Gladys Thabani Tutisani
Gladys Thabani Tutisani is a seasoned international programs and public diplomacy professional with over two decades of experience designing, managing, and executing cultural, educational, and professional exchanges. Her distinguished career includes 24 years at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, where she oversaw 18 public diplomacy programs ranging from the Fulbright and Mandela Washington Fellowship to arts, sports, and tech-focused initiatives. A highlight of her time at the embassy was a successful gender advocacy campaign involving a sprinter athlete who inspired male university students to take a stand against sexual harassment. She also played a central role in organizing a high-profile monument launch, demonstrating her ability to coordinate complex logistics and work seamlessly with senior diplomatic and government officials.
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One of Gladys's most meaningful achievements has been her work on the Mandela Washington Fellowship program, through which she fostered deep connections between Zimbabwean scholars and their U.S. counterparts. She takes great pride in seeing program alumni thrive—some even entering political life and transforming their communities. Gladys is passionate about mentorship, particularly for women in science, and is known for her immersive approach to program design, which enables her to respond with depth and nuance to the needs of each initiative. Whether launching a fashion collaboration between Zimbabwean artisans and American designers or curating a multilingual sculpture for the new embassy, Gladys brings creativity, cultural sensitivity, and strategic insight to every endeavor. Currently serving as an Executive Assistant at the International Research Organization and based in Plano, Texas, she continues to consult on international development and research initiatives.
• University of Zimbabwe- B. S.
• National University of Science and Technology- Master's
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay curious, cultivate resilience like a well-tended garden, and always make time to read—you'll grow both professionally and personally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, adaptability, and purpose are the values that guide me—whether coordinating agricultural research in Zimbabwe or managing cultural exchange programs at the U.S. Embassy, I’ve learned that staying true to your mission, especially during times of uncertainty like the 2008 economic downturn, is what sustains meaningful and impactful work.