Author: Dr Ndiweteko Jennifer Nghishitende (Page 5 of 6)

Reading Time: 5 minutes

At African Queens’ Ink, we believe that stories are powerful and essential to being African. Stories humanise, empower and inspire. Today, our woman of the day, Shangelao Ndadi Turnbull, tells us her story, and we are incredibly privileged to publish it.

A Story of Strength, Strategy, and Starting Over

I never saw myself as a superhero with any superpowers. As I grew older and, hopefully, wiser, I realised that being a hero doesn’t require extraordinary abilities. It does not require me to wear a cape and be a Wonder Woman. I’ve discovered that my strength rests in my perseverance, fortitude in the face of fear, and agility in adapting and getting back on my feet.

I’ve always been the little girl with a lot of energy and huge aspirations, but when I had my first child as a teenager, I refrained from pursuing them fully. At the time, I thought I no longer deserved any accomplishment. Wanting better for myself, I resumed dreaming and resurrected previously abandoned dreams. I pushed against the odds and decided my story wasn’t over.

Becoming an HR Strategist and Corporate Leader

• Former Regional HR Manager at Walmart t/a Game Discount Stores (Namibia) – Leading HR strategies in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Former HR Business Partner at Namdeb Diamond Corporation – Driving talent development in a highly competitive industry.
• My last key role in Namibia was as Corporate Affairs Manager at Namdeb Diamond Corporation

As a creative at heart, I was allowed to apply my creative mind and energy to the Brand and Corporate Affairs Manager role. Working in this capacity allowed me to significantly touch the lives of vulnerable groups and communities, reawakening my profound sense of caring and affecting lives. I believe that our daily contacts have the potential to impact and touch people’s lives.

Starting Over in a New Country

After a highly fulfilling career, I made the life-altering decision to move to a new country to pursue other ambitions. I left behind everything I knew, everything I had built, and everything I had fought for. I stepped into the unknown, far from my comfort zone, and had to start from scratch. I was terrified. But I knew one thing—I had been here before. Life had tested me before, and I had overcome it. I knew I would overcome again.

A New Chapter: Impacting Lives in Healthcare

Now, I am a Pharmacy Performance Coordinator with CVS Health, where I continue to touch lives—this time, through healthcare.

It is a different world from corporate strategy and HR, but the heart of my work remains the same: helping people, leading with purpose, and making a difference wherever I go.

My Greatest Achievement

As I find my feet and reconstruct my sense of belonging, I embark on a new journey. I am now a Pharmacy Performance Coordinator with CVS Health, touching and impacting lives through healthcare in the United States. I lead with my heart. In my free time, I enjoy expressing my creativity in the kitchen and spending time with my family. Despite all my career highs, job titles, and achievements, my most significant moment was something far more personal.

I sat in my youngest son’s high school admission interview, listening as he was asked a simple question:

“Who is your hero?”

He didn’t name a famous figure. He didn’t mention an athlete or a celebrity.

He said, “My mother! She is the strongest person I know.”

That moment meant more to me than any degree, award, or promotion.

Now, I Pay It Forward

I’ve learnt that my faith and the God in me enhance my superpowers even in the face of adversity. My ability to overcome daily challenges and celebrate minor victories defines me as an imperfectly perfect woman.

That is why I mentor young women, helping them navigate life and career choices and reminding them that no detour is the end of the road. I teach them that strength is not in never falling—it’s in always getting back up.

My Favorite African Woman-Authored Book

One of the writers who inspires me the most is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a powerful storyteller who has redefined African narratives, feminism, and identity.

How I Embody This Year’s International Women’s Day Theme

💜For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

✔️ I empower others – As an HR strategist, community advocate, and mentor, I help others realise their full potential.
✔️ I lead with heart – Whether in corporate strategy, brand management, or healthcare, my work has always been about people.
✔️ I embody resilience – Life knocked me down at times. I stood back up every single time.

Why Shangelao Inspires Us

Shangelao embodies resilience and transformation, proving that no circumstance can limit one’s potential. Her journey, from teenage motherhood to corporate leadership and later stepping into the unknown to start over in a new country, is a testament to strength, faith, and courage.

