Keri-Leigh Paschal
EXECUTIVE HEAD | ZIWANI
Keri-Leigh Paschal is the Executive Head of Ziwani at Mergon. Ziwani is a community of Christian business leaders who partner to live out their calling in the marketplace in unique contexts on the African continent. Ziwani was forged out of the belief that business leaders can fundamentally shape our marketplace and transform society through biblically aligned business practices.
Through regular engagements with media and the business community, Keri works to inspire and strengthen a culture of partnership between businesses, communities, civil society and government in building a more prosperous future for South Africa.
She is the recipient of the 2020 Accenture Rising Star Award for service to the public and private sectors. The awards aim to recognise inspirational young leaders in South Africa.
Prior to joining Mergon, Keri held marketing and development roles in both London and
South Africa. She completed her post-graduate studies in Biochemistry at the University of Pretoria, where she specialised in HIV research, and subsequently qualified as an educator. Keri also initiated and led a national drive to raise awareness for autism in South Africa.
Keri and her husband live in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
What would it look like if we all consult the people ‘less valuable’ to truly understand their actual and not an assumed need? What would it look like to brainstorm solutions together with people who have lower education levels and a scarcity of resources, yet hold an abundance of community connection and resourcefulness?