Today we’d like to introduce you to Lumbie Mlambo.
Hi Lumbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story: I am Lumbie Mlambo (She/Her), an impact entrepreneur from Generation X, honored to have been honored with the UN Global Leadership Award. My roots originate in Zimbabwe, where I was born into a large and loving family of 11 children, holding the title of the youngest. Within my family, my mother dedicated herself to teaching, while my father, despite being an orphan without formal education, learned to read and write under her guidance. Family values such as education, respect, and inclusivity were deeply ingrained in us by both parents.
As the youngest among my siblings, I experienced abundant love without being excessively indulged. Growing up, I participated in household chores, engaging in tasks like fetching water from distant locations, gathering firewood, farming, harvesting, and preparing meals for our family.
My educational journey began in a rural community where my parents emphasized the importance of learning. All 11 siblings received some form of education. I completed my high school education at Matopo Mission, also known as Matobo Hills. Following this, I embraced marriage and motherhood, blessed with two sons. Subsequently, I pursued a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at Texas Woman’s University, leading to a decade-long career as a Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase, aligning closely with my academic background.
After my tenure at JP Morgan Chase, I transitioned to Santander, assuming the role in Information Technology and training in Cyber Security, marking a new and fulfilling chapter in my professional journey.
How you started:
Inspired by my father, who, despite being orphaned and lacking formal education, became a respected humanitarian in his local community, I felt compelled to carry forward his legacy. Driven by a desire to address the pressing needs of our community, I founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization JB Dondolo, named in honor of my father. Through this initiative, I discovered my purpose in empowering women.
My focus lies in facilitating access to essential natural resources for marginalized communities. I am particularly passionate about addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, which disproportionately affects women and girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty and widening the gender equality gap. The ramifications of water scarcity extend beyond mere inconvenience; they jeopardize both health and economic prosperity. With limited access to water, fewer girls are able to attend school, and women face greater challenges in securing sustainable livelihoods.
How did I get to where I am today?
My journey to where I stand today has been fueled by an unwavering passion to uplift vulnerable women and girls. I harbor deep empathy for those enduring hardship, and while I am fortunate to care for myself, my drive to effect change burns ever brighter. I discovered my avenue for making a tangible difference through the provision of clean water, a crucial step towards alleviating poverty.
Belief in myself and collaboration with like-minded individuals propelled me forward. I recognized that not everyone shares my fervor for this cause, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Each person inhabiting this planet has their own unique purpose, and diversity is what makes us all equal in our humanity.
Understanding this fundamental truth liberated me from the shackles of comparison and competition. My only adversary is the doubt that occasionally creeps into my mind, whispering that I cannot succeed. Yet, I refuse to succumb to its deceitful allure. Every triumph reaffirms my resolve, while every setback serves as an opportunity for growth and refinement.
This mindset shapes my approach to life—I embrace failures as steppingstones to eventual success. It’s a philosophy I live by, one that empowers me to persevere through any challenge, knowing that in the end, every setback is merely a precursor to a triumphant victory.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To say this journey has been smooth would be far from the truth; it’s been a rough road filled with setbacks. Failures have outnumbered successes, largely due to inadequate funding posing a significant hurdle. The demand for our services consistently outweighs our resources, resulting in a backlog of projects awaiting prioritization until funding becomes available. To mitigate this, we’ve implemented various strategies, including fundraising campaigns, seeking angel donations, forging impactful partnerships, and tapping into the creativity of youth through initiatives like art auctions and crafts. Another formidable challenge arises from the lack of suitable transportation to access remote communities, particularly those situated in rugged, wildlife-rich rural areas. Recently, our team faced a 16-hour ordeal when a vehicle breakdown left them stranded until a kind stranger provided assistance. Acquiring a suitable vehicle for such environments is imperative. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities; addressing them has the potential to greatly enhance our impact on communities lacking access to water.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about JB Dondolo?
What distinguishes us from our competitors is our commitment to science-backed water solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each community and enable water solutions for farming for long-term sustainability.
While our competitors offer water solutions, they often overlook the crucial aspects of customization and science to meet the unique needs of each community. To us, delivering water goes beyond mere access—it’s about fostering community development, ensuring food security, promoting health, and advancing education. We strive for sustainability by advocating for healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyles to secure a better future for generations to come.
I take great pride in reducing the distance women must travel to collect water, especially in challenging conditions where safety and dignity are compromised. When it comes to human life and dignity, there’s no measure of value. Access to water is a fundamental human right, and lives are at risk without it.
Our culture challenges us to be Great Thinkers who continuously think “improvement” and “innovation” through the power of technology and science. We have established a good relationship with the leaders of the communities we serve. Our work is endorsed by the Minister of Water Resources, Zimbabwe. This, combined with our traction, gives us credibility.
Through our efforts, women and girls are empowered educationally, economically, and health-wise. Our impact has already reached over 100,000 individuals across the country, leading to a remarkable drop in infant mortality rates from 35 per year to none. Freed from the burden of water collection, women are channeling their efforts towards skill-building and entrepreneurship, while girls are enjoying uninterrupted school attendance. By intervening at the right time, we significantly enhance their health, dignity, and overall well-being. We plan to scale our model to other African countries and impact 100 million women.
Our commitment to our vision underscores the imperative of environmental responsibility for Earth’s survival. Embracing an environmentally conscious mindset requires challenging ingrained beliefs, which serves as a vital catalyst, or “enabler,” for supplying water effectively. This initiative dubbed the “Water Action Agenda,” is detailed in the Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/100-voices-our-planet, offering insights into how individuals can contribute to preserving our planet via https://jbdondolo.org/100-voices-for-our-planet/. Our funding sources encompass grants, angel investors, matching funds, donations (both monetary and in-kind), fundraising campaigns, auctions, and consultancy services, offering diverse avenues for involvement accessible via our website https://jbdondolo.org.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve come to recognize the paramount importance of forging a cohesive team with a shared vision. If your team fails to embrace your vision, it could stem from one or more of the following factors: they may not align with your vision, they might not be willing to invest the necessary time to grasp it fully, or they might simply not be the right fit for your objectives. Having a team that is aligned with and committed to executing your vision is crucial. Additionally, in my role as the leader of our organization, my focus centers on actively listening to the needs of those we serve. It’s imperative that my team understand the significance of customer feedback. I prioritize listening, then leverage scientific and technological insights to devise solutions tailored to the community’s needs.
Pricing:
- Book – $50 per copy
- Monthly Subscription – $25 or more
- Auction Bid Start Price – $60
- Donations – any $amount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jbdondolo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbdondolo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbdondolo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lumbie-mlambo-7ab65019/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jbdondolo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JBDondolo
- Other: 100 Voices for Our Planet: https://forms.gle/CPVDPV6g6a6HNV1V9
Image Credits
JB Dondolo
