Happy Msiza, a PhD student at the North-West University (NWU), has been nominated for the Womandla Foundation Award in the Advocacy in STEAM category. These awards honour women excel in their fields, drive innovation and inspire future female leaders.
Happy’s nomination is in recognition of her efforts in promoting and supporting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) initiatives.
The fifth Annual Women in STEAM Awards will take place on 24 August 2024.
“This acknowledgment underscores the importance of advocacy in STEAM, especially in breaking barriers for women and girls. Being selected as a finalist is deeply humbling. It means my dedication and commitment to helping others have not gone unnoticed,” she says.
Happy’s nomination highlights her work in advancing the field of agriculture. She holds a BSc in pasture science from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in animal science from the NWU, where she is currently pursuing a PhD in animal science, focusing on planted pastures and rangeland ecology.
She co-founded the University of Fort Hare Agricultural Skills Development Club, which aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills for agriculture students. Her work has led to significant contributions in sustainable agriculture and animal science, with more than seven research publications and numerous presentations at conferences.
Happy is also involved in mentoring and community engagement. She has guided BSc Agriculture research projects at the NWU and the University of Fort Hare, and she is actively involved in the Black Women in Science and African Women in Agricultural Research and Development organisation.
Her accolades include the Best Oral Presentation at the eighth All Africa Conference in Botswana and winning the NWU Sustainable Development Goals Hero Video Competition. She also founded PhahlaLwendlu Farming, an agricultural consulting firm.
“As a mentor, leader and advocate, this nomination fuels my passion to continue making a difference. It reinforces the significance of community engagement and the impact we can have when we empower the next generation of scientists and leaders.
“I am honoured to be recognised alongside incredible women, and this strengthens my resolve to push boundaries, inspire others, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape,” says Happy.
NWU PhD student Happy Msiza has been nominated for the Womandla Foundation Award in the Advocacy in STEAM category.
