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As a child growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Tanaka Mbavarira knew that his home country had a lot to offer including 7 public universities, but his country did not have a lot of experiential learning opportunities. He dreamed of pursuing higher education in the United States.

With the help of the New Seasons Youth Program, an international initiative supporting students from marginalized communities in Africa and the Caribbean, Mbavarira was able to connect with a network of colleges. He ultimately decided to attend ������Ƶ because of its emphasis on experiential learning as well as mentorship and support services.

“College has been a masterclass in the art of learning, equipping me with the agility to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge and innovation,” said Mbavarira.

Mbavarira, a Computer Engineering major who is minoring in Mathematics, has modeled success both inside and outside of the classroom throughout his time at JCSU. He has served as the treasurer and executive board member of the National Society of Black Engineers; a founding member of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, a founding member and vice president of the International Students Association, a Smith Tech Innovation Fellow; a MSEIP student researcher and member of the JCSU Hackathon Team, among others.

Mbavarira says one of his favorite moments at JCSU was leading the JCSU Hackathon Team to victory as the Fan Favorite of the 2022 HBCU Battle of the Brains.

“It was a moment of triumph not just for me, but for the entire JCSU community,” said Mbavarira, who began serving as the Hackathon Team captain when he was a freshman. “This pivotal role not only honed my leadership skills but also instilled a profound sense of responsibility and the drive to excel amidst seasoned peers.”

As a student leader, Mbavarira helped found several clubs and an innovation hub in the James B. Duke Memorial Library.

Throughout his journey, Mbavarira said he has been supported by a number of individuals and organizations. He thanks first and foremost God as well as his parents George and Reason Mbavarira. He also extends gratitude to the Duke Foundation; JCSU; Ray Jackson; and JCSU faculty and staff members Dr. Davida Haywood, Brandon Lunsford, Dr. John Oliver, Jimmecha Carr, Sherri Belfield, Stephanie Spivey, Professor Jasmine Corbett, Dr. Aman Nadhiri, Dr. Patrick Martin, Kenyatta Reed, Jennifer Joyner, Dr. Sabina Otienoburu, Dr. Tracy Fox-Brown, Dr. Ying Bai, Dr. Brian Hunt, Dr. Adams, and Terik Tidwell.

“I think the importance of duty is what I learned at JCSU,” said Mbavarira. “My duty to God, my family, and my community, and the duty I have to myself to effect positive change in the world and realize my potential.”

Mbavarira has accepted a job offer following graduation. He will serve as a software developer at Compass Group USA.
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