Dreaming big, studying abroad

Ashley Chiyedza Mavhurume carried a dream for years: to study abroad. Leaving her home in Zimbabwe, she found the right fit at Central Michigan University.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad,” Mavhurume said. “Because I wanted to explore and challenge myself to go beyond familiar things—to learn more about diversity, collaboration, and different cultures.”

She added, “CMU gave me project management, something that I was familiar with and something that I wanted to pursue. Looking at the College of Business Administration, it’s one of the best, and I thought I could use something like this and have exposure at the College of Business Administration.”

Embracing challenges and growth

Adjusting to the fast-paced academic environment in the U.S. wasn’t easy.

“The biggest adjustment that I had to go through is trying to keep up the pace of the learning curriculum. There are so many assignments and quizzes at the same time—being able to adjust and internalize all those things at once was a bit straining for me,” Mavhurume said.

With support from faculty, advisors, and peers, she adapted quickly. “By the third week, fourth week, I was up to speed. I was getting comfortable.”

Mavhurume credits her professors and advisors for helping her grow. “Professor Ekhomen helped me to get out of my shell and be outspoken. She has really helped me. I think that was a good thing that I did MBA 610 Managing Info Systems in Global Economy before every other course because it has helped me even in my writing skills, dialogues, and discussions.”

Her advisor, Pam Stambersky, also guided her through studies and course planning.

Hands-on experiences and leadership

Mavhurume’s passion for project management shines through her coursework. “I’ve just started BUS 501, and I think it’s exciting. I get to have hands-on experience on projects—you’re not just learning, but you’re having fun and getting a little bit of a reward in it.”

She also stepped into leadership on campus. “I am the president of the Project Management Chapter. It’s something that I’m passionate about—I applied for the position, I got nominated and elected, and now I’m the president.”

To strengthen her communication and public speaking skills, Mavhurume joined Toastmasters.

Building on global experience

Mavhurume’s background includes professional work with the United Nations Development Programme in Zimbabwe, where she led projects teaching entrepreneurial skills to youth.

“We were helping them to turn their interests or their talents into money-making projects,” she explained.

She also served as a monitoring and evaluation officer, communications manager, and customer service professional across health and development industries.

“These things have helped to bring a diverse perspective in my career,” Mavhurume said. “Everything that I’ve done until today has shaped me and is also continuing to shape me for my career.”

Looking ahead

Mavhurume’s goals after graduation reflect her desire to make a difference.

“When I chose project management, pursuing project management is not just a technical discipline for me. I want to use it as a tool for impact. I want to be able to do projects that are long term, that are lasting, that are life changing. I envision myself building initiatives that empower communities or streamline operations and foster innovation across borders.”

Her faith is central to her journey. “From the day I set my mind to say I’m now going to CMU; it has been God. I’m a Christian and God has been the source of my inspiration and motivation.”

Advice for future students

For students considering CMU and the CBA, Mavhurume’s advice is simple: “Go for it. CMU is the best place that you can be. It doesn’t only get to the classroom, and it’s done—it’s out of the classroom, it’s the society, it is the community everywhere that you go.”

Looking back, she’s grateful for her growth. “I can see myself right now when I look back to whom I was when I came in January and where I am today. I can see a whole gap and I’m seeing myself growing every day. I’m proud of that.”