.073 Zinhle Essamuah

Zinhle is a true force of good, someone who has always put in the work to be where she is now, and to go where she’s headed. To describe her as ambitious and driven would barely scratch the surface — she simply is a powerhouse of intellect and diligence combined with her treasure ingredients of compassion and empathy. A genuine truth-seeker, she embodies what it means to live life to the fullest and to spend one’s time amplifying stories that are important for the world to hear, especially when it’s tough. A true joy for me has been watching her move forward since we met in college and build her repertoire of skills.

Back when we did meet, Zinhle was always clear about her goals, never once letting the world get too in the way of achieving them. She’s brilliant and kind, always helping those behind and around her reach through the same doorways she’s stepped through, often one’s she built herself. Without even knowing it, she inspires me to work harder and be better in the process, all while treating those in life with respect. As a human being, Zinhle sets the bar high in terms of using the best of your abilities to do your best everyday, and to use those abilities for good. She’s trustworthy and loyal and deeply caring of her friends. She’s resilient and calming, confident and strong. She’s a reminder of what it means to do good and be good.

Zinhle, thank you so very much for inspiring me and so many others with your work ethic, drive and advocacy. Thank you for being such a beautiful human being who radiates courage and bravery. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend in my life and A’s, and for just being someone we can all count on and trust. Thank you for your help all those years ago with TEDx videos (!) and for always being up for a challenge. I’m so grateful to be your friend and to have you in my orbit. Thank you for being you.

-BD