Benedictine University (BenU) alum and Professor Emeritus Alice Sima, MSN, MBA, RN, Board President of Friends of Imiliwaha, is making waves in Tanzania by transforming access to education and healthcare in underserved communities. Her inspiring journey from nursing and academia to nonprofit leadership was recently featured on the Mission Matters Podcast, where she shared how her Benedictine education and values continue to guide her work.
A proud alumna of BenU, Sima has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between the University and the Benedictine Sisters of Imiliwaha, a congregation dedicated to serving Tanzanian communities. Under her leadership, Friends of Imiliwaha has grown from a small volunteer initiative into a thriving nonprofit organization that has funded schools, dormitories, and medical centers across Tanzania.
“Education and healthcare go hand in hand – when you empower people with knowledge, you improve their well-being,” Sima shared.
Her words reflect the core mission of Friends of Imiliwaha, which has achieved remarkable milestones, including the construction of a surgical center and the implementation of English language education programs. These efforts have not only improved access to critical services but have also created opportunities for long-term community development.
Alice’s journey is deeply rooted in her time at BenU, where she honed her skills in nursing and developed a passion for service.
“We started with just a dream, and now we’ve built schools, a medical center, and hope,” she said.
Her leadership exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and making a meaningful impact in the world. Despite the organization’s successes, Sima emphasized the ongoing challenges of fundraising and securing resources for essential projects.
“Fundraising is a challenge, but when people see the impact, they step up and support,” said Sima.
Current initiatives include the development of an X-ray facility, the acquisition of a mammography machine, and the installation of clean water systems in schools. Sima also highlighted the importance of Friends of Imiliwaha’s all-volunteer structure, which ensures that every dollar donated goes directly toward improving lives in Tanzania.
Benedictine University (BenU) takes pride in Sima’s accomplishments and dedication to uplifting communities in Tanzania along with other BenU alumni in Tanzania. Her story is a testament to the power of education, service, and global collaboration. As she continues to lead Friends of Imiliwaha, she remains a shining example of how one individual’s commitment can create ripples of change across the world.
To learn more about Sima’s work and how you can support Friends of Imiliwaha, tune into the full episode of the Mission Matters Podcast.
