Meet TWSC Contributor Tatenda Rungisa!

As we continue with our Contributor Appreciation Month, I’m proud to introduce another beloved member of our team – TWSC contributor Tatenda Rungisa. FYI, Tatenda has an identical twin who is also part of our TWSC family, so it may look like we are featuring the same person twice this week, but we’re not…promise 🙂

Tatenda has been a contributor since February 2018. After coming across our Facebook page, she read our content here on our website and reached out to me. She was a columnist at a local newspaper in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and had written for a number of women’s empowerment organizations. What stuck out to me about Tatenda was her initiative and enthusiasm. I hadn’t announced any writing opportunities neither was I actively looking contributors at the time, but she changed my mind. She reminded me of myself.

“I really enjoy writing,” she wrote in her FB message introducing herself. “If there is an opportunity for me to contribute or share any of my work, I will be grateful even if it is once. I have grown to love writing so much.”

When I first fell in love with writing, it was an incredible feeling. I wanted to spend every waking moment putting my thoughts on paper. So when Tatenda expressed a similar love for writing, I connected with that. I asked her to send some writing samples and she promptly did. Her writing was good, so I gave her some topics to choose from for her first submission. A little over a week later, she came back with this piece.

Over the years, Tatenda has delivered invaluable stories on powerful women from all over the world. Her dedication to TWSC is so sincere. It’s a pleasure having her onboard.

Here are some interesting things about Tatenda:

1.What did you dream of becoming as a kid?

My dream was being in media. I enjoyed watching the Oprah Winfrey Show and 3Talk with Noeleen.

2.Tell us the worst trouble you got into as a child.

Mistakenly locking my twin sister and I in the toilet and failing to open! We were still very young and scared. Fortunately, our mum noticed we were no longer in the living room and came to our rescue.

3. Have you ever pretended to be your twin sister and gotten away with it?

Yes, on the phone. Few people can tell our voices apart😂😂and yes, I did get away with it!

4. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?

I would choose Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is a strong female African writer whose work is commendable. She also values education which I also do!

5. If you could be mentored by anyone, past or present, who would you choose and why?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her writing experience inspires me a lot! Also Viola Davis. Her achievements and pride of who she is and her being a black woman inspires me to be proud of my identity.

6. What are you most proud of?

I’m proud mostly of making positive change in the different platforms I work for and contribute to. Founding an organisation with my twin sister, publishing my first book, and being featured in a book as one of 100 young phenomenal women under 40 in Zimbabwe!

7. What is your typical day like?

I always have a to-do list prepared the day before so I plan well. This [helps] my day be guided and I manage to work towards set goals. Whether I work from home or the office, I always ensure I have internet connection as my work is mostly online and [I have] a lot of interaction with people.

8. What 3 words describe you the best?

Prayerful, hard-working, game changer.

9. Flats or heels?

Flats!

10. What is your favourite meal?

Anything with lots of meat!!!

11. What’s your least favourite house chore?

Ironing.

12. What is your biggest pet peeve.

Rude people as well as people who feel they are too inferior to do anything or achieve anything!

13. If you had to go into isolation for 30 days and electronics were not allowed, what would your 3 must haves be?

Food😂, a novel and my twin sister.

14. Any hidden talents? Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I’m a great counselor🤔, so I’ve been told.

15. Tell us about an embarrassing moment as a teenager.

I fell while running to class.

16. What do you like most and least about adulting?

What I like most is having to make choices on your own e.g. you can choose which career path to take, which course to take up and pay yourself. What I least like is the societal expectations e.g. by a certain age, you should be married, have kids – the pressure is overwhelming!

17. What do you love most about being a woman?

The power of influence! I believe every woman has power to influence her life positively and those around her.

18. What are you most grateful for in this season of your life?

The opportunities, the networks, the gift of life. I have learnt so much in this season. I can do all things through Christ!!!