Catherine Kakolo Mongella is an author, leader, and visionary in the NGO sector with over 14 years experience in organizational development, project management, and capacity building, using solution-focused approaches. She holds a degree in Law, a master’s in public policy and administration and is a fellow from the NGO Whisperer. She is also a certified Director by the Institute of Directors in Tanzania and an author. Catherine is the first African woman under 40 to lead an intergenerational organization since its founding in the early 1990s and have been able to expand the organization’s impact in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa – (currently having operations in 25 African countries). She is also a recipient of the 40 under 40 award for Youth Empowerment.

She is passionate about changing the narratives around female leadership while also elevating the voices of youth in the pursuit of positive and sustainable change. She aims to inspire and support impactful solutions to the critical issues we face as a global community.

“I am a firm believer in the power of Prayer, Positivity and hard work; and lives by the statement – in a world where one can be anything, choose to be humble and kind,” she says.

She told us about her inspiring story so far and her hopes for the future.

How did your journey in your current profession start/what inspired you?

I started my career in 2009 – after completing my degree in 2008 – working as a Human Resource and Administration Officer for a fish export processing company located in Mwanza Tanzania. My time was spent overseeing over 400 employees in all things administration related. This period of her career taught her patience and the skill of being a good listener. I later left to pursue my Masters in Kenya – where while there – was able to secure a job with FIT Resources Kenya as the Relationship Officer. This was my first time in a non profit and I have never looked back. While at FIT I was able to work with institutions such as Kenya Institute of Management and KBC. My time in Kenya sharpened my work ethic, communication skills, drive and professionalism.

After completing my Masters – I returned to Mwanza and worked with Cheka SANA Tanzania where I started as the Human Resource and Operations Manager, later received a promotion to Project and Operations Manager and was promoted again to be the Executive Director. During my time with this organisation, I was fortunate to work with major funding bodies such as USAID and Dfid, supervising over 50 full time Staff and coordinating the running of a children’s home.

While working with Cheka Sana Tanzania – I was offered the opportunity to consult for BOMBA Maji Limited as a Human Capital and Corporate Relations Consultant. This gave me the chance to recruit and support the onboarding of over 100 women in the Lake Zone area for an NWASH Project.

After the pandemic hit and things started to stabilise Catherine moved to expand my skillset by working with Earth Guardians. Being the first person of colour -Black- African – to lead the intergenerational organisation since its founding in 1995. And as of last year 2021, to date she has been able to fundraise over $700000 for the organisation and expand the diversity within the organisation. Coming on board – the organisation now has a majority BIPOC staff and majority Youth lead team.

On top of these, I do consultancies on Organisational Development, Organisation Capacity Assessments, strategic plans and policies, through my firm HC&A Solutions to support local community-based organizations. Seeing the rise of Mental health cases post the pandemic – I co-founded DOCHAS Limited (www.dochas.co.tz) , a company that provides a safe space for anyone in need of Mental healing by providing affordable therapy and /or mental health sessions. Through DOCHAS Limited I have merged my experience with working with social workers to implement a program to provide mental health sessions to social workers in non profits to ensure they have an outlet from dealing with traumatic cases they encounter.

Is it a lot? Yes – but since becoming a mother; my priorities in my profession and career growth have changed from a point of working for growth to working to creating a legacy. Knowing I have two pairs of eyes looking at me for guidance, direction and as an example – that pushes me to be the best version of myself and show up every time.

Can you share with us one challenge you faced and how you tackled it?

My most challenging experience would have to be when I was bullied by my superiors – as a result of saying no. I had to go through a situation where I saw people and an institution I loved – reacting off fear and emotions rather than facts. Being a person who puts facts ahead of any professional issue – this was a very tough pill for me to swallow. It made me question my leadership ability and my values. Looking back – I would not do anything different; this challenge has taught me to forgive without an apology, to allow myself to process my feelings at the time of hurt and to allow myself the grace to understand that everything happens for a reason. I did not understand it at the time – but looking back I know that without the push of being bullied – I would not be here now. I would not have the extra layer of thick skin to allow me to push through tough situations.

