Cindy Makita

When Cindy Makita was 5, her sister Charlene saved her life. Charlene donated the bone marrow that cured Cindy’s sickle cell anemia. The months of hospitalization in her native South Africa were the seed for her belief that one should make the most of every opportunity, especially after a rough start.

And she has. The Honors College graduate, who has a 3.88 GPA, has served as president of the U.S. National Committee for UN Women Club at FIU, was president of the Global Ambassadors Program, and is founding vice president of FIU’s chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success. 

Among other accomplishments, she’s also been a member of the Global Civic Engagement team and represented FIU at the Maldonado Global Scholars Program in New York. She joined other College of Business students on a service trip to India to help village women establish a business making hand-crafted items from Indian textiles, and pursue economic self-sufficiency. It was led by David Wernick, university instructor in the management and international business department, whom Cindy considers her mentor. He provided not only career advice but encouraged her to get involved and made sure she was included in ongoing programs and events.

Since working at orphanages for girls in Johannesburg, Cindy has become passionate about helping women economically and empowering girls. She wants to devote her time and talent to an international organization that will give her a chance to make a difference in their lives.

By Karen-Janine Cohen
Writer, College of Business