Varaidzo Martha Chokuwenga has always believed that to make a difference, you have to be willing to take risks.

Growing up in Zimbabwe, she witnessed the harsh realities of government inaction on the struggles of everyday people. But rather than accepting this as the status quo, she was driven to do something about it, sparking her journey into public service. It’s this same fearless determination that led her to apply for the MPPA Leadership Scholarship at Adler University — despite feeling she may be competing against others more “impressive” and far more accomplished.

“I didn’t think I would get it,” Chokuwenga admits, laughing. “But then again, I believe you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. So, I took a chance. And when I was awarded the scholarship, it felt like confirmation that all my hard work and dedication was being recognized.”

It wasn’t always easy for Chokuwenga to step forward.

Like many young women, she struggled with confidence, especially in spaces where she felt out of place. But last year, at Adler’s Women’s Leadership Showcase, she faced her fears head-on. As part of a panel, she shared her journey — challenges and all — and reflected on how far she had come.

“I was so nervous,” she recalls. “But it was such a turning point for me. The whole experience was about finding my voice, and I did.”

This year, at the same event, she returned not as an attendee and panelist, but as a scholarship recipient. Chokuwenga’s presence at the showcase — surrounded by women who inspire change and push boundaries — was a powerful moment for her.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Adler University hosted its third annual Joy MacPhail Women’s Leadership Showcase on March 11. The event included a keynote address by President Lisa Coleman, Ph.D.

“It felt full circle,” she says. “To be in a space where leaders are made, not just talked about, was a huge honor.”

Chokuwenga’s scholarship doesn’t just reflect her academic excellence — it also honors her commitment to serving others, even when it meant balancing a full-time course load with her volunteer work. Over the past year, she’s volunteered with various initiatives, including the Black in BC Leadership Summit, where she helped craft policy recommendations to support Black entrepreneurs. It was a real-world application of her studies in public policy — using her education to create tangible change.

“It’s one thing to learn about policy,” she explains, “but it’s another to actually see it working, to understand how policy can improve people’s lives. That’s what keeps me going.”

Chokuwenga has also applied herself to Adler, not just in the classroom but by contributing to the university’s broader community. She served on an ad-hoc committee to improve university shared governance and has worked alongside her professor, Enoch Tse, Ph.D., to explore integrating Indigenous worldview into public policy research pedagogy.

“At Adler, I’ve learned that education is about more than just theory,” she says. “It’s about using your voice and skills to create meaningful change, wherever you are.”

For Chokuwenga, the journey has always been about giving back — especially to the children of her home country. Growing up, sports played a major role in her development, helping her build confidence and resilience.

Varaidzo Chokuwenga received the Joy MacPhail MPPA Leadership Scholarship during the 2025 Women’s Leadership Showcase.

“I know firsthand the impact sports can have,” she shares. “It’s not just about playing; it’s about building skills that last a lifetime. That’s why my goal is to create an organization that uses sports as a tool for youth development.”

This goal seems more within reach now that she’s completed her practicum at the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre, providing administrative support and gaining hands-on experience in community service. With the scholarship in hand, she’s more motivated than ever to turn her dreams into action.

At the Women’s Leadership Showcase, Chokuwenga’s presence was a reminder of what’s possible when women support one another.

“The showcase was so empowering,” she says. “Dr. Lisa Coleman and Joy MacPhail are such incredible leaders. To learn from them, to be in the same room — it pushes me to keep going, to keep showing up.”

For Chokuwenga, the scholarship is just the beginning of her journey. “This is only the start,” she says with conviction. “I’m more determined than ever to make a difference in the lives of children back home and in the communities I serve.”