✔ She Defied Expectations – Instead of letting society define her, she rewrote her own narrative, proving that early challenges do not dictate future success.
✔ She leads with Purpose. As a former HR Strategist, she dedicated herself to helping people reach their full potential.
✔ She Uses Her Skills to Uplift Communities – Through her Brand and Corporate Affairs work, she impacted vulnerable groups and strengthened community engagement.
✔ She Reinvented Herself Fearlessly—After moving to a new country, she entered the healthcare industry, bringing her leadership expertise to a whole new field.
✔ She Empowers the Next Generation – Through mentorship, she guides young women in career and life choices, teaching them that success is always within reach.

Join the Celebration!

Show Shangelao some love in the comments!
💬 Share this post and tag a woman who inspires you!

📌 Hashtags for Visibility & Engagement
#AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #WomenWhoInspire #HRLeadership #ForAllWomenAndGirls #FaithAndResilience #CorporateTrailblazer #HealthcareLeadership

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Today, we spotlight and honour Loide Nantinda, a Namibian filmmaker, writer, actor, speaker, personal coach, ministry creative, communications strategist, and cultural heritage advocate. Her work uplifts communities, amplifies African voices, and preserves cultural identity.

About Loide Nantinda, Filmmaker and Cultural Heritage Advocate

As the Founder & Creative Director of Loide Invictus Media, Loide has built a legacy in heritage initiatives, arts, and corporate communications. She is also the powerhouse behind The Loide Invictus Brand, the creator of The Our Likeness Documentary Project, and the owner of Nuusiku Investment cc, which houses two creative sister brands:

• Nuusiku Pictures – A platform dedicated to storytelling through film
• Plainpmedia – A creative hub for writing, content creation, and branding

Loide is deeply passionate about cultural diplomacy, storytelling, and women’s advocacy, ensuring that African women’s stories and identities are amplified globally. She is passionate about the call on her life to connect the greater global sisterhood through collaborations and partnerships embedded in themes of
Identity, cultural diplomacy, women’s advocacy and divine whole transformational empowerment.

Loide attended film school in Cape Town, South Africa, where she majored in acting for film (2007). She also holds a documentary filmmaking diploma from the New York Film Academy (2017).

A Leader in Storytelling, Film & Heritage Preservation

Through Loide Invictus Media, Loide pioneers initiatives that:

• Amplify African women’s voices in media – Advocating for representation in film and storytelling
• Strengthen corporate communications – Coaching women and organisations in branding, leadership, and visibility
• Preserve heritage through film and cultural events – Documenting stories that celebrate identity and resilience
• Promote equal access to the arts and education – Creating opportunities for young creatives, particularly women and girls

Her commitment to cultural storytelling and heritage preservation has led her to:

• Host National Heritage Week (2021-2023) in the Oshikoto Region – Ensuring history remains alive for future generations
• Lead the Odelela Festival Namibia (2021) – A platform celebrating Namibian cultural heritage
• Produce “People of Namibia in Times of COVID-19” – A documentary showcasing resilience during the pandemic
• Represent Namibia in the Women in Film Guild Botswana – Championing African women in the film industry
• Curate corporate communications for Women in Mining Leadership Awards (2023-2024) – Highlighting women’s achievements in historically male-dominated industries
• Speak at the MSME Peer Forum (2023) and be recognised as a K2Gen Next Generation Entrepreneur (2022) – Empowering young African entrepreneurs.

Her work blends heritage preservation with corporate strategy, creating a sustainable model for cultural and creative entrepreneurship in Namibia and beyond.

Why Loide Nantinda Inspires Us

Loide’s impact extends beyond the creative space—she is a visionary leader, a mentor, and an advocate for African identity and storytelling.

🔥 She creates spaces where African women can thrive – Whether through film, corporate communications, or cultural heritage events, she ensures women’s voices are heard and celebrated.

🔥 She is redefining how we document African stories – Through her documentary films, media projects, and heritage work, she is preserving the rich narratives of African communities for future generations.

