Rosalia Mendes describes herself as a forever kind of student who loves exploring, plants, yoga and all things holistic. A South African native with a passion for food and cooking and a love for nature. She has hiked and camped in the rugged terrain of the Cederberg Mountains and the iconic Table Mountain areas of Cape Town.
A distinguishing feature of Rosalia’s life is her embrace of neurodiversity. She proudly views it as a source of strength and a different way of perceiving and interacting with the world. Her own experiences as a neurodivergent person have fuelled her passion for making the world a more accessible and accommodating place for individuals of all abilities.
At Oxfam, Rosalia excels in philanthropy and fundraising demonstrating her remarkable ability to engage major donors with Oxfam’s mission. Her dedication to advancing social causes and her adept relationship-building skills have been instrumental in fostering meaningful partnerships. She has been a vocal advocate for inclusive practices, ensuring that the organisation’s efforts are accessible to everyone.
in 2020, Rosalia completed a 200-hour yoga course, a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being and mindfulness and in 2023 has started a PhD with the University of the Western Cape. Her passion for history has led her to focus on delving deeper into South Africa’s complex past where her current research delves into the materiality of letters to and from Robben Island ex-political prisoners.