Semeni Mazera reached a new step in her career journey! She completed her accounting license and is a finance professional and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). A big congratulations to Semeni for her hard work, determination, and commitment in taking this step to reach her career goals. It was a tough road and as she explained to us, she didn’t always have the clarity about what she wanted to do.  

Semeni recalls her childhood – growing up without professional role models and with an unclear vision about her future. With little guidance as a child, she considered becoming a pilot or a doctor, but didn’t fully comprehend the path either would take to pursue. It was through her strong determination, educational support, encouragement from friends, and work experience with her mother that helped her gain a clearer vision toward a career in financial management.

She started primary school in 2007. In 2009, in the third grade, she was selected by her community and teachers to receive direct support from Project Zawadi. At the start of each school year, as Semeni would receive her uniform, textbooks and supplies, she was reminded how she “had a support system that believed in her potential.” Her passion for finance was kindled during secondary school, as she began to lose interest in science and would focus more on mathematics.

During the holidays when Semeni was in school, she spent time working with her mother Zennah, who owned a small business, selling bed sheets and curtains. Serving as a cashier, she would chat with customers as they arrived and made their purchases. This gave her hands-on experience that helped her become familiar with small business practices. In between customers, she found herself offering advice to her mom, about discount pricing strategies and credit sales, explaining how these might boost revenue.  This would positively impact business.

Working with the practical aspects of business increased her interest in finance and opened her up to new possibilities she hadn’t seen. With her mother’s help, encouragement from friends, and an education, she felt strengthened in her goals. She explained, “Project Zawadi gave me the strength to push through every academic challenge.”
A new vision started to take form. She wanted to use her skills to “create opportunities for others, especially those who may not have access to financial education or resources.”

In July of 2023, Semeni earned her Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance at Mzumbe University and embarked on her CPA journey the following month. She enrolled in a fast-track program where she participated in all six subjects at the intermediary level, and four at the final level. With only a few months of prep time for each, Semeni admits it was tough. But she was able to complete what usually takes up to six years in less than one, finishing in May of 2024.  She expressed, “The rigorous curriculum pushed me to develop a deeper understanding of accounting principles and financial management, which I found intellectually stimulating.”

When asked what she hopes to do with her CPA, she explained how she intends to impact people’s lives starting with those in disadvantaged environments. By providing them with financial guidance, she hopes to teach essential financial skills and help others make informed decisions that can improve their lives. In addition, her goal is to help students explore potential career paths that they might not have otherwise known.  Semeni expounded,

“I envision using my CPA as a foundation for consulting work where I can advise individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes in managing their finances more effectively and making sound investment decisions. I’m also planning to pursue a master’s degree in finance and investment to deepen my expertise.”

Another factor that influenced Semeni was that she didn’t have to be hindered by financial lack for schooling.

“Project Zawadi has been my greatest inspiration. I often wonder, why did they choose to support us, and what do they expect in return? When I was in university, I met people struggling with tuition fees, some of whom had to drop out. Yet, I lacked nothing in terms of financial support. This support made me feel indebted, even to people I don’t know and from whom I can expect nothing in return. Project Zawadi has taught me the value of giving without expecting anything back.”
Semeni shared that she was also inspired in a unique way. Not only did she gain an education, a degree, and a license, but also an attitude about giving without expecting something in return. We hope this mindset will affect others and we’re excited to see Semeni continue to accomplish each step toward her goals and create a positive influence in the lives around her. The impact she can have on individuals and the community is inspiring. We look forward to watching her move forward in her goals.