Experience Magnificent Marvelous
I am driven by a single goal; to do my part in making the world a better place for all. I believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world.
I strive to build productive relationships and make a productive impact with every individual and organization I interact with.
An affirming HIV-positive Black woman, Marvelous Muchenje is a natural leader, engaging, hilarious motivational speaker, and trusted advisor to her peers. She has captivated audiences around the world with her inspiring messages of advocacy on sexual and reproductive health and rights, improving the quality of life of people living with HIV, and women's empowerment. Since her first Keynote in 2003 at the European Social Forum, Marvelous has shared her story as a racialized woman living with HIV with thousands in over 15 countries.
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Marvelous’ mission and message is about being bold enough to leave our comfort zones, pursue our personal goals and having the courage to tell our stories and give hope to the hopeless. She equips people, organizations, communities, and networks with the tools to work as a team, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges.
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Marvelous’ career history includes:
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20 years’ experience working as a manager, project coordinator, and other administrative roles in the non-profit and NGO sector
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12 years experience working in the global non-profit sector (specializing in grant management, financial reports, stakeholder/donor relations and staff/volunteer management
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2 years as an International Civil Society representative on the Robert Carr Funding Network (RCF), setting strategic direction for the Fund, making decisions about funding priorities and the framework for monitoring, evaluation and learning, deciding on funding allocations with advice, supporting fundraising
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Overseeing implementation of RCF activities in collaboration with UNAIDS, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis, Aidsfonds, and civil society partners. ​
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Marvelous sits on several national and regional boards with a global reach, which she uses to uplift the narratives of those who face injustice. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Ryerson University, Masters in Global Health at McMaster University, and is currently a PhD student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Marvelous has received local and National awards for her speaking, advocacy, and philanthropy.
MY JOURNEY
Rajesh Pisharody, M.Sc, M.Ed, MPH
"Marvelous is a very strong advocate for communities who are vulnerable and marginalized that she works with. She is also very actively involved with community based research in the HIV/AIDS sector and we have jointly organized focus groups, engaged with clients and gathered evidence based research information and data that forms the basis of the programs and services we offer. Marvelous has a lot of potential, is a strong asset and is very focused and once she sets her mind she accomplishes whatever she pursues. I wish her the very best. "
Svetlana Ratnikova
Fouder and CEO of IWB (Immigrant Women in Business)
"Marvelous is passionate about fostering resilience and social justice in individuals, communities, and systems. She has earned the trust of those she supports, and of her peers and colleagues. Without hesitation, I endorse Marvelous's exemplary work. Thank you for your long-standing commitment to our community, Marvelous!"
Naira Velumyan, PhD, RP, Coach
Founder and CEO of the Academy of Social Competency, Forbes Council Member
"After meeting Marvelous, I was immediately impressed with her drive, knowledge and commitment to her organization and the non-profit sector. She is creative, tenacious and masterful at managing both infrastructure and people. She is an intelligent leader and also a delight to work with"