J. Nozipo Maraire

Who is J. Nozipo Maraire?

J. Nozipo Maraire is a Zimbabwean doctor, entrepreneur and writer. She is the author of Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter. The novel was published in 1996, was a New York Times "Notable Book of the Year" and a Boston Globe bestseller. It has been published and translated into over 14 languages. She is a full-time practicing neurosurgeon. Dr. Maraire has initiated neurosurgery programs in several institutions in Delaware, Ohio and Oregon. She has travelled, been educated and lived in many countries including Jamaica, the United States, Canada and Wales. She was selected to attend Atlantic College, one of the United World Colleges, in Wales. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and then attended The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. She completed her neurosurgery training at Yale. She was awarded a Clinical Fellowship Award by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons which she used to work with Dr. Fred Epstein in pediatric neurosurgery in New York City.

She is a public speaker who has been invited to lecture at colleges and universities across the country. Dr. Maraire has spoken to numerous book clubs and civic organizations and served on many literary panels including being an invited guest of The Gotenberg Literary Festival. She has served on the Board of Directors of several organizations including The Rotary Foundation, The Ross Ragland Theater and The South North Development Institute. She has worked with and for many development agencies including The World Health Organization, NORAD, the Norwegian aid agency and The Synergos Institute. She worked with the Synergos Institute as a consultant and program coordinator and was instrumental in forming community investment funds southern Africa.