On September 6, 2024, Georgia State University proudly hosted Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods, for an insightful event titled "Secrets to Success: Making Bold Moves & Finding Your Voice as a Female Entrepreneur." Open to the public, the event attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, and professionals, all eager to hear from Monica about her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business as a woman in the global market.
Monica Musonda’s path to success is a remarkable one. After a successful legal career, she pivoted toward entrepreneurship, founding Java Foods, a Zambian-based food processing company that produces affordable, nutritious, and locally sourced products. Java Foods, known for its popular eeZee Noodles and Supa Cereal, has had a significant impact in Zambia and throughout the region, offering sustainable solutions to food insecurity while fostering local manufacturing and empowering communities.
During her talk, Monica shared the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From transitioning out of corporate life to navigating the challenges of starting a business in a male-dominated industry, she highlighted the importance of resilience and bold decision-making. Her journey reflects the power of embracing risk and seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth, valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. She encouraged the audience to cultivate the confidence to lead, regardless of their challenges.
Another key theme of Monica’s talk was the importance of developing a strong personal voice in business. She emphasized that women, in particular, need to confidently advocate for themselves and their ideas. Leadership, she explained, often requires stepping into uncomfortable spaces, but doing so is necessary for growth and success. Monica’s story resonated deeply with many in the audience, who left feeling inspired to take bold steps in their own careers.
The event was a collaborative effort between Georgia State University and the Zambians Promoting Leadership in America (ZLA Foundation), with special recognition to Dr. Freda Mwamba Brazle for her role in co-organizing. Thanks also go to the numerous co-sponsors from Georgia State, including the Office of International Initiatives, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, WomenLead GSU, GSU-CIBER, the College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Political Science, Atlanta Global Studies Center, The Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora, and the Department of Africana Studies.
Monica Musonda’s visit was a powerful reminder of the impact women entrepreneurs can have when they take control of their narratives and embrace leadership with boldness. As Georgia State University continues to foster women’s leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities, events like this help to spark crucial conversations about equity, innovation, and the future of business.
About Monica Musonda:
Monica Musonda is the founder and CEO of Java Foods, a leading food processing company based in Zambia. Her transition from law to entrepreneurship allowed her to address food security challenges in Africa. Java Foods produces nutritious, affordable, and locally sourced products, and Monica is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment across Africa and beyond.