We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Hungwe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Zvishavane, Zimbabwe. Zvishavane is a small mining town of almost 36,000 people, in the South-Central part of Zimbabwe. I had a community-oriented background. My mum emphasized relationship building and collaboration. This has led me to find much joy in the work I do today. I serve Owl & Panther where we offer refugees opportunities to find healing in community. Our main goal is to support refugees in cultivating a sense of belonging through community building that is facilitated by healing-centered engagement.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been involved with Owl & Panther since 2008, starting as a participant. My role has changed over the years. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in every capacity available from volunteer to director. This has made it easier to understand how to support our team effectively and set goals that are congruent with the roles and responsibilities of assigned staff. I’m honored to lead an organization that played a critical role in my healing journey. I consider my biggest responsibility as working to sustain Owl & Panther, to ensure its longevity in accompanying refugees as they find healing in community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Tucson is filled with amazing places to entertain guests. I’m especially fond of the beautiful natural spaces we have. As a proud member of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, that would be our first stop. It’s a great place to get some exercise while learning about the Sonoran desert. We would go to KG’s Westside Café for breakfast, Miss Saigon for pho and Tuk Tuk Thai for dinner. We would also go to Mt. Lemmon for a jaunt in the woods and a picnic, Madera Canyon for bird watching and dipping our toes in the cool creek, and the Tucson Museum of Art to marvel at their art exhibits. One final stop would definitely be on McCain Loop road so we can enjoy Tucson’s iconic sunsets and gaze at the stars.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The success I enjoy in my career has been influenced by two important people who are very supportive and generous. My partner and confidant, M. H. Mundy and my dear friend and mentor, Monica Nuvamsa who is the Executive Director of The Hopi Foundation. Both have been instrumental in guiding me through my growth as a leader.

Website: https://www.owlandpanther.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owlandpanther/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-hungwe/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyaTeZzFR29fOYeuBCf8Hw

Image Credits
M. H. Mundy

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