About the Book
Where the Shoe Hurts was born out of journeys that stretched across borders and cultures, missions in East Africa, youth initiatives in West Africa, and community projects in North America. Each experience, though shaped by different landscapes, carried a common thread: the undeniable resilience of people facing hardship with dignity and hope.
Walking into schools where dreams were larger than resources, meeting young women determined to create futures with their own hands, or standing with communities finally gaining access to life’s essentials, these moments left an imprint that could not be ignored.
The title itself comes from an old saying: “Only the wearer of the shoe knows where it pinches.” It is a reminder that those who live the struggle also carry the wisdom of what true solutions should look like. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, the lesson was the same: change must begin by listening to those who know where the shoe truly hurts.
This book is not just a collection of stories; it is the voice of journeys taken, lessons learned, and truths witnessed firsthand. It is a reflection of what happens when compassion meets action, when policy meets people, and when empathy leads us to walk in someone else’s shoes.
About The Author
Esther Chiamaka Kucheli Nnorom is a humanitarian, policy scholar, and changemaker whose journey of service began long before her professional career. In 2008, at just eight years old, Esther was recognized with the Kind-Hearted Award by Hakda International School in Kaduna, Nigeria. Nominated first by her peers and later selected across the entire school, she went on to receive the state-level honor at Bambinos Amusement Park, celebrated for her compassion and generosity of spirit. This early recognition foreshadowed the life of service and advocacy she continues to lead today.
Esther is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, building on her First Class Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honors) from the University of Prince Edward Island. She also holds professional certifications, including Project Management, which complement her academic achievements and strengthen her capacity to drive sustainable change.
Her professional journey has spanned both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. At Amazon Logistics, Esther served as an Operations Manager, playing a pivotal role in launching the company’s largest delivery site in Western Canada. She led cross-functional teams, spearheaded major delivery innovations, and expanded site capacity to meet high-volume demand experiences that sharpened her operational leadership and strategic approach.
Yet, her deepest passion has always been in community-based, value-driven social development projects. As Co-Founder & Director of Social Impact at Kucheli Foundation, she has designed and implemented programs that have impacted thousands of teenagers, promoting leadership, education, and empowerment. Similarly, as Co-Founder & Programs/Policy Lead for Help From Above Canada, Esther has been at the forefront of initiatives addressing food insecurity, educational access, and child poverty across East and West Africa. Under her leadership, these organizations reached more than 3,000 children and teenagers, expanding their footprint of impact and influence.
Her dual experience of corporate precision and grassroots empathy gives Esther a unique voice in the global policy space. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening accountability in sustainable development, and equipping the next generation with tools to thrive.
Through Where the Shoe Hurts, Esther brings together her lived encounters across Africa and North America. The book is both a testament to her journey and an invitation for readers to walk in the shoes of those who, better than anyone else, know where it truly hurts.
Esther has also represented young voices in global arenas, including United Nations platforms, where she continues to advocate for accountability and equity in sustainable development. But her deepest commitment lies not in the spotlight of international forums, but in the dusty classrooms, community wells, and sewing workshops where transformation begins.