Faren Kudzai Sakupwanya
Lusaka
Summary
I tell stories, build communities, and create experiences that bring people together around causes that matter.
As a Impact Strategist and Communications Professional, I help organisations connect with people in ways that are authentic, meaningful, and lasting through storytelling, community engagement, partnerships, events, and strategic communications. My work spans the nonprofit, development, entrepreneurship, media, and social impact sectors, where I have led campaigns, built partnerships, managed communities, and created platforms that inspire action and drive change.
Passionate about translating complex ideas into stories people can understand, relate to, and champion. Whether through a large-scale event, a communications campaign, a community initiative, or a single conversation, I believe meaningful engagement begins when people feel seen and heard.
I am also the author of Unmute, a book born from conversations around healing, identity, resilience, and finding the courage to speak up. My commitment to empowering others extends beyond my professional work through EmpowerHer, an initiative that supports girls and young women affected by gender-based violence with access to healing, mentorship, life skills, and personal development opportunities.
My journey began in journalism and media, and over the years has evolved into communications, public relations, partnerships, and community building. That foundation continues to shape how I approach my work today: with curiosity, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of stories to shift mindsets, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for lasting impact.
Whether I am leading a campaign, moderating a conversation, building partnerships, mentoring young people, or supporting mission-driven organisations, my goal remains the same: helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Digital marketing strategist - Consultant
Hytel Global
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2025.11 - Current
- Monitored latest trends in digital marketing with a focus on adapting tactics accordingly.
- Leveraged keyword analysis to strengthen SEO strategies.
- Analysed web traffic data with Google Analytics to optimise website performance.
- Worked cross-functionally with PR department during crisis management situations.
- Advised clients on effective online branding methods, achieving strong brand identity.
- Coordinated all aspects of email marketing campaigns, enhancing customer communication.
- Developed comprehensive digital marketing strategies to drive brand recognition.
- Collaborated with sales team to integrate online and offline marketing efforts.
- Developed targeted advice for decision-makers on how best to reach target consumers and build awareness.
- Compiled and reviewed consumer data on patterns and preferences for marketing information.
Public Relations and Community Liasion
Mainza Nation Events
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2024.01 - Current
- Orchestrated influencer and artist collaborations to amplify event reach and engagement, successfully securing promotional support from 10+ gospel artists and influencers, driving a 25% boost in online engagement.
- Implemented a crisis communication plan for event-related challenges, effectively managing audience expectations and preserving brand reputation, achieving a 98% positive sentiment score post-event.
- Led a team of 50+ volunteers in executing on-site logistics, media interactions, and attendee support, resulting in seamless event operations and over 95% on-time scheduling adherence.
- Developed post-event reports and analysis to measure PR and community engagement impact, presenting actionable insights that informed strategy improvements, leading to a 40% increase in event registrations for subsequent events.
- Managed gift basket distribution to key partners, sponsors, and VIP attendees as part of relationship-building efforts, enhancing goodwill and securing repeat sponsorship commitments by 60%.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and holidays.
- Negotiated partnerships with other businesses for mutually beneficial promotional activities.
- Fostered positive relationships with stakeholders through regular engagement activities.
- Maintained an updated database of contact information for key individuals within the community.
Digital Communications and Community Associate
BongoHive
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2023.01 - 2025.12
- Strategically lead BongoHive’s digital communications, achieving 40% increase in social media engagement and 35% growth in audience reach within 1 year.
- Drove content creation across multiple platforms, producing newsletters with 28% open rate, blogs that enhance website traffic by 50%, and social campaigns that elevate brand visibility.
- Developed and implemented targeted marketing strategies, successfully attracting over 500 participants annually to entrepreneurship programmes, workshops, and innovation-driven events.
- Built and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, contributing to 25% increase in collaborative opportunities and ecosystem expansion.
- Planned and delivered high-impact events, empowering startups and entrepreneurs to achieve measurable and sustainable business growth.
- Collaborated with internal teams to craft compelling narratives and storytelling strategies that align with the company's mission, fostering community engagement and brand loyalty.
- Monitor and analyse digital performance metrics, leveraging insights to optimise campaigns and improve results, leading to 15% increase in campaign return on investment (ROI).
- Balanced multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines without compromising quality.
- Originated creative ways for displaying and sharing content with different audiences.
- Attended business, social and other functions to promote organisation.
- Scheduled social media posts using Hootsuite, optimising reach and maximising community engagement.
Director of Operations and Marketing
Retunes Promotions and Distribution
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2018.12 - 2021.12
- Led the overall operations enhancing the platform's reputation as a leading site for African gospel music
- Oversaw promotional strategies and distribution initiatives, ensuring effective showcasing of gospel music content to a wide audience, which increased platform engagement
- Managed the intricacies of a music label under the Retunes umbrella, steering it towards successful releases and fostering the growth of artists within the gospel music genre.
- Spearheaded brand management efforts, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence for Retunes. This involved strategic positioning, consistent messaging, and effective engagement with the target audience.
- Played a pivotal role as Director of Communications and Marketing, crafting communication strategies that elevated Retunes' visibility, resulting in enhanced platform reach and media presence
- Navigated the complexities of the music industry, fostering partnerships and collaborations to expand Retunes' influence and contribute to the promotion of gospel music on a broader scale.
- Championed change management initiatives, leading to smoother transitions during restructuring phases.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, promoting operational excellence across the organisation.
- Planned daily operations to maximise productivity, monitoring KPIs to promote consistent progress towards targets.
- Reviewed reports from subordinate management to identify areas of opportunity.
