My name is Teresa. I was born in the remote area of Zimbabwe in Africa, where I attended my primary and High School before moving to the city to pursue tertiary education.
When I came to New Zealand in 2013 together with my husband and then two-year-old daughter, I struggled to get into the industry. I got advised to start a new degree so that I could get a New Zealand qualification to land a job in my area of specialization. I was determined and I knew I had the right qualifications to get myself the same job I was doing back in Africa: Land Surveyor.
I got my first full time job in 2015 and that was the beginning of my journey as a Land Surveyor in New Zealand. Working in a male dominated industry is not easy. I worked three times harder to be recognized, even with colleagues, and I still do. My aim was to get professionally licensed. It was not easy as a new immigrant and with a young family, but I made it, against all odds.
I am currently the only African woman who is a New Zealand Licensed Cadastral Surveyor. I am also a director, shareholder and found of TEK Land Surveyors, a business I started from scratch with help of my husband. I AM FEARLESS!!!
Blog written by: Teresa
The #IAMFEARLESS campaign was run by Studio81 as a way to encourage women from all walks of life to kickstart, inspire, and/or motivate any upcoming goals they had, to share a part of their life's journey, and to impart any wisdoms learned along the way.