Rudo Chasi

What motivates you?

"I am motivated by several things. I am passionate about enriching other people's lives by bringing solutions to problematic issues and development through my work and my life. This in turn gives my life meaning and fulfillment.

"Secondly, I am motivated by continuous improvement and personal growth in my career and every other sphere of my life. As an African woman there are many traditional and cultural barriers dictating what a woman can or cannot do. I would like to join the likes of Joyce Banda, the first female president of Malawi, and break all glass ceilings, and do great things as a female leader, critical thinker and mother."

What drew you to your professional field?

"If someone told me that in the future I would have a career in conservation, I would have thought they were crazy, but I have always wanted to be a lawyer—ever since I was growing up. I made the conscious decision to study law because it brings about change, so the ability to bring change that affects people's lives in a positive way has always been the motivation to be in the legal profession. I can say I stumbled upon the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority whilst doing a criminal case as a prosecutor in the Criminal Courts in Zimbabwe in 2017. I found their work in law enforcement intriguing as I prepared for trial and interacted with their representatives such that when they advertised in the local newspaper looking for a legal officer, I instantly knew that it would be a career path of interest. I am glad to say, over the years, I have enjoyed working in law enforcement as a legal adviser and trainer for the Rangers and also taking part in policy development."

Why did you apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?

"I applied for this fellowship because I realize that the Wildlife Sector has many facets to it, most of which we do not learn in law school. For instance, climate change, communities and conservation, and law enforcement. I believe that the fellowship will give me an opportunity to not only learn from the experiences of others but to share my experiences and help advance a better understanding of this field. It is an opportunity to identify the problems in this field and to come up with practical solutions that can impact communities, nations and maybe the whole world!

"The fellowship gives me the opportunity to network at a global level and foster meaningful relationships that will result in projects and partnerships that help us bring about poverty alleviation through building communities surrounded by wildlife and encouraging sustainable utilization of natural resources. 

"Most importantly, it is an opportunity for me to continually be of service to the communities and to grow as a leader."

What do you hope to take away from this fellowship and apply to your work or at home?

"I am hoping to create synergies that will result in a lasting impact on natural resource management in Africa and the world. I am hoping to learn best practices in law enforcement operations against poaching. It is my desire that this fellowship grooms me as a strong and influential leader who will make an impact in the world."

What is something from your country that you would like to share with the UC Davis community?

"Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with a vast natural heritage, for instance, it is home to Victoria Falls one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO heritage site. It is also home to many national parks filled with the big five animals: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. It also has botanic gardens. I would like to share the wonderful travel opportunities that exist in Zimbabwe with the community of Davis."

How would you like to engage with UC Davis and the community here?

"I am open to doing some charity work. I love empowering women and children, and the arts, particularly music. I would like to engage in some kind of activity in these areas. I am also very flexible and able to take up any other cause beneficial to the community."