Mara Zhanet Biography
Mara Zhanet Michelo is a Zambian social entrepreneur. She focuses on youth empowerment and economic development. She founded Jacaranda Hub in 2017. This organization helps young people build skills in technology and business. Mara has over 15 years of experience in project management and business coaching. She works to create opportunities for young Zambians. Her efforts aim to reduce poverty and create jobs. Mara is known for her role in building startup ecosystems in Zambia. She mentors young entrepreneurs and speaks at events. Her work supports financial inclusion and socio-economic growth. In this biography, we look at her life and impact. Readers will learn about her journey and contributions.
Mara’s story shows how one person can drive change. She started Jacaranda Hub to provide tools and spaces for young innovators. The hub offers co-working areas, training programs, and mentorship. These resources help turn ideas into businesses. Mara’s vision is to enable young people to create value in their communities. She believes in collaboration and skill building. Her organization partners with local and international groups. This expands its reach and impact. Mara’s work aligns with global goals like sustainable development. She inspires others to pursue social entrepreneurship. This introduction sets the stage for her full story.
Mara Zhanet Early Life
Mara Zhanet Michelo was born in Zambia. She grew up in a country with rich cultural diversity. Zambia faces challenges like youth unemployment and limited access to education. These issues likely shaped her passion for empowerment. Details about her childhood are limited in public records. However, her Zambian roots influenced her focus on community development. Living in Lusaka, the capital, exposed her to urban opportunities and gaps. Zambia’s economy relies on mining and agriculture. Many young people struggle to find jobs. Mara’s early experiences may have highlighted the need for skill training.
As a child, Mara saw the potential in Zambia’s youth. The country has a young population. Over 60 percent of Zambians are under 25 years old. This demographic needs support to thrive. Mara’s upbringing in a vibrant society fostered her entrepreneurial spirit. She learned the value of hard work and innovation from her surroundings. Lusaka’s markets and communities taught her about local business. These lessons guided her future career. Mara did not share many personal stories from her youth. But her actions show a deep connection to Zambian values. Family and community play big roles in Zambian life. Mara carries this forward in her work. Her early life built a foundation for helping others.
Mara Zhanet Career
Mara Zhanet Michelo began her career in project management. She gained experience over 15 years. Early roles involved business development and coaching. She worked in film, music, and ICT sectors in Zambia. These fields allowed her to explore creative and technical skills. Mara contributed to local projects that built community ties. Her expertise grew in facilitating and mentoring.
In her career, Mara held positions at several organizations. She served as Team Lead at The Founder Institute. This role focused on startup support. She also worked with Payments Association of Zambia. There, she dealt with financial systems. Other roles included Play It Forward and The Startup Journal. These experiences built her skills in innovation and entrepreneurship. By 2017, Mara founded Jacaranda Hub Zambia. As CEO and Founder, she leads the non-profit. The hub provides co-working spaces and tools for young entrepreneurs. It offers programs in ICT and business skills. Mara’s leadership extends to BYouth Zambia. She serves as CEO there too. This group amplifies youth voices in business.
Mara’s career shifted to social impact. She became an ecosystem builder. This means she connects people and resources for growth. In 2019, she attended events like meetings on free movement of people. Her work involves partnerships with groups like AfriLabs. These ties help expand her programs across Africa. Mara moderates panels and speaks at forums. For example, she joined Sahara Sparks in 2025 as a speaker. Her career highlights include building networks for MSMEs, or micro, small, and medium enterprises. She focuses on financial inclusion strategies. Mara’s path shows steady progress from expert to influential leader.
Mara Zhanet Achievements
Mara Zhanet Michelo has earned several awards. In 2022, she won Woman of the Year in Technology at Techtrends Zambia Awards. This honor recognized her role in innovation. The award highlights women who drive change in tech. Mara’s work with Jacaranda Hub earned this praise. She was voted for her contributions to Zambia’s tech space.
Other achievements include being a multi-award winner. In 2023, sources noted her as a trailblazer. She received recognition from Female Founders Initiative. Mara was listed in 50under50 Female Trailblazers in Africa and the Middle East. This award celebrates her ecosystem building. She has mentored over 500 young people. Her programs facilitated funding for startups. Jacaranda Hub supported job creation. It reduced startup failure rates through training.
Mara Zhanet Personal Life
Mara Zhanet Michelo keeps her personal life private. She lives in Lusaka, Zambia. Mara is a mother. She has a daughter named Makayla. In a social media post, Mara celebrated Makayla’s seventh birthday. She expressed great joy in motherhood. This shows her family values.
Mara balances work and family. Her birthday is around April 4, based on 2022 wishes from her team. She enjoys sharing positive messages online. Mara’s personal philosophy centers on legacy and impact. She believes in extending beauty beyond what we see. Her values include empathy and innovation. These guide her daily life. Mara does not share details about marriage or other family members publicly. Her focus remains on professional contributions. Personal experiences fuel her passion for youth. Motherhood likely strengthens her commitment to future generations.
Conclusion
Mara Zhanet Michelo’s biography tells a story of dedication. From her Zambian roots to leading Jacaranda Hub, she has made a difference. Her work empowers youth and builds economies. Mara’s career spans 15 years of growth. She earned awards for innovation in 2022 and beyond. Her personal life reflects strong values. Looking ahead, Mara aims to expand her impact across Africa. She envisions a future where every young person thrives.
FAQs
What is Mara Zhanet Michelo known for?
Mara is known as a social entrepreneur. She founded Jacaranda Hub to empower Zambian youth in tech and business.
Who is Mara Zhanet Michelo?
She is the CEO of Jacaranda Hub Zambia. Mara focuses on youth development and financial inclusion.
How did Mara Zhanet Michelo start her career?
Mara began in project management. She worked in ICT, film, and music before founding her organization in 2017.
What achievements has Mara Zhanet Michelo accomplished?
She won the Woman in Tech Award in 2022. Mara also received trailblazer honors in 2023.
What is the impact of Jacaranda Hub on Zambian youth?
The hub provides training and spaces. It helps young people start businesses and create jobs.
What is Mara Zhanet Michelo’s vision for Africa’s entrepreneurial future?
Mara sees a continent where youth drive innovation. She aims for inclusive growth through skills and partnerships.