Zinhle Phakathi is a big believer in the power of people and stories—and how both, when nurtured with care, can spark real change. As the Marketing Lead at Lucha Lunako, she’s helping shape the voice behind the vision,  how the organisation shows up in the world and builds meaningful bridges with the youth, communities, and partners it serves.

With Masters in Sport Sociology and Management, and a background in strategic communications, brand storytelling, and ecosystem building, she’s spent the last decade building, connecting, and supporting communities across the African continent. She knows how to bring people together, find the magic in the messy middle, and get things done—with heart and with impact.

In addition to driving marketing and business development, she’s hands-on in programme delivery, lending her insight to make learning journeys more culturally relevant, practical, and human. Whether it’s guiding entrepreneurs to professionalise their craft or designing a brand campaign that actually speaks to young people, she brings warmth, clarity, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.