Meda Okelo was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He studied at Makerere University (Uganda) and the University of Nairobi, majoring in French and Political Science. He taught middle and high school French. He studied Journalism at the University of Nairobi and worked briefly with the local media. In 1981, Meda attended Stanford University to pursue a master’s degree in Mass Communication Research. Intrigued by efforts to rename East Palo Alto “Nairobi,” he rented a house on Illinois Street with some friends. In 1985, Meda was hired as EPA’s Cultural and Human Services Coordinator. He ultimately served Director of Community Services until 2011 when he reconnected with journalism and published What’s What in Government in 2012 and What’s What in Non-profits in 2013. In 2014, Meda launched El Ravenswood, a monthly magazine showcasing people, organizations, places and events in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven in Menlo Park.