Looking back, what’s something special about your team that made your experience unforgettable?
Looking back, what made the experience truly unforgettable was the way the team welcomed me; they lived out the values we advocate for. I was welcomed with warm smiles and hearts, making it easy for me to gel with the team. What made it special was that I was given space to lead and learn. That spirit of team trust, shared purpose, and genuine belief in young people has allowed us to collectively co-create and celebrate young people’s power to lead change.
Can you recall a moment during your time at Restless Development when your actions or decisions made a meaningful impact?
One standout moment was leading my first youth-led research foundation training, which resulted in a comprehensive research report. The ability to create a safe space that allows young people to learn, express themselves and flourish is amazing. The young people described the experience as transformative. Seeing young people’s work being published on different platforms is a powerful reminder that creating platforms for youth voices isn’t symbolic; it’s transformative. Their participation in the process didn’t just inform the report; it shifted power. Knowing I helped make that happen is something I carry with pride
Which of the Restless values has stayed with you the most, and how do you find yourself living it even now?
The Restless value that has stayed with me the most is ‘the heart.’ It’s a reminder that meaningful change happens when those most affected are trusted to lead it. Even now, outside the daily rhythm of Restless Development, I constantly ask myself: Whose voice is missing? Who holds the power, and who should?
Whether I’m designing a program, facilitating a discussion, or supporting community work, I strive to create spaces where others, especially young people and marginalised voices, can lead, contribute, and thrive. It’s no longer just a value from work; it’s become part of how I move through the world.
What’s one challenge you’ve taken on to grow personally or professionally?
One of the biggest challenges I took on was speaking up in spaces where I initially felt underqualified or unsure of my voice. Working with young people has pushed me far out of my comfort zone. But I embraced it, preparing thoroughly, seeking feedback, and most importantly, learning to trust my experience and perspective. That challenge helped me grow not just professionally, but personally, too. It taught me that growth often begins where comfort ends, and that sometimes, the best way to lead is simply to show up with intention, honesty, and courage.
You played a big role in fostering collaboration. What’s a moment where you saw teamwork truly make a difference?
A moment that really highlighted the power of teamwork was during an endline evaluation for an SRHR youth program. We brought together young data gatherers to co-analyse findings and reflect on impact.
What made it special was how collaborative the entire process was from refining tools to interpreting results. Everyone’s perspective added depth to the data, turning numbers into stories that truly captured what had changed and why.
That experience reinforced for me that effective M&E isn’t just about measuring outcomes, it’s about co-owning learning and using it to drive meaningful, people-led change
What’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?
One thing I’m really passionate about is building meaningful connections, especially with young changemakers, activists, and development practitioners across different spaces. Networking, for me, isn’t just about exchanging contacts; it’s about creating a community of support, learning, and shared purpose.
I find real joy in bringing people together, whether through youth forums, WhatsApp groups, or informal catch-ups, because every connection is an opportunity to learn something new, amplify a voice, or spark a collaboration that drives impact. It’s energising and deeply fulfilling
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?
After a hectic day, my favourite way to unwind is through music. Whether it’s playing a dancehall playlist, revisiting old-school tracks, or discovering new sounds, music helps me reset and reconnect with myself.
Something is grounding about letting the rhythm take over. Sometimes, I dance it out; other times, I just lie back and let the lyrics speak. It’s my therapy, my joy, and my reminder to slow down and just be.
Can you share a memorable interaction or activity at Restless Development that brightened your mood during a tough week?
One moment that really lifted my spirits during a tough week was a spontaneous shared lunch with the team, which we call Gango here. It’s very spontaneous. The whole team contributes towards buying meat and sadza, and we all gather around, laughing, sharing stories, and taking a real break together.
It reminds me how much connection and care exist in the little things. That meal became more than just food; its comfort, and a reminder that even on the hardest days, we don’t carry the load alone
Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to building positive relationships, both at work and in your personal life?
My two beautiful daughters inspire me deeply, even though they’re still very young and just beginning to learn the ropes of life. In many ways, they remind me of the kind of foundation I want to build in both work and personal relationships, one rooted in patience, care, and gentle guidance.
Knowing they look to me to model how to treat others pushes me to be more intentional: to listen better, show kindness, resolve conflict with grace, and lead with empathy. They may be young, but they’ve already taught me big lessons about love, trust, and the importance of showing up for people with your whole heart.
Looking back, what was a quirky habit you had at the office that your coworkers found funny or unforgettable?
One quirky habit that my coworkers never let me forget is my loud laugh. And I mean loud, it echoes down the hallway, turns heads in the next office, and sometimes even startles people who aren’t expecting it!
It didn’t matter how serious the day had been; if something tickled me, that laugh would come bursting out, and the whole team would end up laughing too, either at the joke or just at me laughing. It became kind of a mood-lifter in the office. I’ve been told more than once, ‘Sharon, we always know where you are; just follow the laughter
If you were on an Island, what are 3 items you would take?
- A solar-powered speaker – because music keeps my spirit alive and dancing, even in solitude. No brainer
- A journal and pen – to reflect, write, and keep my mind grounded (plus, who knows what stories would come out of island life?).
- A family photo – especially of my two beautiful daughters, to keep me inspired, connected, and focused on what truly matters.
With those three, I think I could handle just about anything the island throws at me!
Hahahaha, I doubt you would find me there because of my water phobia, but hypothetically, I would carry
What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that most people wouldn’t know about?
That i am a sportsperson. I played basketball and cricket and i even won a prize for MVP in basketball
Can you share your Favourite Quote?
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela
