Leaders: Mzima

Mzima Scadeng Life Experience:

Mzima discovered a passion for facilitating and empowering youth while in high school. She volunteered for a youth crisis hotline, worked as a camp counselor, and facilitated support groups for youth through COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere).

While studying nonprofit management at American University in Washington D.C., Mzima continued working with youth as a tutor, a mentor, and a volunteer "Peer Educator" for the American Red Cross, teaching high school students HIV/AIDS prevention.

After college, Mzima returned to her home town of Berkeley, California and started her own business as a professional cat sitter. After the senseless murder of her best friend, Keith, Mzima regained hope by teaching peace and human-relations curriculum to fourth and fifth grade children for the Mosaic Project.

If you really knew me, you would know that ...

Since my very first experience with Challenge Day, I have felt certain that I have found my home, and that becoming a Leader is currently my life's calling.
My "sisters" Amber, Brianna, and Katy inspire me to be my best.
I felt lonely and isolated for most of my middle school years.
I am very sensitive to any human or animal suffering, and as a child I would burst into tears when even a ladybug was stepped on.
My mother and father gave me the gifts of unconditional love and support, and it is my commitment to pass that love on to the youth I work with.
I love, and imagine someday I may live in, Costa Rica.