Mary Milanzi

She is an Environmental Engineer from Zambia and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Oxford, pursuing an MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management as a member of Linacre College. Her academic and professional journey has been driven by a passion for expanding access to safe water and advocating for more inclusive, decentralized, and community-driven water policies.

She graduated with First Class Honours in Environmental Engineering from The Copperbelt University, where she was recognised as the Best Graduating Student in a male-dominated class. During her time at university, she actively participated in initiatives aimed at fostering positive change within her community. As a member of the Environmental Society, she took part in afforestation and reforestation activities promoting Sustainable Development Goal 13.

She currently serves as a District Water Development Officer in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, where she works closely with local communities to improve water service delivery and sustainable resource management. She has collaborated with development partners, including UNICEF, on initiatives such as the Scaling Up Nutrition programme and the NEWZA WASH programme. These experiences have given her valuable hands-on expertise in community engagement, project implementation, and translating policy into practical solutions that address local needs.

Beyond her professional work, she is a member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia, through which she participates in career talks in schools, inspiring young people to pursue careers in engineering and contribute to national development. She is excited to join Oxford’s diverse academic community, where she looks forward to exchanging ideas, sharing the challenges and lessons from her work in Zambia, and learning from the experiences of peers from around the world. She sees herself as a connector, linking ground-level experiences with global experiences.