Arisa Heald
Arisa was born and grew up in the beautiful nation of Zambia. She is an adventurer who loves to travel and explore the world by connecting with people and learning about culture.
With a love for learning and her driven nature, she pursued her Undergraduate, Honours and Master's degrees at Rhodes University, where she obtained a full house of distinctions. With her passion for research, she has lectured and is completing her Doctorate Degree in Industrial and Economic Sociology. Her research focuses on sustainable governance and adding value to local agri-industry that forms a part of global value chains.
Arisa keeps being drawn back into the education space, where she is currently a Pupil Development Consultant at The Diocesan School for Girls. She believes in merging her purpose, passion and heart by adding value to educational spaces through the art of storytelling, connection and fun. Her heart is set on leadership and empowering students to help them feel seen, heard, valued and celebrated.
All this to say, Arisa is committed to making a difference, whether in the governance, education, youth or social development space.
Cindy Fumbata
Director Pupil development
Storyteller, creative, strategist, facilitator and connector of people. These are a few words that best describe Cindy Fumbata, her scope of work and most importantly the things that make her heart come alive. Cindy fell in love with the social sciences and storytelling at her alma mater, Rhodes University, through her exploration the disciplines of Psychology, Sociology and Media Management. She is currently the Director of Pupil Development at The Diocesan School for Girls in Makhanda and is passionate about teaching the youth critical life skills through the power of storytelling and helping them better understand themselves and the world around them.
Monica Newton
CEO of National Arts Festival
As CEO of the organisation she fulfilled the role of accounting
officer and took responsibility for the corporate governance, finances and performance of the organisation and has been instrumental in organising the National Arts Festival and bringing together a diverse group of creatives to share what Makhanda is all about every year.