This story was originally published by news agency Bird on January 27, 2025. An edited version is republished below as part of a content-sharing agreement. The wooden elephant figurine on the wall behind Joy Machugu Zenz seems to echo her presence: Strong, rooted, and unshakably confident. Sitting in her living space in Freiburg, Germany, where sunlight spilt through cream curtains to hint at the promise of spring, Zenz exuded the same balance of grace and power as the symbol behind her. Her journey spanned continents, cultures, and careers. Raised in Kenya and based in Germany, Zenz described herself as a “perfect migrant”, a term she used with a wry chuckle. She said: