A story of perseverance, resilience, and leadership, showing how determination can turn dreams into reality.
By Miranda Masuko
Growing up in Zimbabwe, life was never easy. My mother, the sole breadwinner, worked tirelessly to support our family, yet we experienced homelessness three times. I was often listed among the students with unpaid school fees. Still, my mother always reminded us,
“Knowledge can open doors no one can shut.”
Her words became my compass, guiding me through every challenge. When my mother passed away during my second year at university, my older sister stepped in, taking on our mother’s responsibilities so that my younger sister and I could continue our education. Without external help, we navigated scholarships, school applications, and networking opportunities, which eventually allowed me to pursue an education in the United States—a dream that once felt impossible.
Arriving in the United States marked the beginning of a new chapter. For five years, I worked tirelessly, taking every opportunity to gain experience, build skills, and prove myself. Alongside external challenges, I also managed narcolepsy, a condition that sometimes made even daily tasks difficult. I learned to adapt, persevere, and lead with focus and determination. Those early years taught me resilience, flexibility, and the value of learning from every experience, lessons that continue to shape my leadership today.
At 28, I now lead a team of 15 professionals across America at a multinational company that ranks among the top global players in the tissue paper industry. I manage the purchasing process and oversee the travel office, ensuring smooth operations, global vendor alignment, and an optimized supply chain. My work also involves integrating new plants into the organization and refining operational processes.
Leadership, I have learned, is not just about directing others. It is about lifting people as you climb. I mentor, empower, and guide my team because true success is measured not only by personal achievements but by how many people rise with you.
Deep in my heart, I see this as a new beginning. There is still so much more to achieve. I am currently exploring ways to build a vendor map that will enhance our supply chain efficiency and open new strategic opportunities for our organization. This initiative represents more than operational improvement. It symbolizes innovation and the chance to expand my professional impact.
I have also begun writing on Medium, sharing insights and reflections on challenges and trends within the supply chain industry. Writing allows me to connect with others who are passionate about leadership, innovation, and creating lasting change.
What drives me most is the belief that leadership is about paving the way for others. I hope to inspire young girls who dream of breaking barriers, to show them that circumstances do not define destiny. My journey from Zimbabwe to leading teams across America is proof that perseverance, mentorship, and determination can turn even the most distant dreams into reality.
To young women everywhere, your background, your health condition, or your challenges do not define your future. Seek guidance, connect with mentors, embrace every opportunity to learn, and never stop believing in yourself. Step by step, persistence pays off.
From Zimbabwe to leading across America, my story is a testament to the power of hope and hard work. While I have already achieved more than I once imagined, I know this is just the beginning. There is more to learn, more to build, and more lives to impact, and I am ready for the journey ahead.