'Set Apart': how Dr Mwinyoglee's powerful memoir transforms adversity into purpose

“The decision to write ‘Set Apart’ came from a calling deep within me,” said Dr Kony Marlis Mwinyoglee. 

“Growing up, I learned much from being told stories. I wanted to leave a legacy where people's lives would continually be transformed and uplifted through my story.”

In her memoir, Mwinyoglee takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, faith and purpose across continents and cultures. 

Born in Lubumbashi, then part of Zaire and raised in Kalenda among the Kanyok people, she reflects on the values and lessons that shaped her early life. 

Central to her story is her admiration for her father, Dr Ilung, whose dedication to education, healthcare and community development left a lasting impact on Kalenda. 

She recalled the teamwork she witnessed between her parents and the Diocese of Luiza, which instilled in her a sense of purpose and service.

Mwinyoglee’s narrative explores the tension of growing up between worlds - African and Western, spiritual and scientific. 

She writes about being labelled “different”, “odd” or a “black sheep” in a society that often prioritises conformity. Yet she reframes these experiences, showing that being set apart is not a mark of shame but a divine distinction. 

“Each move in my life initiated a new experience that became pivotal,” she shared.

Migration brought challenges, moments of isolation and times when she felt abandoned. Yet these moments also became opportunities for growth, resilience and rediscovery.

Through heartbreak, displacement and the search for belonging, Mwinyoglee discovered that life’s struggles often point toward greater purpose and self-understanding.

Her memoir is structured around these personal and universal themes: identity, faith, culture and resilience. She reflects on her upbringing, her medical career and her role as a woman navigating faith and leadership. 

She emphasised that discovering one’s purpose begins with kindness - to oneself and others - and with recognising and leveraging one’s unique qualities. 

“My story is not a silver bullet on how to live life,” she noted. “Rather, it is to encourage people to develop the wisdom and skillset to become resilient and lift themselves up whenever life puts them down.”

Faith remains a cornerstone of Mwinyoglee’s journey. 

“Faith in God gives me hope. Hope inspires me to persist. Persistence drives me to achieve,” she said. This spiritual grounding guides her reflections on purpose, resilience and the pursuit of meaningful work, especially in the service of others.

“Set Apart” also celebrates cultural heritage. Mwinyoglee highlights the oral traditions and history of the Kanyok people, showing how preserving culture can coexist with modern aspirations. She illustrates the value of heritage in shaping identity while navigating new environments.

Her experiences shed light on the broader black diaspora, exploring how culture, race and belief inform personal and collective identity.

Migration, love, heartbreak and career challenges all feature in her narrative, offering readers a lens into the complexities of human experience. Her story emphasises that moments of struggle and displacement can be transformative, revealing the quiet, persistent voice of grace that calls each individual to embrace who they are.

“Being willing to help someone gives you a purpose in life,” she wrote. Her memoir serves as both a mirror for those who have felt unseen and a guide for those striving to live authentically. It encourages readers to pause, reflect and cultivate empathy, humility and self-awareness. 

Feedback from her readers has reinforced her belief that every human being is valuable and deserving of opportunities for safety, education and dignity.

In addition to recounting her own story, Mwinyoglee’s memoir provides insight into the lives of women in medicine, faith and leadership, showing how one can balance professional ambition with spiritual calling.

Her story underscores the interplay between science, spirituality and destiny, offering a model of holistic personal growth.

“Set Apart” is ultimately a story about reclaiming identity, finding purpose and living authentically. It invites readers to examine their own journeys, to recognise the significance of being “different” and to embrace the unique calling that life presents.

Through reflection, resilience and grace, Mwinyoglee’s memoir demonstrates that the search for identity and purpose is not only personal but profoundly universal.

“Every one of us is a valuable human being,” she concluded. “We need to afford every child the opportunity for safety, security, good health and education to live a dignified, independent life in social harmony.”