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SLU-Madrid Social Entrepreneur Aids Women, Children in Zimbabwe

Tadzoka Pswarayi ’10 (Political Science, English and International Studies) currently lives in Harare, Zimbabwe where she works as a social entrepreneur.

She has founded several enterprises including Impact Hub Harare (an international social innovation lab and business incubator operating in over 86 countries), Masamba Kombucha (a beverage company) and Scripta Manent (a development research and technical writing company). She is the Zimbabwean lead on global tech platforms in Harare such as the Developer Circles from Facebook: Harare and Seedstars World (a global tech competition). Also a creative writer, Tadzoka freelances for publications such as This is Africa, and serves as managing editor for Zimbo Jam, a website promoting Zimbabwe's art and culture.

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Tadzoka (in black shirt) poses with members of a tech startup honored by Seedstars World. 

With a focus on women and girls, Tadzoka has made many contributions to society since graduating from SLU-Madrid. She founded and directs Roots Republic, working with women's cooperatives and rural communities to manufacture indigenous Zimbabwean cosmetics and consumables. Roots Republic not only stimulates rural economies but also promotes Zimbabwean flora and culture. In her role as international development consultant at Scripta Manent, she has been involved in projects with USAID’s Workforce Connections, 360 Talent Cloud and the World Bank Analytical Trust Fund. These groundbreaking projects address topics such as youth unemployment, development needs in rural towns of Zimbabwe, capacity building and water service provision.

As a student at SLU-Madrid, Tadzoka volunteered at SOS Children’s Villages and was active in the theatre scene on campus. After completing her final semester of study on SLU’s St. Louis Campus, she worked in Washington D.C. for a year before returning to her native Zimbabwe to begin her journey as a social and serial entrepreneur. She is driven by a desire for equality for women and girls in her community.

“My experience at SLU-Madrid was special,” reflects Tadzoka. “I came into my own in a multicultural environment where the diverse perspectives I encountered contributed to my thinking and the person I am today. My professors were excellent; they exposed me to a great deal. The environment educates the whole being, and I remain grateful for that.”

The SLU-Madrid Alumni Association will present an award to Tadzoka at the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony on Saturday, September 22nd at 8 p.m. Mark your calendar and join us to honor our exceptional alumni.