A 501 (c) (3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED IN 2023
In 2023, Izzy Chideya and some of his long-time friends, all native Zimbabweans, were motivated to share the unique cultural riches of their homeland with the people of California, Izzy’s adopted home. Some are musicians, some are sculptors, some are movie producers and some are university professors. Others are painters, performers and historians. With such a talented pool of resources, they decided to form a non-profit organization to facilitate enriching public events and programs.
To build a bridge between Zimbabwe and California/US culture by organizing exchange programs and fellowships, music festivals and conferences, by working with arts, cultural and educational organizations, both in Zimbabwe and California.
We build connections between Zimbabweans and Californians to better learn about each other’s art, music, traditions and history, and to build community by celebrating our differences, which helps bring us all closer together.
Our goal is to promote and share knowledge and an appreciation of the rich, ancient history of the Zimbabwean people and their culture, past and present, by showcasing artworks, music, dance, writings and more.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIR: Dr. Angela Gapa
Zimbabwean born Dr. Angela Gapa is associate professor of International Relations at Chico State University in California. She received her PhD in International Relations, an MA in International Studies and a Graduate Certificate in National Security from Florida International University, and a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science from National University of Sciences & Technology in Pakistan. Her research and teaching straddles both fields of International Relations and Comparative Politics.
BOARD PRESIDENT/C.E.O.: Joyce Jenje Makwenda
Joyce Jenje Makwenda is an archivist, historian and ethnomusicologist who was born in Zimbabwe. She lives and works in Harare where she founded and runs the Joyce Jenje Makwenda Collection Archive. Joyce has a Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Witwatersrand. For more than 30 years her work has been focused on early urban culture, music, politics, education, religion, media, fashion, sexuality, cultural issues and women’s histories in Zimbabwe.
BOARD SECRETARY: Charity R. Hodzi-Sibanda
Charity R. Hodzi-Sibanda holds a Master in Woman's Law degree specializing in Human Rights (political, social and economic), Feminist Theories and Perspectives, Gender Sexuality, Social Justice and Law Reform. She is also a holder of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) specializing in Human Rights. She has worked with over two hundred-civil society organizations within Zimbabwe and around the South African Development Community region, including UNIFEM (now UN Women), UNICEF and OXFAM Canada. She also worked as a Gender Specialist with the World Bank for two years.
BOARD TREASURER: Israel Chideya
Israel Chideya was born and raised in Mbare Township, Zimbabwe. In 1985 he was Clinical Coordinator at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics and in 1987 he became the Director of their substance abuse programs. He has lived in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, Canada and the US. He has a BA in Community Development and Planning, and a degree in Nonprofit Management from University of San Francisco. He has worked in the non-profit world since 1983 on issues such as homelessness, substance abuse and AIDS/HIV, once securing government and private foundation grants for a youth computer training program in East Oakland.
BOARD MEMBER: Michael Chinyamurindi
Michael Chinyamurindi is arguably one of the best actors from Zimbabwe and who has made it on the international stage. Some of the popular movies that Michael is featured in include George of the Jungle, Congo and Curious George. He is also featured in other movies as well, with an acting career spanning over three decades, making him one of the most accomplished actors of Zimbabwean origin. He is one of the few actors who has been featured in over 13 blockbuster movies, including several by the acclaimed producer Steven Spielberg, such as Jurassic Park 2: Lost World. He also is known for his parts in The Wild Thornberrys and Congo.
MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD
BOARD MEMBER: Matt Maguire
Matt Maguire has lived in Petaluma, CA for over 35 years with his wife LaRee. He was a twice-elected City Councilman, serving eight years. He has worked professionally in the telecom and solar industries, and is a long-time political and community activist focusing on pubic access to open spaces, local elections, environmental protection and other social justice issues. He works part time at Sonoma Portworks, the county’s only port tasting room, serving fine ports.
BOARD MEMBER: Levi Mayihlome
Levi Mayihlome is a retired Brigadier General and has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe and a MS in International Resource Planning and Management from the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey, CA. When he left the Zimbabwe National Army he was its Financial Director, and now currently serves as Deputy Minister of Defense for Zimbabwe. He is also a Logistics Consultant for Come Duze Investments.
BOARD MEMBER: Priscilla Sithole-Ncube
Priscilla Sithole-Ncube is the former Artistic Director of the famous Zimbabwean Amakhosi Township Square Performing Arts Center theater company and cultural center. Priscilla is a respected pioneer filmmaker and gender activist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She has produced a number of documentary films on culture, politics and women's issues, and in 2010 she established a film incubator academy called Ibhayisikopo Film Project. She has been recognized for her pioneering role in the film industry by Bambelela Arts and earning the Safiriyo Madzikatire Lifetime Achievement Award.
