Meet Perris

Perris Waithaka is an immigrant born and raised in Kenya, a wife and a mother of two boys. Growing up she enjoyed cooking with her aunties and mother in their  kitchen while singing, and that is where her love of music began. After moving to Grand Rapids she later joined a group of singers called Motherland House Concert; teaching African culture through food, dance, music, and storytelling.

 

She enjoys helping others especially the New Americans. Prior to joining Treetops Collective, she remembers mobilizing her friends to bring together their resources to assist a friend in the community who was in need.  Also enjoyed working with the women at Treetops Collective. Being a Swahili Concentric Leader fulfilled her heart offering compassion by extending welcome to New Americans.

 

Perris is also a creative and the owner of Pewa African Jewelries. Currently she is working as the Teen Internship Coordinator which puts her in her element. She enjoys working with the girls to help them create a product that can tell their stories. As a creative she believes everyone has a story to tell: some are written in books and some are confined to hearts.

 

Her ultimate goal is to advocate positivity however she can. There will be challenges along the way but knowing the calling will push her to the next level. She always wanted to create jobs for the new Americans struggling with that, due to challenges like the language and qualification barriers.