Inspiring women: Surrey MBA alumnae
This International Women’s Day, we wanted to shine a spotlight on two remarkable women – Vanessa Huang and Matondo Estrela Garcia Cardoso – and their stories of determination and impact on their industries.
Matondo Estrela Garcia Cardoso: from business consultant to senior adviser at Rio Tinto
Matondo Estrela Garcia Cardoso’s path to success has been fuelled by a desire to make a difference in her community and beyond. Starting as a business consultant, Matondo transitioned into her role as senior community social performance (CSP) adviser, where she works to drive positive change in mining communities. Her work directly influences policies and real-world practices, shaping industries for the better.
For Matondo, one of her proudest moments was the transition into her PhD at the University of Surrey after completing the MBA. Her research on development minerals as a catalyst for socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa affirmed her belief that knowledge can be used to empower communities and bring about meaningful change. “Seeing my skills being recognised and knowing that it could influence policies and real-world practices is obviously incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It reaffirmed the importance of doing the right thing at the right time.”
The woman who has most inspired Matondo is her mother, Isabel Lucau. “Her resilience, wisdom, and belief in the power of education shaped my determination to pursue both my MBA and PhD,” she explains. “She taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about lifting others as you rise.” Matondo credits her mother with instilling in her the value of resilience, listening to others, understanding their needs, and advocating for development - lessons that have guided her throughout her career.
Vanessa Huang: from international student to director of sales and marketing
Vanessa Huang moved over to the UK to complete her MBA with us and graduated in 2020. The move from China to the UK offered a challenging yet rewarding career shift to director of sales and marketing.
We spoke to Vanessa and, for her, one of her proudest moments was securing her first role in the UK after moving here. “It was a reflection of not only the knowledge and skills I gained during my MBA but also the resilience and adaptability” she reflects. The journey was challenging at times, especially as an international student in a new country, but Vanessa embraced the challenges as opportunities for growth.
A significant influence in Vanessa’s life has been Xiao Wang, the founder of Chenzao, a platform designed to empower women through personal growth, time management, and life efficiency. Xiao’s entrepreneurial journey taught Vanessa the power of balance. “As a mother and entrepreneur, [Xiao] shows that women can excel in both roles. Her story has empowered me to believe that with the right mindset and action, women can live life on their own terms and achieve their dreams,” Vanessa says.
Empowering women, building communities
Upon interviewing these successful businesswomen, it became clear how strong the sense of community was in their stories. They not only pave their own way to success but are also creating opportunities for others to follow.
Vanessa’s message to women today is to embrace the opportunities that come with the discomfort of change and challenging oneself. “There will be moments of self-doubt, but remember that these experiences are valuable,” she advises. “Find mentors who can support you, and trust in your abilities. These challenges will ultimately shape your future”.
Matondo’s advice to young women is to: “Believe in your voice and the value you bring to the table. There will be moments of doubt, but push through them. Seek mentors who can guide you, and don’t be afraid to take up space in any room. Success is not just about climbing the ladder - it’s about building bridges and lifting others, especially other women, as you rise.”
Whether it’s navigating a new country, balancing personal and professional life, or shaping industries, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us remember that continuing to support one another can have great impact.
Here’s to the women who lead, empower, and pave the way for future generations! We see the importance of having access to education as a springboard to success, and for this reason, we want to take this opportunity to remind you of the Women in Leadership scholarship which offers female candidates a partial scholarship that covers 10-50 per cent of the tuition fee (both on the Full-time or Executive part-time MBA). For anyone interested in applying, you will need to demonstrate your contribution to business and a drive to support other female candidates in the future.
Related sustainable development goals
