Makhosi Khoza

General Info

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

I hope to contribute to the TechWomen mentorship experience by sharing my perspective as a woman working in mining and environmental sustainability industries that are still male-dominated in many parts of the world. I bring hands-on experience dealing with regulatory challenges, leading teams and growing a business in a tough but rewarding space. I'm excited to share insights about working in emerging markets, collaborating across cultures and finding purpose-driven ways to lead. Most of all, I hope to contribute to an open, inspiring exchange where we all learn from each other's journeys, challenges and successes.

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

1. Gain exposure to businesses that have adopted latest testing technologies in waste.
2. Engage with key policy makers in environmental compliance and sustainability.
3. Learn effective project development and execution strategies.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Have exposure to the company culture
• Visit an office or attend a site-visit
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Have exposure to specialized industry techniques

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor match would be someone with a strong foundation in science or engineering who works at a medium to large company focused on addressing environmental sustainability, transition/renewable energy and compliance challenges. It would be ideal if they have hands-on technical and entrepreneurial experience with environmental regulations and/or sustainable technologies. I'd also appreciate someone who operates in an expansive environment, as I'm keen to learn how multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively in the real world.

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

1. Innovative
2. Resilient
3. Adaptable

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

The 15-day mentorship with my appointed mentor will give me a unique opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation and business strategy, especially in the context of my business background. I hope to learn practical skills for scaling a business, navigating global markets and addressing challenges in male-dominated industries. This experience will also help me explore new opportunities for collaboration and expand my professional network; both of which are key to achieving my long-term goal of building a purpose-driven business that creates lasting impact in my community and beyond.

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

After the TechWomen program, I plan to work with local STEM companies back home to create opportunities for young women who are either exploring or already pursuing careers in STEM. I'll use what I've learned through the mentorship to design practical workshops, mentorship sessions and networking events. My goal is to make the path clearer and more supportive for young women in STEM, helping them build confidence, gain real-world exposure, and see what's possible when they're empowered and connected to the right opportunities.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

8

Primary Professional Focus

• Leader who is in charge of managing technical employees
• Technical sales

Education History