Shona McDonald

Shona McDonald is the founder and executive director of Shonaquip Social Enterprise, a hybrid social enterprise dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by children with mobile disabilities in South Africa.12 Born out of personal experience, McDonald's journey into this field began over 30 years ago when her daughter Shelly was born with profound disabilities.1

At 65 years old, McDonald has established herself as a prominent figure in the realm of disability-focused social change.13 Her work revolves around developing innovative solutions that transform personal experiences into broader societal impact.3 Shonaquip Social Enterprise, under her leadership, has become the only ISO13485 certified wheelchair production facility in Africa.7

McDonald's approach to social entrepreneurship is multifaceted:

1. Design and Innovation: Shonaquip SE focuses on designing and implementing solutions for individuals with disabilities.2
2. Geographical Focus: Her work primarily targets peri-urban and rural areas of South Africa, where access to mobility aids and support is often limited.4
3. Organizational Structure: The enterprise consists of Shonaquip (PTY) Ltd, Uhambo Foundation (NPC), and the Champions of Change Trust, forming a comprehensive ecosystem to address various aspects of disability support.6

Throughout her career, McDonald has received recognition for her impactful work:

• In 2009, she was awarded as a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur.3
• She is also recognized as an Ashoka Fellow, further validating her innovative approach to social change.4

McDonald's educational background includes training at the Harvard Kennedy School, which has likely contributed to her strategic approach to social entrepreneurship.2 Her leadership skills have been further honed through participation in executive leadership programs, such as those offered by THNK School of Leadership in Amsterdam.5

In summary, Shona McDonald is a visionary social entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, particularly children, through innovative design, comprehensive support systems, and a commitment to driving social change in South Africa and beyond.