In November 2016, Louise was chosen as a finalist out of 230 social entrepreneurs in the Festival of Ideas Competition that the British Council partnered on. Her two-minute pitch won her the top prize and a trip to the Enterprise Summit in Ghana where she would exhibit her social business idea. Her environmentally friendly Mashesha Stove designed for rural communities was well received. She says that through her experience with the competition, she was able to glean a clearer understanding on her business model. Louise has been working in rural communities and environmental education for 15 years, specialising in community projects that enable environmental sustainability and cleaner, greener energy. She has a practical mechanism that gives concrete expression to her passion for the environment and social upliftment.
"I am most proud that I, a female designed the innovation and started the social enterprise." says Louise.