Who is your role model, if any?

I would have to accredit my personality and drive to work to my parents and aunt (my mom’s younger sister). All of whom installed in me a strong work ethic drilling in me the importance of prayer and humility.

My aunt is a lawyer by profession and growing up I wanted to be like her – a lawyer making a difference and breaking barriers. Hence my first degree was in Law, but I chose another route to break barriers. Nevertheless – I still look up to her passion and drive – and honestly, I am truly thankful to have someone I can look up to in such high regard.

My parents are my prayer warriors – before anything I ask for their blessing and I have seen it do wonders for me. They are retired civil servants so seeing me dive into the Non-Profit sector and still supporting me – is priceless. They are the most humble and loving people I know and being a female leader – particularly an African leader in an International C-suite position – can be a lonely position. They along with my two sisters are a solid support system I can always be sure will hold me accountable to the values installed in us and keep me humble. I would not be who I am if not for them.

I feel pushed to also mention my mentors – my parents, sisters and aunt had / have a responsibility to make sure I stay focused and have the values I have – but I am fortunate to have mentors – who owe me nothing but have seen something in me when I started my career and have trained, coached and given me the grace where I make a mistake to go for the roles which I probably may have been hesitant to put my name forward. I have three mentors who from the start knew I was destined to break barriers – they told me and made sure I did so without imposter syndrome kicking in. They are all in the Nonprofit sector and understand the challenges that come with this position. They are the first people I reach out to when I get good or bad news and they always tell me like it is. I may not always agree or like all the feedback they provided me, but I always listen. And if I am honest 98% of the time they are right. Naomi, Editruth and Oswald – I know you will read this – THANK YOU!

What do you think about people who think women should be limited to certain roles only?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion – but being a trained lawyer, I would prefer they make such statements with solid facts and evidence. I can honestly say women can take on ANY role and have solid facts to back up my statement. From caretakers, to Drs, Lawyers, Engineers, Miners, Famers, there are competent women breaking barriers in various sectors in C-Suite positions.

On the other side of the coin I understand that such statements are made due to the fear of the unknown, and I tend to ask one question when I sense I am conversing with an individual or group of individuals who are hesitant on women taking certain roles. I ask if any of them have daughters or if they would envision having a daughter would they want them to do the bare minimum or would they want them to live their full potential? Putting the thought with someone you know and love – brings a new thought process which leaves most speechless. I would also ask said people to think why they would educate a girl child – and not want them to excel? Would that not be considered a poor financial decision?

What is your advice to young women aspiring to succeed in your endeavour/profession?

• Don’t let anyone play the emotional card – yes, lead with your heart – yes, follow your gut – but ALWAYS stick to the facts at hand. Facts don’t and can’t lie.
• Don’t let the gender card get to you – comparison is something you cannot escape – you being compared to what it was like or would be like if a man were in your position – your main tool for success is to focus on you and let your skills and technique speak for you.
• Let go of Imposter Syndrome – thinking you cannot do something – the job pays too much – thinking an opportunity is too good to be true. Give yourself a dose of self confidence in any task you do, conference you attend – understanding that as a female leader – it is no longer just about you – it is about you paving the way for other upcoming female leaders. We have the power and ability to change the narrative and perception on female leadership – let’s make it count!
• Have a support system – 3 to 4 people you know and trust – to hold you accountable when things get tough and keep you focused on your purpose.
• Progress over perfection – you will make mistakes and that is okay. We all have and let me let you in on a secret – Life goes on. Take your losses as a learning ground and move forward. I always remember a quote from one of my kids favorite animations SING “when you are down – the only place left to go is up”.

This year with  we are celebrating 20 women of excellence 2023. These are African women living in Africa or women contributing to the enhancement of African women globally. They are women making their mark in business, careers and communities. Do you know a woman worthy to be celebrated? Send us an email.