN), serving in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Haiti and the Central African Republic (CAR). In each of these places, she gave herself fully, standing alongside communities and contributing to efforts that brought relief and restored hope.
At home, her husband, Sira, provided a steady foundation. He cared for their triplets and held the family together during her many journeys, making it possible for her to continue serving across borders. With that support, Florence grew in confidence and commitment. After twenty-seven years of dedicated service with the United Nations, she retired in January 2026.
This is a story of perseverance, of showing up quietly and consistently, one drop at a time, trusting that in time even the hardest stone yields.