Before she ever stepped into the bustling world of BongoHive, Mariah was a master of the digital landscape. With a background rooted in communications and marketing, she knew how to capture attention—but she wanted to do more than just tell stories; she wanted to build the world those stories lived in.

Today, she is a part of our Entrepreneurship department and is a key part of the “glue” that holds our BongoHive ecosystem together. It wasn’t a transition she initially expected, having spent her early career perfecting brand voices. However, a deep-seated curiosity about how local businesses thrive led her to a pivotal realisation: the strongest brands aren’t just seen—they are supported by a community.

Mariah is a believer in the power of peer-to-peer collaboration. One of her proudest milestones was transforming the “Founders Road Talk” event. Instead of the usual expert-led lectures, she turned the magic up by creating a space where participants could bring their problems to the table and solve them together.

A self-proclaimed “internet addict,” Mariah knows that staying sharp requires a balance. Her deep-work ritual involves a digital detox through immersive video games. Whether she’s conquering challenges in God of War or exploring new tech, she finds her best inspiration when she is “locked in” and fully present.

While many in the industry focus solely on the “big win,” Mariah focuses on functionality and problem-solving. Her philosophy is rooted in constant refinement:

“If I could send a DM to my past self, it would say: ‘Embrace the data.’ Don’t run away from the Excel spreadsheets; understand that building a business is about understanding the details and being patient with the process.”

This appreciation for utility and growth has sparked a passion for seeing local success stories go global. She points to the success of companies like .com Zambia as proof that the local scene is thriving, and she’s excited to help more entrepreneurs follow in those footsteps.

Since joining the team last January, Mariah has hit the ground running, earning the “Team Player” award for 2025. She is particularly excited to continue manifesting big goals for the hive, ensuring that every startup that walks through our doors feels supported and understood.

Next time you see her around our coworking space, don’t be shy! Mariah’s spark comes from her curiosity and social nature, and she’s always ready to hear about your latest innovation—just don’t be surprised if she asks you about your data!