Zethu Gumede

General Info

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

I have a background in air traffic services with expertise in compliance with aviation regulations and safety management systems. My project management certification and practical experience make me suited to teach about project management principles and techniques. I have been involved in environmental conservation and sustainability projects which I can provide insights on. My proficiency in GIS mapping and data analysis can be valuable in geospatial data applications. Lastly, my leadership experience through volunteering initiatives demonstrates my ability to guide and mentor others effectively. I also have experience in managing a social media account promoting social good.

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

1. How artificial intelligence is used in the growth of unmanned aerial vehicles and air taxis
2. Transformative technology and innovation used for social good. How technology can drive social, economic and environmental change whilst creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
3. Understanding how future innovations will utilise airspace and create technology that will not harm the environment

Mentorship Characteristic

• Visit an office or attend a site-visit
• Participate in a skills-building course, either provided by my mentor’s company or identify a free resource online
• Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms

Ideal Company Type

As someone who is growing in the aviation sector I would like to know more about the cutting-edge technologies that aim to occupy airspace and some of their local applications. Understanding the skills that team members each contribute to this and how it can translate into tangible career or social entrepreneurship opportunities for African youth. I would also love to know about the collaborations and partnerships that make innovations in air transportation work and possible UTM designs that may exist. My desire is to be in a company that is environmentally conscious, empowers women and is highly innovative.

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

1. Ambitious
2. Efficient
3. Reliable

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

I hope to continue to harness the network and relation with my mentor through the creation of local community projects. I am hoping in my professional career my mentor can contribute to some of the innovation summits we host that have various key industry leaders as well as high school learners. I will learn alot about building my career and professional life in a space of outside what I know in my home country. I'm hoping to learn more on understanding different work cultures, teamwork, collaborations and leading a team.

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

I would like to leverage some of the skills of the TechWomen to educate others in my community. I also would like to use the skills that I have to grow my global network and engage with communities in other countries. I will also be conducting workshops in my current organization to educate on diverse work cultures, innovations and key strategies that can improve our work environment. For my professional growth I will use the leadership skills to better lead teams that I serve and teach them to also become better leaders.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

5

Primary Professional Focus

• Technical training and/or learning specialist

Education History