Pauline Akinyi – Community Voices Network

Pauline Akinyi, proudly known as Linto, is a choreographer, a dancer, a poet, a facilitator, and a
sign language interpreter.

At just 18 years old, Linto is already carving her own stage as a leader, an artist and a youth
advocate that is passionate about disability inclusion and inspiring other young girls.
So how did we start engaging Linto? Linto was initially a project right holder who noted a gap in
our dance programme. Our dancers had no one to guide them, so she just started coming every
Saturday to Community Voices Network’s offices to share her expertise.

Linto did not ask for permission to solve a problem; she went to it and did it (as it should be).What sparks us the most is Linto’s courage and proactiveness. Her confidence and courage manifest on stage in how she shows up to the world.Give her a microphone and you’ll see a natural facilitator and an MC who
commands attention, just how girls should be.You’ll see it in her care and her smile while
guiding discussions and dance sessions, in the way she holds space with a gentle patience that
makes every single child feel seen, valued and heard.What makes Linto stand out is not just
talent but intention and passion.

Linto represents what is possible when young people are trusted with space, given tools and encouraged to dream without limits.We continue to appreciate her contribution and efforts!