🔥 She is passionate about education and empowerment – Her work in mentorship, coaching, and leadership training enables young creatives and entrepreneurs to develop essential skills for success.

🔥 She proves that culture and business can coexist – By blending heritage preservation with corporate strategy, she is creating a sustainable model for cultural and creative entrepreneurship in Namibia and beyond.

Loide is more than a creative professional—she is a force for change, ensuring that African voices remain at the centre of global storytelling.

How Loide’s Work Embodies This Year’s IWD Theme

💜The 2025 IWD theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls for:

• Equal access to opportunities
• Visibility for women’s achievements
• Representation in creative industries

💜Loide embodies this by:

• Giving African women a platform in media – Ensuring their stories are told, preserved, and celebrated
• Promoting education and mentorship – Training women in entrepreneurship, communication, and financial literacy
• Challenging industry norms – Leading projects in heritage preservation, documentary filmmaking, and creative consulting that centre on women’s voices
• She is a Women’s Advocate and has been awarded the 2019 Global Impact Award at the When Women Heal Summit and has featured in the highly acclaimed Master Your Destiny Namibia Publication.

She is passionate about issues of identity and origin, which has landed her in the heritage and cultural scene. She believes we should be educated on and experience these aspects of society to walk out on an authentic journey and be more compassionate towards humanity in general. She says, “If you don’t know who you are, nothing works.” This is a great quote by Maya Angelou that I absolutely love.

Her work is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling—a tool for empowerment, equality, and justice.

Thought Leadership & Published Works

Loide is also a thought leader in professional and emotional well-being. She has written on healing, resilience, and navigating challenges in the workplace.

• Healing from Offense and Workplace Bullying: Reclaiming Your Power (The Brief Namibia) – In this article, Loide explores strategies for overcoming workplace trauma, fostering personal empowerment, and reclaiming self-worth in professional spaces.

Her insights help women and professionals build confidence, develop resilience, and create healthier work environments.

Her Favorite African -Authored Book

Loide is passionate about literature that celebrates identity and resilience. She actively supports African storytelling initiatives. One of her favourite books is Things Fall Apart, a Novel by Chinua Achebe

Celebrate Loide! 🥳

Loide Nantinda is more than a creative professional—she is a force for change. Through film, storytelling, and cultural diplomacy, she ensures that African voices remain central to global narratives.

Show Loide some love by leaving a heart in the comments below
Tag a woman who inspires you!

#IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction

Reading Time: 2 minutes

About Tatenda Manhanzva

Today, we celebrate Tatenda Manhanzva, a passionate advocate for social justice and an inspiration to many.

A Chevening Alumnus (2017-2018) and an experienced lawyer qualified in Zimbabwe and Canada, Tatenda has dedicated her career to ensuring that marginalised communities have access to justice.

In Zimbabwe, she served as a Provincial Court Judge (Magistrate), upholding justice across all sectors of society. She also gained extensive experience in corporate law as a private lawyer.

Upon qualifying as a Barrister and Solicitor in Canada, she transitioned into human rights-oriented law and is currently practising as a family lawyer. She works predominantly with Indigenous and other marginalised groups, tirelessly fighting for their rights.

Beyond her legal career, Tatenda remains deeply connected to Zimbabwe, actively supporting missions that assist orphans and widows.

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Commitment to Community & Philanthropy

Tatenda’s dedication to justice and fairness extends beyond the courtroom. She is a strong advocate for uplifting underserved communities, both in Canada and Zimbabwe.

Through her philanthropic work, she:
💜 Supports missions that assist orphans and widows in Zimbabwe
💡 Advocates for social justice initiatives aimed at marginalised groups
🌱 Uses her legal expertise to empower communities and promote equality

Her passion for community-driven impact makes her a true agent of change.

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📚 Her Favorite African Woman Writer

Tatenda believes in the power of storytelling to amplify voices and create change. Her favourite book, “Nervous Conditions” by Tsitsi Dangarembga, is a powerful exploration of gender, education, and self-determination. Like the novel’s protagonist, Tatenda’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and leadership.

