Henrica Makulu

Senior Business Intelligence Specialist, Medscheme’s Business Data Insights Team

Nominated by Vukosi Sambo

Henrica is one of Zimbabwe’s first female data scientists. Using the notion that “data speaks”, Henrica’s desire is to transform lives. She currently does this through her role at Medscheme, as well as through her work as a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Mentor, Trainer and TED Talk Speaker.  

Tell us a bit about her background. 

She holds a BSc Hons in Applied Mathematics and is a Microsoft Certified Data Scientist Associate. She even has her own website, where you can learn more about her work:  

https://henricamakulu.wixsite.com/website

What is Henrica’s philosophy on life? 

Henrica believes in “Considership”. It’s a word she’s created that describes a considerate type of leader that puts others first in a world where we are told to put ourselves first. 

I always knew I wanted to change the world; I just didn’t know how. From a humble background, being raised by a single mother and selling sweets to get by in university, to being known as my country’s first female data scientist and travelling to Silicon Valley, my journey has been nothing short of a miracle! Today, my vision is to transform lives using data and I do this in my work with Medscheme, as well as in my community as a mentor, trainer and speaker. 

What special achievements can you mention? 

Henrica has impacted over 5 000 people through technical training and mentorship, locally and internationally. She was listed as one of Africa’s leading women in data analytics by TECHBUILD.Africa, one of 30 Outstanding Women in Data 2023 Edition by DataLeum, and one of 30 incredible women leading the charge in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Africa by Empower Africa. She was a finalist in the 2022 Global Women in Tech Awards. In 2022, Henrica went to Silicon Valley where she represented Africa at the prestigious TechWomen Program, an initiative of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE).  

What does she do outside of work? 

Henrica loves singing and has a song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g9aQoIxfKhk. Whoever said science people aren’t artistic? She is also a sporty person. She used to play league basketball. These days she enjoys step training at the gym. She also enjoys hanging out with her favourite people over weekends, and travelling.