Biography

Prior to being part of the KSAL programme, I was a researcher at the Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS Trust) at the University of Zimbabwe, involved in social and economic research programmes in rural communities. I was admitted into the KSAL programme in 2000 and went on to study for a Master’s of Professional Studies degree in International Agriculture and Rural Development at Cornell University, New York. The leadership workshops opened a whole new professional world of possibilities. They helped me develop a sense of personal awareness that has led me to excel in my career. The workshops also expanded my worldview and perceptions about development. The KSAL programme provided consistent support in developing my leadership potential. The ploughback concept helped me develop and shape my ideas on what impact I could make at the family, community and professional levels. The knowledge, skills and experience at Cornell University helped me become an independent thinker. With the reinforcing effect of the leadership workshops, I focused on making a difference to society through my work. I graduated from Cornell University in May 2003 and briefly worked with youth to develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills as well as encourage them to participate in the development of their communities. In 2005, I branched into development consulting, working on various projects independently and in partnership with established firms, including World Vision, PLAN International, UNICEF, UNDP, ZRCS, Children First, Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) and Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN). At the same time, I was also contracted as an assistant programme coordinator by Market Matter Inc., a United States-based organisation involved in capacity building of small and medium seed companies in Southern and East Africa. I am now based in Pretoria, South Africa and currently consulting in the education sector. My focus is still broadly on development, but I am now building specialized competencies around knowledge management. I continue to mentor young professionals everywhere I go. I have written e-books on consulting and am currently building a blogging site on personal development.