FORMER Midlands State University student and now businesswoman, Kundai Willis, has been honoured with an Emerging Business Icon in Events and Training Award by South Africa-based international organisation, She-Millionaire.
She-Millionaire is a South Africa-based organisation that recognises and empowers African women through various initiatives that include education, mentorship and awards.
Willis, who received the award last week in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the founder and director of Elim Events Group, which focuses on event planning, catering services, equipment hiring and training.
She-Millionaire recognised her business for promoting tourism through providing world-class services and women empowerment, with some of her trainees having become successful entrepreneurs.
Willis said she was humbled to be honoured at the international stage.
“The She-Millionaire Award means a lot to me because it validates our commitment to creating world-class experiences and shows that our impact in the events industry is being recognised internationally,” she told NewsDay Weekender.
“Most importantly, it inspires me to keep raising the bar and encourages other women to believe that their dreams are possible.”
She said she started her business in 2021, which turned her childhood dream into reality.
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Willis said her vision is to empower women, particularly the underprivileged, through knowledge and skills development.
“My future plan is to launch a bursary for hundreds of underprivileged women and train them in cookery,” she said.
“The initiative aims to empower women, keep them engaged, and equip them with skills so that they can start small enterprises in their communities.
“Beneficiaries will also receive starter kits to help launch their own small-medium businesses.”
She said her business venture complements government’s efforts in employment creation, skills development and women empowerment.
Her academic and professional qualifications speak volumes of a businesswoman who has a passion for women advancement.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with the Midlands State University, Special Honours in Monitoring, Lupane State University, Masters degree in Disaster Management, National University of Science and Technology.
She also has post graduate diplomas in Water Supply and Sanitation Development (NUST), Executive Development (UZ) and Project Management (PMZ).
She is currently pursuing a PhD in Events Management with the Chinhoyi University of Technology.
To sharpen her skills in events planning and management, Willis said she trained with the South Africa School of Wedding Planning and the DMC Training Centre in professional cookery and patisserie.
Last year, Elim Events received an award from the Blackbelt Awards of Mastery under the Emerging and High Potential Brands category.
