By Samera Edwards
Day 3 in Zimbabwe was truly inspirational from supporting female entrepreneurs, sharing personal impact of the TechWomen program with the U.S. Embassy, and finally, joining others for talks about rising beyond barriers.
Mentor Zhilan Zweiger at her speed mentoring session with aspiring entrepreneurs, technologists and engineers at the Harare Institute of Technology.
Speed mentoring for female entrepreneurs
The delegation hosted an interactive session with female entrepreneurs at the Harare Institute of Technology, heard about their goals and startup initiatives, and offered feedback on their plans.
During an interview, TechWomen mentor Anar Simpson offered insights about startups and explained concepts like an elevator pitch, the difference between angel investors and VCs, and key takeaways for budding entrepreneurs. Next, the group heard from mentor Shawne Van Deusen-Jeffries about “personal brand,” and led some volunteers in the audience through an exercise in creating a personal brand in one sentence.
During the speed mentoring sessions, TechWomen mentors and fellow answered questions and offered advice on topics related to entrepreneurship, including how to come up with ideas, moving ideas to product, raising capital, marketing and using social media.
Mentor Anar Simpon with young entrepreneurs at the Harare Institute of Technology.
“Food for Thought” panel on TechWomen at the U.S. Embassy
The delegation visited the U.S. Embassy for their weekly seminar series, “Food for Thought”. This week’s series focused on the impact of the TechWomen program, featuring TechWomen mentors and fellows. Sheila Casey of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs moderated the panel discussion featuring mentors Terri Khonsari and Kuldeep Khanijow, and fellows Lilian Mapuranga and Rumbi Mlambo.
Some of our favorite moments of the night:
“Because of the network and relationships we build, we can get things done. If I ever doubt myself or if I have questions, I have people I can contact in the U.S., Egypt, Kenya, all over the world.”
– Rumbi Mlambo, 2013 fellow
“There are differences, and there are similarities, but that’s what makes the program so beautiful. I remember during the country presentations, every group said, ‘We have the best food in the world!’…It helps you understand how to respect the similarities and differences and appreciate them more.”
– Terri Khonsari, mentor
“Professionally, it made me more organized, and personally, I recognized my strengths. Only after I returned from the program and a few months had passed did I realize how much I grew.”
– Lilian Mapuranga, 2014 fellow
“I think this is the most enriching program for women. You are touching another woman’s life and empowering another woman, and in doing so, you are being empowered as well. We are helping each other, and it’s really like building a better world, and it’s global!”
– Kuldeep Khanijow, mentor
“One highlight for me was when we went to Facebook and met Sheryl Sandberg and speaking to her on a one-on-one basis, I realized she’s not so different. As women, we all face some similar things, and it made me realize I could do it.”
– Rumbi Mlambo, 2013 fellow
“This program gives the opportunity to serve, give, empower, inspire, be inspired, be empowered, share and learn.”
– Terri Khonsari, mentor
Women in STEM Reception: Rising Beyond Barriers
During a networking reception highlighting women’s achievements in STEM, mentors Kiko Smith and Eileen Brewer, as well as 2015 fellow Yemurayi Chinyande presented brief talks about working in a male dominated field and tips on how to be most successful. Their talks complimented others for a night of inspiration for women.
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