- Maintained agile, responsible organisation with sustained revenue growth by monitoring industry forecasts, honing budgets and adjusting marketing strategies.
TV Presenter and Producer
Fortress Media and Life Tv
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2018.03 - 2021.01
- Presented a weekly live entertainment show that increased viewer engagement by covering entertainment news, informal chat, and music
- Established a strong relationship with viewers by providing engaging entertainment segments, aligning with the show format and target audience, which enhanced viewer loyalty
- Interviewed guests, moderated debates, chatted with callers, and hosted live events, contributing to a dynamic and interactive show experience
- Conducted thorough research ahead of each show to stay informed on topics, enabling engaging and unscripted discussions that enriched the show's content
- Maintained an active social media presence by managing Facebook and Instagram accounts, enhancing the show's visibility and audience interaction
- Adhered to all guidelines, policies, and procedures, including the Fortress Broadcasting Code, ensuring compliance with indecency and obscenity regulations
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive post-production evaluation process to ensure continuous improvement.
- Verified factual accuracy before dissemination, maintaining channel credibility.
- Gained broad knowledge in various subjects to enhance programme quality.
- Worked closely with technical team for seamless broadcast execution.
- Enhanced viewer engagement with compelling storytelling.
- Prepared scripts, ensuring clarity and coherence.
- Ensured timely delivery of programs by adhering strictly to scheduling requirements.
- Adapted presentation style to suit varied topics, guests and audiences.
- Reacted to in-ear instructions to steer content and guests to meet piece timeframes.
- Worked flexibly to meet changing filming, timing and location demands.
- Built rapport with guests and delivered engaging, responsive interviews.
- Collaborated with production teams to understand and deliver running orders.
Journalist trainee
Kwacha Celebrity and Newspaper
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
2017.06 - 2019.04
- Wrote and edited stories to be featured in weekly paper, enhancing reader engagement and increasing subscription rates
- Conducted interviews with government officials, politicians, and policy makers, resulting in exclusive insights that informed public discourse
- Covered a variety of topics in hard news as well as health and wellbeing, providing readers with comprehensive and informative content
- Provided compelling coverage of both anticipated and breaking news, keeping the audience informed and engaged
- Helped shape the narrative on key issues through effective storytelling and knowledge of public opinion, influencing public perception and policy discussions
- Pitched stories to editorial staff in news and entertainment, leading to increased reader engagement. Conducted research and verified all facts to uphold journalistic integrity, ensuring accurate reporting
- Developed a multimedia package for a story that included video, audio, and photographs.
- Covered major breaking news stories and provided timely updates to readers.
- Proofread articles before publication ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Built a network of sources to ensure access to key information.
- Transcribed recorded interviews, providing accurate quotes for stories.
- Wrote concise headlines, increasing reader interest.
- Produced high-quality content with strict adherence to deadlines.
- Ensured timely delivery of assignments by efficient time management skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations
LIUTEBM University
Lusaka, Lusaka Province 2024.01 -
GCSEs -
Great North Road Academy
Lusaka, Lusaka Province 2013.01 - 2016.12
Skills
- Digital content creation
- Social media monitoring
- Audience engagement strategies
- Brand development
- User experience understanding
- Social listening tools
- Strategic planning
- Event planning
- Event design
- Leadership
- Team management
- Creative thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Excellent organisation
- Problem-solving
- Resourcefulness
- Resilience under pressure
- Diplomatic communication
- Communication skills
Accomplishments
- Founder and Director of the EmpowerHer Project, a community initiative supporting young women affected by gender-based violence through mentorship, psychosocial support, self-defence training, and entrepreneurship development.
- Author of Unmute: A Guide for Young Adults on Gender-Based Violence, a resource created to educate, empower, and support young people navigating issues of GBV, healing, consent, and healthy relationships.
- Recipient of the Always Growing Award (2023), awarded by BongoHive for exceptional personal and professional growth.
- Recipient of the Swiss Army Knife Award (2024), recognising versatility and excellence across multiple areas of responsibility.
- Recipient of the Beyond the Call of Duty Award (2024), recognising exceptional commitment and contribution beyond assigned responsibilities.
- MozFest House Zambia 2024 Wrangler, serving as Main Stage and Virtual Networking Moderator.
- Graduated with Distinction from the UPG Sustainability Leadership Programme.
- Certified in Peacebuilding by the Institute for Public Policy and Diplomacy Research.
- Successfully led and implemented youth-focused community projects addressing gender-based violence, leadership development, and social impact.
Certification
Certifications
- Peacebuilding Certificate – Institute for Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (2025)
- Storytelling for Change Certificate – Acumen Academy (2024)
- Digital Marketing and Advertising Certificate – Udemy (2024)
- Idea Creation and Solution Generation Certificate – Nestlé Youth Entrepreneurship Academy (2024)
- Sustainability Leadership Certificate (Graduated with Distinction) – UPG Sustainability Leadership Program (2024)
- Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders – U.S. Department of State
- Leadership for Change Program
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Digital marketing strategist - Consultant
Hytel Global
2025.11 - Current
Public Relations and Community Liasion
Mainza Nation Events
2024.01 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations
LIUTEBM University
2024.01 -
Digital Communications and Community Associate
BongoHive
2023.01 - 2025.12
Director of Operations and Marketing
Retunes Promotions and Distribution
2018.12 - 2021.12
TV Presenter and Producer
Fortress Media and Life Tv
2018.03 - 2021.01
Journalist trainee
Kwacha Celebrity and Newspaper
2017.06 - 2019.04
GCSEs -
Great North Road Academy
2013.01 - 2016.12