Penultimate year computer science student Tatenda Mashaya has shown impressive leadership of the Black Women’s Project ‘Creating HERstory’ Careers Conference.
As President of the Black Women’s Project, Tatenda is motivated to make sure that her initiatives have tangible benefits Black women studying at the University.
To make sure the Conference ran smoothly, Tatenda worked with the Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team for practical support and advice.
Tatenda made good use of platforms such as LinkedIn to connect and engage with individuals and employers, leading to an impressive lineup of contributors for the event itself.
From selecting an appropriate venue, completing risk assessments and securing funding, to organising catering, guest speakers, on-the-day activities and spearheading an effective marketing campaign that facilitated good attendance and robust engagement, Tatenda has led on pulling together a successful event with real impact.
This is more impressive for being created by, and for, a group of underrepresented students in a majority self-funding capacity.
By being both innovative and outward facing, Tatenda has made some very strong links with employers and organisations that has already benefitted the BWP members with an event that has provided tangible employability and networking opportunities.
“I have always had a passion for creating a space for black women on campus to feel inspired, supported and seen. Creating HERstory was our way of connecting black women with opportunities to engage and learn from professionals who look like them,” says Tatenda.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we as Black Women’s Project have created as a community and leading this society as President has truly been one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience.”