Thunderbird at ASU student bridges governance and regional integration in Africa

Growing up in a humble suburb of Northend in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Netty Magura began her journey to higher education with great adversity. 

She had failed her ordinary-level exams and went on to become a server at a restaurant and work other odd jobs.

"Those difficult years taught me that hard work is the one constant I could rely on,” Magura said. "Once I commit to something, I stay with it until it becomes possible.” 

Determined, she took herself back to school, passed her exams and pursued her undergraduate studies successfully.

Today, Magura holds a doctorate in governance and regional integration from the Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences in Cameroon, and is pursuing a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

When asked about how she found Thunderbird, she remembered the moment with clarity: She heard about it from a classmate who was raving about the global and innovative school with a headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. At that moment, it seemed like a far-fetched dream to attend such a prestigious college. But she plotted her way across continents, eventually leaving everything familiar in pursuit of her dream.

While enrolling at Thunderbird, she also pursued her doctorate — supported by a Pan African University scholarship — which she managed to complete in March 2025.

Thunderbird has proven to be everything she thought it would be: a place where one can be safe in their authenticity, that welcomes different voices, and offers vast perspectives and practical solutions to everyday challenges. She says her degree from Thunderbird complements her doctorate perfectly and that the skills she gained through both programs help her address inequalities in African governance and work toward greater regional integration.

“Being at Thunderbird feels like stepping into the world I always dreamed of. It’s a place where my aspirations for Africa’s future feel possible,” Magura said.

In her spare time, she enjoys sightseeing — Arizona has no shortage — and she has taken up hiking as a new hobby.

In regards to how Thunderbird has influenced her way of thinking, she mentioned Professor Mansour Javidan, who has made a profound impression on her.

“During Foundations, I met Professor Javidan, and he talked about the "Thunderbird Mystique." I didn’t understand him until I had the full Thunderbird classroom experience: the fusion of different brilliant minds, meeting new people who looked at life through different lenses from yours, and that pushes you to explore a new way of thinking and, surprisingly, can provide solutions to some of your most nagging questions."

Below, Magura elaborates on her academic career and the advice she has for future Thunderbirds.

Note: This interview has been edited lightly for brevity.

Question: How does your Thunderbird experience contribute to your passion for providing inclusive governance and regional integration in Africa?

Answer: When I stepped into Thunderbird’s Foundations Week, a popular T-bird quote stuck with me: “Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers,” because those words embodied my passion in one simple sentence. I knew I belonged here, in this multicultural, think-out-of-the-box, embrace-your-diversity space.

Q: How has Thunderbird influenced your way of thinking?

A: Exposure to this way of life has raised an awareness in me about how interconnected we are and has strengthened my resolve to pursue integration between countries. I found that, as countries in the Global South, our challenges are almost identical, and being advantageously positioned in the Global North for my education has granted me access to how these challenges can be overcome by altering strategies that have been implemented and proven to work in (developed) countries to our communities back home.

Q: What would your advice be to (others) who dream of studying in spaces like Thunderbird? 

A: To any young African woman who dreams of studying in global spaces like Thunderbird, I would say that your background is not a limitation — it is your strength. Coming from an underrepresented place gives you a unique perspective that the world needs. Global classrooms thrive on diversity of thought, and your lived experience is valuable.

Thunderbird, and institutions like it, are built for people who want to make an impact. If you carry passion, purpose and resilience, you already meet the most important requirements.

And, most importantly, dream beyond your borders. Your journey can inspire others, uplift your community and contribute to Africa’s collective progress.