This week Grassroots welcomes two new program managers to our team, thanks to our strong partnership with Global Health Corps. While we are sad that our current fellow Monique is finishing up her fellowship, we could not be more thrilled to have Ruvimbo and Sahaan join the TGP fam.
In sticking with tradition, we did a quick Q&A with both of them. Have a read, and meet Ru and Coach Soz!
Ruvimbo Mushavi
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe for the most part. Although I lived in Namibia for almost 3 years (10-12 years).
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
France.
What inspires you about working for a non-profit like Grassroots?
Being in a position to empower young people to make the right life choices in order to live a full and healthy life.
What are you most excited about doing over the next year with Grassroots?
I am most excited about connecting with young people from diverse backgrounds and providing them with a comfortable space to discuss sensitive issues about their sexual health. I am also very excited to build new connections with people in the global health sector and get guidance on how I can be an instrument for change.
What’s your favorite type of candy?
Haribo Peaches Gummi Candy.
Who is your greatest role model, and why?
My mother because of the many sacrifices she’s made for me and my siblings, and the way she has shaped her career in global health in such a meaningful way, contributing to the effort towards an HIV/AIDS-free generation.
What’s your Grassroots nickname?
To some people, I go by Ru or Ruvi.
If you had to give anyone a SHOUTOUT right now, who would it be and why?
I want to give a huge shoutout to the GHC team for putting together such an amazing training institute. I honestly feel like I’ve gained so much knowledge in such a short space of time. I’ve been able to reflect on why I chose to take this opportunity in the first place, and how I foresee my future as a compassionate leader.
If you have a favorite sport, what is it and who is your favorite team?
My favorite sport to play is Field Hockey, but I love watching Basketball. My favorite team is Golden State Warriors.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Serena Williams.
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring?
(This one was hard). My mom for comfort; Alicia Keys for the good vibes; and Michael Phelps so that he can swim and get us some help.
Fun/interesting/random fact about yourself.
I used to sing in an A Cappella group in college.
Sahaan Sozhamannan
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Lutherville, Maryland, right outside of Baltimore.
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
My favorite place that I have traveled to is Cairns, Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef. As a nature junkie, it was so amazing to see.
What inspires you about working for a non-profit like Grassroots?
Organizations like Grassroots are amazing because they are so connected to the communities with which they work with due to their size and process of delivery. I love the innovative methods that they use to reach young people and involving many aspects of the community, as opposed to a traditional, often-disconnected program design.
What are you most excited about doing over the next year with Grassroots?
I am most excited about meeting the various people involved with Grassroots. From the actual kids to the student-athletes to various school and community stakeholders, I cannot wait to work with everyone involved and become a part of both the Grassroots and DC communities.
What’s your favorite type of candy?
I love Skittles!
Who is your greatest role model, and why?
My greatest role model is my former supervisor and close friend, Jackson Garcia, who currently works as an administrator at a high school in Massachusetts. Jackson grew up in the community in which he works and always talks about how he was lucky to receive some of the opportunities given to him so that he was able to get a college education. And because of the recognition of his own upbringing, he has devoted his life to working in education to help provide kids from his own neighborhood the same opportunities. But I am also inspired by his ability to not give up on any passion in his life. He had always had a dream to work in fashion, and now before the age of 40 he owns two clothing stores while maintaining his responsibilities as a school administrator. He is also an active community member in local government, and is an outstanding father and husband to his family. I am so grateful for all the support and mentoring he has given me over the years and he has been an inspiration for me to follow my own passions.
What’s your Grassroots nickname?
I’ve never really had a nickname, but my students would call me Mr. or Coach Soz; so I guess: Soz!
If you had to give anyone a SHOUTOUT right now, who would it be and why?
I would love to give a shoutout to my new co-fellow and friend Ruvimbo! It has been great getting to know her during training, and she is so incredibly hardworking and passionate about this next challenge. I am extremely excited to work with her because I think she will always push me as a colleague and be a great friend!
If you have a favorite sport, what is it and who is your favorite team?
My favorite sport is baseball, and my favorite team is my hometown Baltimore Orioles. Go O’s!
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Adam Jones, the center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. He is an outspoken, socially-aware athlete who is heavily involved in the Baltimore community despite having grown up in California. I believe his courage to speak up, behavior and compassion is a model for all athletes, both young and professional alike.
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring?
This is definitely a tough one. I think I would bring one of my closest friends named Matthew because regardless of the benefits of having a close friend with me, his camping and outdoor survival skills are amazing and would be useful. I would bring Dr. Paul Farmer because I do not think I could ever get bored talking to him about healthcare and education. And finally, I think I would bring Michelle Obama because I would love to just speak and learn from her as well, and I admire so much of the work that she has done, especially for kids. However, I would feel very guilty taking all these people away from the world when they have such a tremendous positive impact!
Fun/interesting/random fact about yourself.
I think it is a bit interesting and odd that I love to fish but I am also somewhat afraid of water.
