Tafadzwa Muusha

General Info

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

I hope my most valuable contribution to the TechWomen mentorship experience will be my unique perspective as a woman in tech from Zimbabwe, alongside my project management skills. I can share insights on overcoming challenges in a developing context and strategies for executing projects within slow-moving organizations. My experience in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and building partnerships will enrich discussions. By sharing these experiences, I aim to inspire others while learning from my mentors and peers, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas.

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

1. Advanced AI Techniques in Robotics
2. Prototyping to tech product development
3. Learn project management for tech innovations

Mentorship Characteristic

• Attend company-wide meetings and/or team meetings
• Visit an office or attend a site-visit
• Focus on technical 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 would be in the technology sector, specifically within a medium-sized company focused on innovative AI-driven robotics and smart devices. I value a culture that promotes collaboration, creativity and continuous learning, where team members are encouraged to share ideas and experiment with new technologies. I am eager to learn from a company that prioritizes ethical practices, fostering an environment that embraces diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth. A mentor with hands-on experience in product development and project management would greatly enhance my learning and help me navigate the complexities of the industry.

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

1. Adaptable
2. Resilient
3. Collaborative

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

I hope the 15-day mentorship with a U.S.-based mentor will provide invaluable insights into advanced technologies and practices that drive innovation. The U.S. leads in AI, offering a wealth of knowledge that can help bridge the technological gap in Zimbabwe. This experience will allow me to develop new skills in cutting-edge techniques and gain exposure to best practices in project management. By learning from an industry expert, I aim to explore new opportunities that will enhance my career trajectory and contribute to advancing technology in my home country.

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

After participating in the TechWomen program, I will leverage my mentorship experience to drive technological innovation in Zimbabwe. By sharing the knowledge and skills acquired, I plan to initiate workshops and training sessions for aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs, focusing on AI, and integrating AI with robotics and smart devices. Collaborating with local organizations, I aim to create projects that address community challenges using advanced technology. Additionally, I will seek to establish a network of empowered women in tech to inspire and mentor future generations, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that can lead to sustainable development in my country.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

5

Primary Professional Focus

• Software engineer
• Technical product design
• Technical product manager

Education History