Thando Mdluli

Position and Company Name:  Executive Assistant, The Particle Group
Date and Place of Birth: 26 October 1984, in Soweto
Education: Computer Systems 
Personal best achievement: Building my self-confidence, developing a stronger sense of self-belief and self-worth. 
Person you would most like to meet: I have a few, but for now, I will go with Basetsana Kumalo, a fellow Sowetan who's a great business woman.
Philosophy of life: Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing around you will bring true joy until you choose it within. No person, moment, or success will make you happy unless you allow it. Because real happiness doesn't arrive; it's created, protected and chosen daily.
Message for other women in our industry: Women are the nurturers of this world. There's so much beauty in the way we care, love and shape the lives of others. Embrace empowerment and your role in shaping humanity. Don't abandon your role as a nurturer because that's where your power is, that's where your beauty is.

CDN Resource Laboratories

Sharlene Joan Pillay

Position and Company Name: Financial Accountant, CDN Resource Laboratories
Date and Place of Birth: 22 April 1989, in Durban
Education: Bachelor of Accounting Sciences, SAICA Articles 
Personal best achievement: My most significant achievement is not marked by applause or a ceremony but by the sudden loss of my father. Whilst experiencing deep grief, I was suddenly faced with the responsibility of helping support my family whilst working full-time and pursuing my Bachelor of Accounting degree. Earning my degree was a powerful testament to perseverance and my inner strength. This journey taught me that true success often hides in the quiet moments when no one is watching when you choose to rise, persist and move forward, even when the path is hardest.
Person you would most like to meet: The person I would most like to meet is my younger self to offer reassurance, strength and a reminder that every challenge faced is shaping the person I am becoming.
Philosophy of life: Always choose kindness, not for reward or praise, but to be the quiet light that breaks through someone’s darkest days.
Message for other women in our industry: The challenges you conquer every day are a testament to your strength and determination. You drive change whilst opening doors for greater diversity and inclusion and your efforts inspire future generations and affirm the important role women hold in shaping our future.

Emmah Racheku

Position and Company Name: Debtors clerk, CDN Resource Laboratories
Place of Birth: Ga-Kgapane, in Limpopo
Education: BAdmin Public Management
Personal best achievement: One of my proudest achievements has been finding a career in finance without a formal background in the field. I started in a different space, but through a willingness to learn, and the courage to take on a new challenge, I eventually found my footing in finance.
Person you would most like to meet: Viola Davis. She’s a woman of deep strength and quiet resilience, who overcame so much without losing her faith or her sense of self.
Philosophy of life: Everything comes to you at the right time. Be patient and trust the process.
Message for other women in our industry: Keep showing up, stay open to learning, and trust that what’s meant for you will unfold in its time.

AMIS

Naledi Princess Kotsedi

Position and Company Name: Technical sales specialist, AMIS
Date and Place of Birth: 5 May 1996, in Pretoria
Education: BSc Honours – Geology.  Currently busy with my MSc in Geology
Personal best achievement: One of my proudest moments was being selected to present my MSc research at the HyAfrica General Assembly in Portugal. It was not just a recognition of my work, but a moment of personal growth—stepping onto an international platform and realising the impact of my voice and work in the energy space.
Person you would most like to meet: I would love to meet Oprah Winfrey. I grew up watching her, and was inspired by how she connected with people, and uplifted others through empathy and wisdom. 
Philosophy of life: My philosophy of life is to enjoy the journey and take joy in what I do. Life isn’t just about ticking off goals—it’s about finding purpose and peace in the process. I believe that when you’re aligned with your values and find meaning in your day-to-day, everything else starts to flow more naturally. 
Message to other women in our industry: Lift each other up! When we celebrate each other’s wins, share knowledge and stand together through challenges, we create a stronger, more inclusive industry.  

Dineo Mirenda Nation

Position and Company Name: Technical specialist, AMIS
Date and Place of Birth: 26 March 1992, in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
Education: BSc Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand
Personal best achievement: I was honoured to be part of the Emerging Leadership Programme, a life changing experience that challenged me to grow, lead with purpose and step outside of my comfort zone. One of my proudest moments was being awarded second place in the programme, a moment that reminded me of my potential and reaffirmed that when we show up fully, we are capable of greatness. 
Person you would most like to meet: One who stands out for me is Mpumi Ledwaba. She is an entrepreneur, a published author, and an advocate for women’s wellness.  
Philosophy of life: They always say life is short, but life is the longest thing we would ever experience. I believe that as long as you’re alive, there’s always time to begin again. Life won’t always unfold the way we imagine, but we can always reset, realign and move forward. Every chapter, no matter how hard, can still lead to something meaningful.
Message for other women in our industry: Our industry can be incredibly intimidating, but we must not be afraid to take up space. You belong here. Your ideas, your voice and your presence are not just valuable, they’re necessary. Let’s pave the way for those coming after us, the next generation of leaders. Let’s be the mentors we never had and build the kind of industry we wish we had walked into.

Hassana Lombard

Position and Company Name: Financial Accountant, AMIS
Date and Place of Birth: 25 June, in Karachi
Education: Bachelor’s and Postgraduate qualifications in Financial Accounting
Personal best achievement: Balancing a fulfilling career and completing my education − all while raising a family of strong, confident daughters. It’s been a journey of perseverance, love and growth.
Person you would most like to meet: Arundhati Roy − for her thought-provoking writing and unwavering commitment to justice.
Philosophy of life: Be humble in success, gracious in struggle, and kind always.
Message for other women in our industry: There’s strength in showing up as your full self. This industry needs your voice, your courage and your brilliance. Keep breaking barriers, and don’t forget to hold the door open for those coming behind you.

http://www.theparticlegrp.com