Trish Mandewo First Zimbabwean-born woman making history in Canadian, local and provincial association politics

“From Highfields to Coquitlam, my journey proves that no beginning defines your destiny.”

In this edition, we honour the journey of Trish Mandewo. She is the City Councillor for Coquitlam, the 5th largest city in British Columbia, and the President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). She is the first woman of African descent to lead the organisation and the first Zimbabwean-born woman making history in Canadian, local and provincial association politics. Trish is also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, mentor, governance professional, author and speaker.

Download Magazine: Trish Mandewo African Woman In Business and Politics 2025

Trish’s first inauguration and 2018 Coquitlam City Council members

Trish has called Coquitlam home since 2009, where she lives with her husband, Alexander and their daughter, Alexandra. Her career began in Embryology and Clinical Microbiology, but life steered her into entrepreneurship, where she excelled. Today, she leads two influential firms, Synergy Executive and Boards Consulting Group and Ubuntu Strat-Edge, helping organisations strengthen their governance and build more inclusive, forward-looking leadership.

What makes Trish’s story so compelling is not only her achievements, but the ground she has had to cover to reach them. From growing up in Zimbabwe during the tail end of the liberation struggle to restarting her life in North America, she has walked a path shaped by challenges, curiosity and purpose. In our conversation, she reflects on these turning points with honesty and warmth, showing how each challenge shaped the leader she has become.

We are proud to celebrate Trish, her story, her strength and the doors she continues to open for the next generation of women.