In January of 2017, I was beyond excited to start my international journey in the Kingdom of Eswatini where I was participating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It was a two-year program that developed leadership skills by teaching students how to use education to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. After a rewarding two-years, I graduated with a Bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma, and I took a gap year to share the knowledge and experiences I gained with my peers in my hometown Mutare, Zimbabwe.
During my gap year, I interned with Higherlife Foundation where I co-founded the “This is my Story” program. The program allowed me to share my life journey through public speaking at assemblies to students from various backgrounds. My work with Higherlife also gave me the opportunity to be an advocate for students by working with them individually, linking them to necessary resources for success, and supporting students when communicating with other Higherlife officials.
The Higherlife internship was a gratifying seven-month experience because I was able to invest in individuals, communities, and sustainable livelihoods. After the internship, I moved to Richmond, Indiana where I earned my undergraduate degree in both Data Science and Global Management through Earlham College.
At Earlham, I developed a passion and love for utilizing data to make decisions. “The Civic Engagement Fellowship,” through Up to Us, helped me learn and educate others about the effects of U.S. National debt, and how it contributes to growing disparities among class and race. Through the Fellowship, I had the opportunity to take a course in Business Analytics, and I worked at The National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Similar to my Higherlife internship, “The Civic Engagement Fellowship,” was a rewarding experience because I took what I had learned, and was able to disseminate information to inform others on how to create a more equitable future. I went on to also participate in “Data Science for All,” through Correlation One. I was selected as part of the 3% to join their international empowerment program that focused on using data science to bridge the gap between minorities and the upper class communities.
Unlike some of my previous internships and Fellowships, “Data Science for All,” not only had an impact on others, but left an impact on me. It was amazing to see how the program created equitable access to the jobs of tomorrow by providing relevant training from world class professionals to minorities ready to start their careers in data science. It was compelling to see professional development opportunities that united individuals from various backgrounds, and established a way to use data science to encourage equity in every day lives.
As my undergraduate studies came to an end, I faced a difficult task; finding my first job, but not just any job. A job would contribute to the growth for communities and individuals, while also expanding the different technical and project skills I learned during my undergraduate years. I worked with big technological firms, and other non-governmental organizations. However, none of those jobs provided me the two things I was looking for–a fulfilling career opportunity and a chance to grow professionally.
Then, I came across enFocus.
It was one career path for Earlham College students after graduation, and I was stunned to find out that enFocus had found a way to be a consulting organization and a nonprofit. During my interviews, I learned the different and interesting projects enFocus tackles daily. I knew I wanted to be a part of this vibrant team that focused on impacting the South Bend community and gave Fellows an opportunity to learn and grow through their process.
I am eager to continue learning and growing as a professional while also making a difference in my community and the lives of others.