Ntokozo Happy Msiza

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

My most valuable contribution to the TechWomen mentorship will be my expertise in gender-responsive research, especially in developing community-based projects for women and girls in disadvantaged backgrounds. I can provide insights on making research applicable, inclusive, reachable, beneficial, empowering and informative. I will guide how to incorporate gender responsiveness across all four research cycle stages: planning and designing, budgeting, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, I bring strong analytical skills, a commitment to sustainable practices and a talent for fostering inclusive collaboration, which will benefit both my mentor and their colleagues.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Explore integration of emerging technologies into existing processes and systems (to foster innovation, efficiency and competitive advantage) in my industry.
2. Develop skills in strategic thinking, analysis, and decision-making processes, to effectively assess opportunities and challenges, formulate long-term plans and drive organizational success.
3. Learn techniques for constructive conflict resolution, win-win solutions and other essential skills for navigating professional relationships and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Present my current work to professionals in my industry
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Have exposure to basic industry techniques
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms
• Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor would have experiences in agriculture, agritech, AI, e-learning and education industries, ideally within a mid-sized to large-scale company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The company would have a culture that values continuous learning, collaboration and diversity, with a track record of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive positive impact in the agricultural sciences sector. A forward-thinking approach to addressing global challenges and a commitment to fostering talent and leadership development would align well with my aspirations and growth objectives.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Serious
2. Committed
3. Curious

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

I hope that collaborating with a U.S.-based mentor will significantly enhance my career by broadening my global perspective and deepening my expertise in agritech. This experience will expose me to innovative technologies and best practices, enabling me to implement cutting-edge solutions in my work. Learning from my mentor's experiences will refine my leadership and project management skills, empowering me to drive impactful, community-based initiatives. Ultimately, this mentorship will expand my professional network, amplifying my ability to advocate for inclusive and sustainable development and positioning me as a leader in my field.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

After the program, I will use my experience to benefit South Africa. I'll work with the Department of Science and Innovation to enhance science education, focusing on hands-on experiments in remote schools to spark interest in STEM. As an agricultural scientist, I'll partner with the Ministry of Agriculture to teach children about gardening and food sustainability. I will collaborate with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to promote water-saving technologies. I'll support rural women farmers with agritech training to boost their incomes. Sharing these initiatives on LinkedIn will attract partners and expand our reach, promoting STEM and sustainable development across Southern Africa.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

3

Primary Professional Focus

• Educational technology
• Energy, renewable technology or green technology
• Scientist and researcher in technical science and/or engineering discipline

Education History