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Why Tatenda Manhanzva Inspires Us

Tatenda embodies this year’s International Women’s Day theme:

💜 “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.“

Her work is a testament to justice, resilience, and leadership:
– Former Provincial Court Judge in Zimbabwe
– Dual-Qualified Lawyer (Zimbabwe & Canada)
– Corporate Law & Private Practice Experience
– Family Law Practitioner in Canada, focusing on human rights cases
– Philanthropist supporting orphans & widows in Zimbabwe

Through her legal advocacy and humanitarian efforts, Tatenda ensures that everyone—especially the marginalised—has a voice and access to justice.

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📢 Join the Celebration!

Tatenda Manhanzva is breaking barriers in law and social justice, ensuring that every person—especially the marginalised—has a voice and access to justice.

• Drop a heart in the comment section to show Tatenda some love!
• Tag a woman who inspires you!
• Share this to celebrate women making a difference!

📌#AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #WomenWhoInspire #WomenInLaw #SocialJusticeChampion #HumanRightsLawyer #CheveningAlumnus #ForAllWomenAndGirls #LegalTrailblazer #AccessToJustice

Reading Time: 2 minutes

About Kauli Nghishitende

Kauli Nghishitende is a renowned legal professional and corporate leader passionate about corporate governance and ethical leadership. Her career spans both the judiciary and corporate sectors. An admitted practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, she began her legal journey as a magistrate, serving six years before transitioning into corporate law.

Since then, she has held high-ranking roles, including Legal Mine Secretary at Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd. She now serves as Company Secretary at Erongo RED (Pty) Ltd, a leading electricity distribution company in Namibia, where she is a member of the executive committee.

A Leader in Legal & Corporate Governance

Beyond her corporate and legal work, Kauli plays a crucial role in shaping Namibia’s legal profession. She currently serves as:

• Board Member of the Namibia Press Agency
• Trustee on the Namibia Medical Care (NMC) Board of Trustees, where she chairs the Remuneration & Nominations Committee
• Member of the Legal Ethics & Investigatory Committee, Law Society of Namibia
• Member of the Non-Practicing Legal Practitioners Committee, Law Society of Namibia

Her work ensures the upholding of legal and ethical standards, making her a respected figure in the Namibian legal community.

Balancing Career, Family & Personal Passions

Kauli is also a devoted mother, a passionate traveller, and values quality time with her family and friends. Whether exploring new destinations or mentoring young professionals, she exemplifies the balance of ambition and personal fulfilment.

Why She Inspires Us

Kauli is a trailblazer—a woman who has successfully navigated law, corporate governance, and ethical leadership. Her dedication to justice, mentorship, and professional excellence make her a role model for aspiring legal minds and corporate professionals.

Notable Achievements

• Served as a Principal Magistrate for six years, ensuring justice was upheld.
• Admitted practitioner of the High Court of Namibia
• Former Legal Mine Secretary at Namdeb, now Company Secretary at Erongo RED
• Board of Trustee Member of Namibia Medical Care (NMC)
• Member of Legal Ethics & Investigatory Committee, Law Society of Namibia
• Member of the Non-Practicing Legal Practitioners Committee, Law Society of Namibia
• A devoted mother and mentor, balancing career and family with grace
• A passionate traveller, embracing new experiences and cultures

Her Favorite African Woman Writer

Kauli finds inspiration in the words of legendary African women writers. Her favourite book, “The Cardinals” by Bessie Head, reflects her appreciation for deep, thought-provoking literature that challenges norms and amplifies African voices. Like Head’s writing, Kauli’s journey is one of resilience, intelligence, and strength.

📢 Join the Celebration!

Let’s celebrate Kauli Nghishitende, a legal and corporate powerhouse, mentor, and leader who is shaping ethical governance in Namibia.

💬 Tag a woman who inspires you!
📢 Follow along and share using #AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #WomenWhoInspire

Reading Time: 3 minutes

About Jordaania Andima

Our spotlight for today as part of the International Women’s Day countdown is Jordaania Andima, a dedicated advocate for education, health, and youth empowerment in Namibia. As the Country Director for Footsteps for Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on providing vital infrastructure such as community gardens, school libraries, hostels, resource centres, and nurseries. She, therefore, plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and ensuring access to essential resources.

