Kristina Bouweiri (United States, WK 75-76)

What years did you attend Waterford Kamhlaba? (What forms/year group?)

1976-77, I was 12 and 13 years old.  Don’t remember the forms.

Please tell us what you have done or are doing at the moment? (e.g.. what you studied and what field you are currently working in)

I have a degree in International Relations from George Washington University.  I am CEO of the largest limousine and bus company in Washington DC, Reston Limousine.  I am also the founder of Sterling Women, a monthly networking lunch for women and co-founder of the Northern Virginia Business Women’s Conference.  As a board member of Enterprising Woman Magazine I have been invited to speak at the GlobeWomen’s Business Summit in China, Turkey and Greece.  I have served as a mentor to International Women in Business including a woman who owns a bus company in Rwanda.

Could you tell us what inspired you to pursue your career path.

I studied International Relations because I wanted to join the Foreign Service.  When I was a senior in college I got an internship at the Overseas Education Fund.  That led to my first job which was Assistant Program Manager for Africa.  I went back to Africa, to Somalia and Kenya to work on projects to uplift the status of women.  After two years on that project I decided to leave the field and I returned to the US.  The only job I could find was 100% commission sales advertising job.  That is how I met the founder of Reston Limousine.  He bought an ad and we started dating. Soon we were married.  We ran the business together for ten years and then we decided he would stay home with the four children and I would run the business.  Ten years later I asked for a divorce and I bought him out.

Did Waterford in any way play a role in your career path choice?

Yes, Waterford shaped me in so many ways.  Waterford is why I always insist on diversity in everything that I do.  I remember volunteering when I was at Waterford.  Living as a minority at Waterford, a minority because I am white and a minority because I am Christian gave me an important perspective for the rest of my life.  I have always tried to help people in need.  I know I am blessed and have always tried to give back to the community.  My company has donated over 1 Million dollars in transportation for charities including the Make A Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, Wounded Warriors, American Cancer Society and more.

What advice would you have for aspiring students who would want to be involved in similar areas of expertise?

My best advice would be to find a job you love so that you enjoy going to work each day.

Do you have any fond memories of Waterford? Could you possibly share one with us and could we also ask you to send us one or two pictures of your time at WK?

I have wonderful memories of my time at Waterford.  I am still in touch with many friends and we follow each other on Facebook.  Great memories are listening to Stevie Wonder and George Benson!  Cooking toast on the heater in our rooms.  French toast with ketchup!  Climbing Mount Tom.  Going for hikes in the nature and finding a waterfall.  I remember the dance socials.  I made lifelong friends there.  I am sorry but I don’t have any pictures.  We moved every two years and I regret that I don’t have any pictures.

Most embarrassing moment at Waterford?  Being caught reading with a flashlight after hours and getting detention.  I had to push cement bricks in a wheelbarrow across campus!

WK crush? 

Too many to mention LOL

What’s your favorite ’70s jam?

 Abba, Beegees, Elton John, George Benson, Stevie Wonder.

Who was in your WK #squad (friend group)?

 Chantal Krishnadasan and Cilene Andrehn.

Favourite teacher/Most hilarious teacher?

 Male math teacher.  Can’t remember his name.  Possibly Alan Whiteside?

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