Wandile Mthiyane

Founder & CEO, Grind Tea
United States,United States
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Who Is Wandile Mthiyane?

Total Experience82 years
CompanyGrind Tea
CountryUnited States

Wandile Mthiyane is an acclaimed architect, social entrepreneur, and speaker recognized for his innovative approach to creating dignified and affordable housing solutions in underserved communities. He is the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (formerly an architectural fellow at The Ubuntu Architecture Summer Abroad Program), an architectural organization that designs and builds sustainable community projects in Africa, emphasizing social impact and community participation. Mthiyane's work is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of 'Ubuntu' – 'I am because you are' – which guides his mission to co-create resilient communities. He has a background from Andrews University and pursued further studies at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Wandile is a powerful advocate for leveraging design to address systemic inequality and drive positive social change.

How Did Wandile Mthiyane's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Wandile Mthiyane's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Grind Tea - Founder & CEO(2023 to Present)
Architizer - Jury Member at the A+Awards | Influential Design Competition(2023 to Present)
Anti-Racist Hot Dog - Founder + Anti-Racist Hot Dog Chef(2021 to Present)
Ubuntu Architecture Summer Abroad (UASA) - Founder + Director(2016 to Present)
Obama Foundation - Obama Leader(2019 to Present)
TED Conferences - TedxJohannesburg Fellow(2018 to Present)
The Resolution Project - Fellow(2015 to Present)
Ubuntu Design Group - CEO & Co-Founder(2015 to Present)
One Young World - Ambassador(2015 to 2024)
University of KwaZulu-Natal - Lecturer(2019 to 2022)
Durban University of Technology - Lecturer(2017 to 2022)
Andrews University - Ambassador(2014 to 2022)
MDSArchitecture - Architectural Designer(2017 to 2018)
World Merit - Executor of Merit360 Action Plan 001 (APE001)(2016 to 2016)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) - Field Representative(2015 to 2016)
AIAS - President of Andrews University School of Architecture (AIAS) Chapter.(2015 to 2016)
Hibler Designer Studio - Intern(2014 to 2014)

What Are Wandile Mthiyane's Key Achievements?

TED Fellow

Selected as a TED Fellow, recognizing his innovative work in architecture and social impact, and providing a platform to share his ideas globally.

Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa

Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Africa for his significant contributions as a social entrepreneur and architect working towards community upliftment.

Obama Foundation Leader: Africa

Recognized as an Obama Foundation Leader for Africa, acknowledging his commitment and work in driving positive change and community development on the continent.

One Young World Ambassador

Serves as a One Young World Ambassador, joining a global community of young leaders to develop solutions to the world's most pressing issues.

Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellow

Selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow, the flagship program of YALI, empowering young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

Social Innovator of the Year (Black British Business Awards - International)

Awarded for his impactful social innovation through architecture and community-focused design, recognizing his international contributions.

What's Wandile Mthiyane's Educational Background?

M.Arch (Masters in Architecture), Architecture

Andrews University - Year 2013

Bachelor of Architecture - BArch, Architecture

Andrews University - Year 2013

Buying Intent Signals for Wandile Mthiyane

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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Company Overview

Grind Tea
Total employees350
HeadquartersLondon
Founded2011

Grind is a London-based coffee and hospitality company, founded in Shoreditch in 2011. Initially a single café-bar, Grind has expanded to multiple locations across London, offering coffee, food, and cocktails. They have also developed a significant direct-to-consumer business, selling coffee beans, Nespresso-compatible compostable coffee pods, and a selection of teas through their online store and retail partnerships. Grind is known for its distinctive pink branding and focus on sustainability.

Grind Tea Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
£15M - Most recent funding amount
6 - Number of funding rounds
Nov 23, 2023 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Crowdcube Investors
Giles Fuchs

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