A Patriot Dedicated to Transforming Lives

Jordaania’s work is fueled by her deep love for Namibia and her belief in the power of collective action. Her commitment to development is evident in her efforts to facilitate partnerships that directly impact education, health, and youth-focused initiatives.

As the Namibian Country Representative for Footsteps for Africa, she has helped mobilise resources and forge partnerships that provide:
– Books for school libraries
– Reusable sanitary products for young girls
– Training for youth-focused initiatives like the #BeFree Youth Campus

Through these projects, Jordaania witnessed firsthand how collaboration can address critical needs and drive sustainable development in Namibia.

Empowering the Next Generation – A Reflection of IWD 2025’s Theme

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls for action to create a world where opportunities are accessible to every woman and girl.

Jordaania embodies this theme by:
– Enhancing educational infrastructure to provide better learning environments.
– Empowering young people through mentorship and leadership programs.
– Advocating for sustainable community development, ensuring future generations inherit stronger, more resilient communities.

Her vision for Namibia is rooted in creating opportunities for others—ensuring that no girl is left without access to education, no community is left without resources, and no youth is left without hope for a better future.

Building a Stronger Namibia

Jordaania’s work with Footsteps for Africa is a testament to the power of unity. By bringing people together to support educational and community development, she demonstrates the immense potential within Namibia when communities unite to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.

🔗 Learn more about Footsteps for Africa and its impact: www.footstepsforafrica.com

Jordaarnia in Action

📢 Join the Celebration!

Jordaania is leading the way in community transformation, youth empowerment, and education advocacy. Let’s celebrate her dedication to creating opportunities for all!

• Tag a woman who inspires you!
• Follow along and share using #AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #WomenWhoInspire

Reading Time: 2 minutes

About Ms. Lyna Gitonga

Ms. Lyna Gitonga is a proudly Kenyan professional currently residing in the Netherlands. A Chevening Scholar (2017/2018), she holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Queen Mary University of London. With extensive expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis, Audit, and Data Analysis, she is proficient in tools such as Power BI, Python, ERP systems (Dynamics AX & Dynamics 365), and EViews.

Her background also includes a strong foundation in Project Management, specialising in Scrum Methodology and Design Thinking. Currently, she works for a leading global commercial equipment manufacturing company in the food and beverage industry, where she has successfully leveraged her skills in various impactful projects, optimising financial processes and enhancing business performance.

A Leader in Community Engagement

A former Rotarian, Lyna served for two years on the Recruitment/Membership Committee at the Rotary Club of Utrecht International. She was drawn to the club’s mission of “Sharing a Cross-Cultural Experience,” fostering understanding, collaboration, and meaningful change.

Lyna also contributed to the Futuring Knowledge Institutions – HVA2030 Project, an Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) Edtech Initiative for Social Change. This initiative used speculative design to envision a future-proof, resilient, and open knowledge institution as part of the metropolitan Amsterdam ecosystem. You can read more about it here.

Passion for Financial Empowerment

Lyna is deeply committed to empowering African women by teaching them how to attain financial independence through micro-banking activities and community-based small-scale investments. She believes that by equipping women with financial knowledge and tools, they can achieve long-term stability and success.

Her Favorite African Woman Author

Lyna’s favorite book by an African woman is “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi. She describes it as:
“Heartbreaking and ripping my heart every time, but a must-read for every African.”

Beyond Work

Outside of her professional life, Lyna enjoys reading, traveling, and watching documentaries, always expanding her knowledge and staying informed about global developments. Her unique blend of financial expertise, dedication to social change, and passion for lifelong learning continues to drive her mission to make a meaningful impact in both her personal and professional life.

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📢 Join the Celebration!

Let’s celebrate Lyna Gitonga, an exceptional woman making strides in finance, community engagement, and women’s empowerment.

💬 Share your thoughts, tag the women who inspire you, and join the conversation using #AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #WomenWhoInspire.

Check out other inspiring women to be featured in our International Women’s Day series.