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Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Lifestyle Editor
Whatever she touches, turns gold. Her biggest strength is creating visions and effectively turning them into big realities.
Realist! Indeed, there is no better diction for her except, saying she is a lady of substance, a strong-willed enigma and a goal-getter.
Two years ago, there was a women empowerment network session created by (her) a young woman who stood against all odds.
When many people thought it would fail, it was a big success, much to the chagrin of her detractors.
The session dubbed “Boss Babe Summit” caused an implosion on social media, making men green with envy after a well-articulated concept was fruitful.
Coming from a humble background to walking in some of the high streets of Washington DC in yonder United States, even owning an apartment there, it was a dream come true.
Her name is Dr Rutendo Mudzamiri, affectionately known as “Dr Ru” in her circles.
After that concept, a lot of women’s sessions ensued and have been happening almost every week and month to date.
But what makes the story intriguing is that the founder has grown into a global phenomenon, sitting in various boards all over the world.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle Editor Tafadzwa Zimoyo (TZ) caught up with the motivational speaker, philanthropist, farmer, author and businesswoman Dr Rutendo Mudzamiri (RM) for her inside story.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
TZ: How are you doing? Kindly share what is new in your world, from Harare to Washington DC?
RM: Hello, how are you doing? Thank you for the opportunity. I am Rutendo Mudzamiri and I love answering to Dr Ru, if we are not friends or family (smiles).
Dr Ru, is a woman dedicated to living with intentionality and bringing purpose to my life and the lives of others. My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for empowering women to flourish, find their voice and harness their inner power.
I want women to know that every path is unique, and I am here to remind them that they have the strength to rewrite their own stories. I live as an extension of God’s hand, whether in my professional endeavours, personal interactions, or through my faith. I am equally passionate about having fun, cherishing family and building authentic connections in my social network.
While I work in Washington, DC from 8am to 5pm in strategic engagements and partnerships, I devote my personal time to helping leaders bring their visions to life. With a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University, I love crafting systems and strategic roadmaps for organisations, blending purpose with practical impact. My goal is to inspire transformative change and bring out the best in people and organisations. It is about showing up, being real and creating spaces where others can thrive.
TZ: Tell us about BossBabe, what inspired the concept?
RM: I am glad you asked. BossBabe is more than an event; it is a movement, a lifestyle and a powerful embodiment of confidence, kindness, vision and service. When I launched the BossBabe Summit in 2020, I envisioned a place for women to gather, share and celebrate the multifaceted nature of being a woman. For me, BossBabe was about knowing when to pause and pivot. I have always believed that consistency is defined by your own standards, and I wanted to build a legacy that went beyond a single event.
What started as a gathering of 200 women in Harare has grown into a global community of over 11 000, today. BossBabe became more than I had imagined. Yet, as I listened to my heart, I knew it was time to evolve. Woman PENYA emerged as a new home for everything BossBabe had stood for and more — a timeless platform celebrating women’s strength and ambition across all areas of life. Woman PENYA is about inspiring women to shine brightly, creating a legacy that transcends events and movements.
TZ: What is next for you?
RM: I am committed to scaling my impact and serving women, leaders, and my country on a global stage. After pioneering partnerships at the Atlantic Council, like the Women for Prosperity initiative, I am excited to take my expertise internationally. I believe in the power of strategic pivoting and knowing when to embrace new opportunities. This new season is about expanding my reach and working with visionary leaders to create transformative change. I am not just building a career; I am building a legacy for future generations of women to look up to and be inspired by.
TZ: Tell us about the current project you are working on.
RM: In addition to my role in Washington DC, I am fully immersed in expanding Woman PENYA, a platform that embodies my commitment to uplifting women worldwide as they pursue personal and professional excellence.
Named after the Shona word “Penya,” which means “shine brightly,” Woman PENYA is a space where women are encouraged to embrace their unique paths with confidence and brilliance.
This is not just about creating a community; it is about fostering a movement where women can feel empowered to reach their fullest potential.
I am also working on a book that draws from my journey, offering practical lessons on resetting, pivoting and winning. I am passionate about using real-life experiences to illustrate the value of pausing, pivoting and resetting as part of consistent growth. In addition, I’m excited about my business ventures, including a pig farming operation, as part of my commitment to sustainable development. My goal is to lead by example and show that one can achieve global impact while staying deeply connected to their roots.
TZ: Where do you draw inspiration from?
RM: My inspiration comes from a blend of personal experiences, incredible people and a profound belief in the power of purpose.
I believe that when God places an idea in your heart, it is not just a thought — it is a calling. Growing up in Kambuzuma as the youngest in a family of three taught me resilience, faith and the importance of valuing every opportunity. Losing my father at a young age made me cherish the idea of community and the strength we draw from each other.
I have a profound love for people and a deep appreciation for the resilience of Zimbabweans and Africans as a whole. We have an unparalleled strength, and seeing how we come together to uplift one another is a constant source of motivation.
I am driven by the idea of creating a platform where others can shine, and by the belief that leaving a legacy is about creating lasting impact and inspiration for others to carry forward. My passion for my country and my commitment to global impact will always guide my work, and I look forward to what the future holds.
TZ: What is your future vision?
RM: My vision is to build schools — leadership schools, public service schools — where people are prepared not just for careers but for meaningful, impactful lives. I imagine a world where public service leaders do their part in partnership with businesses to build thriving economies. I want to see empowered women, supported by men, rising up together.
When men and women collaborate, they complement each other, strengthening families, communities and our world. Through Woman PENYA, I will continue to create spaces where this vision can flourish.
TZ: How do you want to inspire the girl child?
RM: I want every young girl (and my young brothers too) to know that potential is limitless. I want them to see themselves as leaders, creators, a force for change. My hope is to inspire others to dream big, to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and to never be afraid to step into spaces where they can shine. Now, through Woman PENYA, I want to provide platforms and opportunities that show the woman that she is powerful, valuable, and worthy of her dreams.
TZ: What do you do in your spare time?
RM: In my spare time, I love to try new dishes, create and develop ideas, travel and explore new places and cultures. I believe that exposure expands the mind. When God wanted Abraham to see the possibilities ahead, he called him to leave his comfort zone and said, “As far as you can see, you will receive.” I carry that with me wherever I go, knowing that where I set my foot, I am planting seeds for future growth.
I was blessed to learn from the late Apostle Charles Chiriseri, my pastor, that there is no substitute for exposure. The world is full of lessons waiting to be discovered, and I’m committed to stepping out, seeing more, and believing bigger.
TZ: Thank you for your time.
RM: Thank you and have a blessed day. Looking forward to read the article!
Online Reporter