Our People, Our Stories
Zanele’s story on… what it takes to be human in business
Zanele started her career as a cleaner at Durban municipality, where she forged a significant connection that would later play a crucial role in her professional journey. When she took over as cleaner from a previous employee, people started noticing a difference. Not only was everyone happy with her work but they learnt they could call on Zanele whenever they had a problem, that they could rely on her to rescue them in any situation requiring her help. Aurelia (now Innovate Durban’s CEO) overheard Zanele discussing with her colleague her need to drop out of university due to financial difficulties. Aurelia graciously offered to help by providing Zanele with additional cleaning work on weekends……..
Erika’s story on… what good tribes are made of
After completing her diploma in Secretarial Skills, Erika soon after launched her career in the corporate sector. She quickly rose through the corporate ranks, becoming the Executive Assistant to a Sales & Marketing Director at just twenty-three years old. This experience acted as a catalyst for her executive career, focusing exclusively on supporting Executives and CEOs…….
Holden’s story on… stepping out of one’s shell to achieve personal growth
When leaving school, Holden was not clear on the exact path he would take in his career. He went on to assume an entry level job in retail which funded his next move to study a degree in Financial Accounting at the University of South Africa. Later coming across an advertisement for an intern role at Innovate Durban
Melanie’s story on… learning and prioritising self worth
Melanie was a naturally introverted child, often preferring the company of books to people. Yet, she had a deep fascination with others and a strong desire to understand their behaviour and motivations. Her initial dream was to become a Clinical Psychologist. She went on to complete her BA (Hons.) degree in Psychology & Criminology and later, her MBA as well as a diploma in Human Resources, amongst other accolades qualifying her as a Psychometrist (HPCSA), Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP), and Career Development Practitioner (SACDA). This was no mean feat as Melanie took the challenging path of pursuing these academic achievements while working full-time. From early on it was clear that she was an exceptionally dedicated and determined professional……….
Tamisha’s story on… a passionate pursuit beyond the ivory tower
“I believe we all have a higher purpose, something we are meant to be doing with our lives. Mine is to contribute in helping people improve their lives, especially those in marginalised communities. I love playing a part in understanding their true needs as opposed to imposing solutions that they have had no say in.”
Tamisha’s love for research began during her undergraduate studies in Urban & Regional Planning at Durban University of Technology. She earned an Honors degree, completing a major research project as part of her dissertation. Encouraged by the enjoyment she found in the research process and engaging with people through interviews, Tamisha shifted her focus to a career in research.
Miliswa’s story on… feeding the soul
Growing up, Miliswa aspired to a career in science, eventually honing her ambitions toward becoming an architect. However, she has found unexpected fulfilment and success in the field of marketing and events – a path she never anticipated taking. Despite her strong grades in technical drawing, Miliswa’s initial career path was derailed when she was not accepted into the architecture program. She went on to study GeoInformatics at the University of Stellenbosch where unfortunately, her studies were cut short in her second year when she sadly lost her mother and had to return home to care for her younger sister. Determined to create a stable life for herself and her sister, Miliswa chose not to return to the Western Cape to finish her studies. Instead, she resumed her life in KwaZulu-Natal and went on to complete a short course in drafting.
“Because of how my whole career started off, there are times where I do sit back and reflect. I am a strong believer in faith and living up to the standards that my mother left for me. I have learnt when things go bad or fall apart, we have to do all we can to move forward because sitting with it wont help.”………………..
Jason's story on… the wonder in bringing ideas to life
Jason’s lifelong fascination with using his imagination to build things began with his early experiences playing with Lego as a child, little did he know how this would shape his future career. Throughout high school, Jason was unsure about his career path. To explore his options, he interned at a 3D printing company, where he discovered his true passion. Surrounded by engineers, Jason quickly became familiar with the world of robotics engineering and quickly mastered the skills – his curiosity knew no bounds. David, the owner, was known for his kindness and humility. Clearly enjoying seeing others grow, he was patient and allowed Jason to learn through making mistakes, playing a crucial role in his professional development….
Patrick’s story on… making your mark through the impact of your work
When Patrick embarked on his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, little did he know at the time that one day he would look back on his tenure with abundant accolades: he completed his BSC Degree in Geography & Environmental Management (Cum Lade); followed by his BSC Honours in Environmental Science (Cum Lade), and then went on to his Research Masters in Environmental Science (Summa Cum Lade) and is now in the final stages of his PhD in Development Studies. It’s no understatement to say that Patrick has earned his stripes!
Patrick credits Prof Cathy Sutherland, his MSc and PhD supervisor, as a significant influence in his academic success and ongoing professional journey. Her trust in him and exposure to a variety of projects were instrumental. Together, they’ve collaborated on numerous research projects: a Water Research Commission Project demonstrating the value of ecological infrastructure in the uMgneni Catchment, several social assessments and the…….
Susanne’s story on… sprinkling impact in our encounters
“Growing up I had a lot of ideas from the sublime to the ridiculous, wanting to be in business, a ballerina, a paediatrician, a ninja, and my journey has not been a straight road to get to where I’ve ended up today. Each organisation I have worked with has strengthened different aspects of the professional I have become.”
Susanne studied Public Relations Management and whilst doing so, embarked on her in-service training at TAFTA (The Association For The Aged), an organisatio……
Lucrisha’s story on… crafting change through ecosystem building
“Give me any opportunity to engage in social outreach or support startups, and I’ll be there. I actively seek these opportunities out wherever I can. Empowering others to become entrepreneurs has been a constant theme in my life. I’m always trying to turn everyone around me into an entrepreneur.”
Lucrisha was born into a life of frequent travel due to her fathers occupation which required regular relocation. Her maternal grandmother raised her in a small village with scarce water and electricity, with some of her primary education lessons taught in a shed, Lucrisha’s be……………….
Chelsea’s story on… finding one’s creative voice
While her peers were busy with, well, whatever eleven-year-olds do, Chelsea was discovering the world of design, a place she would call home, a digital sanctuary where her imagination could stretch without limits. Thanks to a call from her church needing help with design work, without hesitation Chelsea was chomping at the bit. Diving deep into this newfound discipline, she quickly familiarised herself with design tools such as Canva, and the rest is history. Chelsea was destined to carve out a career in the realm of digital design.