Makanaka Tuwe (she/her/they) is an educator, researcher, storyteller, social sciences scholar, writer and cultural producer living in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) by way of Zimbabwe. Her work focuses on the intersection of histories of social systems, healing and affirming methodologies, and processes, alternative teaching practices and the role of indigenous knowledge systems, storytelling and other ways of knowledge sharing as drivers of social and cultural transformation. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and has worked there as Teaching Assistance since 2018. Her current research explores how queer people of African heritage cultivate and nurture home, family and community. She holds a Masters in International Communication and has experience in non-for-profit, corporate and education sectors. Makanaka has previously founded Afrika on My Sleeve (2013 - 2018) and Afrodaze (2018 - 2022), and is a member of Studio Kiin. She loves eating and cooking delicious food, travelling and a good laugh.