Winona Mugandiwa, a recent South African alumnus, combines her love of nature and conservation with her ambitions in the hospitality industry. Her inspiring story highlights how personal passion and resilience can shape a meaningful career in hospitality.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Winona was deeply grateful for her natural environment and her efforts to protect it. Her involvement with organizations such as Save the Rhino Trust and Antioaching Initiatives has fueled her desire to create guest experiences that foster connections with the natural world. “I wanted to combine my passion for conservation with a stable and rewarding career in hospitality,” she said.
Her educational journey in Stenden South Africa helped her develop her communication skills and promote positive relationships that are essential in the hospitality industry. “My research helped me improve my communication and gave me the tools I needed to grow and achieve my goals,” she explained.
Winona is particularly attracted to the health aspects of hospitality, especially when intersecting conservation. She believes that creating meaningful and sustainable experiences for her guests is the key to making a difference.
Through her research, Winona has built up confidence and hone her ability to connect with people. She brings qualities such as open mind, empathy and hard work (characteristics rooted in Zimbabwe's upbringing).
Heading towards the future, Winona is open to international opportunities and sees her career as a journey of discovery. She has expressed her enthusiasm for exploring the world and continues to focus on growing in the industry. “I think it's about travel,” she said.
Her decision to study in Stenden, South Africa was influenced by the support and encouragement from the university's student affairs and marketing manager, Ronel Bartlett. “She created a compelling case for me to come here, and I grew up as much as people while studying abroad,” Winona recalls. She is also grateful for the inclusive environment she feels supported by her instructors, especially as someone with dyslexia and ADHD.
Winona's unwavering passion for conservation and hospitality has transformed her into a motivated individual who already dreams big. She believes that she may one day own her business, driven by her dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
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