Lisa R Mataka

Boost Fellowship • Ruwa, Zimbabwe

Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe. Ruwa Social & Innovation Hub. UNICEF & Boost Fellowship (Co - funded by European Union & KOICA). Spearhead the hub's strategy, managing a portfolio of programs including youth life skills training, startup incubation, and national innovation challenges. Mentor early-stage startups and create pathways for seed funding and capital access. Facilitate life skills development for 150+ youth monthly across 5 different communities. Oversee monitoring and evaluation systems, tracking 15+ KPIs for program impact. Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs, innovators, schools and key government entities, including the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and Ruwa Local Board, to enhance program reach and impact. Spearheading participant mobilization, recruitment and sensitization efforts, fostering inclusive participation and community ownership. Overseeing Hub refurbishments in collaboration with service providers, ensuring timely and quality delivery of upgrades. Documenting program activities, outcomes, and impact metrics, providing data-driven insights for continuous improvement through narrative reports. Championed accessibility by advocating for wheelchair ramps during renovations, transforming the Hub into a disability-friendly space. • Built the hub's foundational operational systems from scratch, including digital data collection tools, participant tracking databases, and hub profile documentation • Expanded program reach by 300% through 15+ strategic partnerships with schools, YETT, Zvandiri and Friendship Bench • Coordinated the official hub launch attended by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Minister of State for Devolution, and Ruwa Mayor, enhancing organizational visibility and government relations • Managed $50,000 hub refurbishment project, completing 2 weeks ahead of schedule and 10% under budget • Designed and delivered 12-module soft skills curriculum for 500+ youth, resulting in 25% securing internships • Established district's first disability-friendly innovation space through collaboration with National Rehabilitation Center

Impact Hub Harare • Mutare, Zimbabwe

Digital Skills 4 Youth Project, Mutare. Plan International & Impact Hub Harare (funded by SIDA). Led the implementation of the Digital Skills 4 Youth project, aimed at empowering youths aged 18 to 30 with essential digital skills in Mutare. Oversaw day-to-day operations of the co-working space, ensuring a seamless experience for participants and stakeholders. Facilitated 25+ workshops and training sessions on soft skills and digital literacy. Built stakeholder relationships with 12+ community organizations. Fostered strong relationships with co-working space participants, service providers, internal teams and partners to create a positive and productive environment. Managed Mutare project budget and responsible for Mutare procurement processes. Engaged in report writing and resource mobilization to support project sustainability. Sensitizing and mobilizing participants. • Exceeded gender targets with 64% female participation (against 60% goal) across 3 cohorts • Achieved 100% graduation rate for 75+ direct beneficiaries with 95% program satisfaction • Mobilized 200+ indirect beneficiaries through community outreach initiatives • Organized 5 high-level graduation ceremonies attended by Minister of State and Devolution and the District Development Coordinator • Revised organizational safeguarding policy adopted across all project locations

Shamwari Yemwanasikana • Seke Rural District, Zimbabwe

Assisted in project implementation, acquiring valuable experience in community development, girls' empowerment, advocacy, research, and economic empowerment. Developed resource mobilization skills through concept note and proposal writing. Collaborated with community leaders to implement programs in the Seke Rural District including the Dandaro Revasikana. Facilitated programs and educational activities for youth in the community and schools, including initiatives such as Dandaro Revasikana (Girls Club) and the Men and Boys Forum. Ensured the safety, well-being, and confidentiality of beneficiaries through effective program management. Engaged in report writing and resource mobilization activities. • Contributed to Oxfam project implementation reaching 2,000+ beneficiaries in Chitungwiza and Hatcliff • Served as focal point for 3 flagship programs, increasing community participation by 45% • Mentored 50+ girls through US Embassy-funded boot camp program • Represented organization in 5+ national media appearances on Radio Zimbabwe and Newsday

Shanduko Foundation • Zimbabwe

Facilitated virtual meetings and workshops to empower youth through career guidance initiatives. Developed concept notes and proposals to secure funding from diverse organizations. Assisted in project implementation, gaining experience in community development, girls' empowerment, advocacy, research, and economic empowerment. Contributed significantly to the online operations of the Shanduko Foundation, effectively reaching out to beneficiaries. Engaged in report writing and resource mobilization to enhance project sustainability.

SayWhat • Zimbabwe

Volunteered as a peer educator, promoting Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) among students and local community members. Conducted workshops and training sessions to educate peers on SRHR topics, including sexual health, relationships, and reproductive rights. Provided guidance and support to individuals seeking information on SRHR, creating a safe and inclusive space for open discussion and learning. Demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering young people and the broader community through education, health promotion, and advocacy.