Her Story
About Chloe
Chloe Mapara is a chemical engineering student at Wake Technical Community College, where she is pursuing her Associate in Engineering and Associate in Science degrees. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with a minor in food science and technology, with the long-term goal of pursuing a master's degree as well. Having grown up in Zimbabwe, Chloe experienced firsthand the effects of food insecurity, an experience that sparked a lasting commitment to improving access to safe, sustainable, and nutritious food. That commitment first took shape in high school through her involvement with the Rise Against Hunger Club, the Culinary Club, and the Black Student Association, where she began to see the connections between food, science, and service.
Beyond the classroom, Chloe has taken on a leadership role as an Orientation Leader at Wake Technical Community College, where she welcomes incoming students, coordinates campus tours, and supports engagement initiatives — work that has sharpened her communication, mentorship, and teamwork skills. Her commitment to service extends into her community as well, through volunteer efforts with Rise Against Hunger, where she took part in a meal-packaging initiative, and with A Place at the Table, where she has helped distribute meals to individuals facing food insecurity. In recognition of her promise and contributions, she was selected as a featured member of the Influential Women Network and profiled in the organization's 2026 magazine edition as a representative of Cary, North Carolina.
Chloe credits much of her progress to the encouragement of her family, teachers, and friends, particularly her mother, whose decision to return to school at age 40 and pursue advanced degrees showed Chloe that ambition and education know no age limit. Guided by a strong belief in teamwork and collaboration, she envisions a future in which she works alongside food scientists, researchers, and policymakers to develop solutions that reduce global hunger. Outside her academic and civic pursuits, Chloe finds balance and creativity through cooking, baking, and trail running — passions that continue to fuel both her personal growth and her professional purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chloe
01What do you attribute your success to?
I owe much of my success to the people around me — my family, my teachers, and my friends. When I began my chemical engineering degree last August, I wasn't fully confident in my ability to succeed. My mother told me that if I wanted to pursue chemical engineering, I would find a way to make it happen, and that she would be there to support me every step of the way. That kind of encouragement has made all the difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received came from watching my mother's own journey. She returned to school at age 40 and went on to earn advanced degrees, proving to me that education and achievement have no age limit. Her example taught me that if you put your mind to something and stay determined, you can accomplish it, no matter when you start.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women that they don't need to have everything figured out before they begin. It's enough to start with a small dream or a simple question that sparks your curiosity. Seek out mentors, take the opportunities that come your way, and let those experiences shape your goals over time. Don't let your age make you doubt the value of your ideas — younger generations bring genuinely great ideas to the table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced is figuring out how to build a future in this field. The academic demands are significant, and it's been difficult at times to identify exactly where I can make the greatest impact. There have been moments when things didn't go according to plan, but I've come to understand that setbacks don't define the final outcome — they're simply part of the process of growing and moving forward.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Teamwork is the value I hold most closely. I have great respect for people who know how to collaborate well with others, because working well together doesn't just benefit the individuals involved — it benefits everyone around them, and ultimately the world. Teamwork and communication are, to me, essential values for creating meaningful progress.
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