31/05/2026
From a Local Tour operator to the Women in Tech Botswana Media & Messaging Bootcamp.
As the founder of Willvray Travel & Tours, I had the privilege of attending the Women in Tech Botswana Media & Messaging Bootcamp, hosted by Dream Factory Foundation and Standard chartered foundation.
The bootcamp brought together 30 innovative women entrepreneurs from diverse industries across Botswana, creating a powerful space for learning, networking, and inspiration. The event was hosted at Yellow Giraffe Coffee Shop, founded by Vanessa, and surrounded by beautiful artwork created by Ronald, providing the perfect environment for creativity and meaningful conversations.
The day began with networking, where I connected with passionate entrepreneurs such as Thelma, founder of Dream World Academy, a homeschooling centre; Tlotlo, founder of Native Feeds, an agribusiness producing nutritious livestock feeds from diverse ingredients; and Maitumelo Tsekane, founder of Mighty Mental Health Consultants, which provides transformational mental health services for individuals, families, and organisations.
We were privileged to learn from outstanding speakers including Mrs Nonofo Jesse, a personal and employer brand management expert; Nompendulo, a media and communications consultant; and Palesa, a digital marketing and brand strategy leader.
The masterclasses focused on personal branding, communication, and the power of storytelling. One lesson that resonated deeply with me was the quote:
"Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter."
This reminded me that as entrepreneurs, we must intentionally tell our own stories, share our impact, and consistently show up for our businesses. If we do not tell our stories, someone else will tell them for us.
The session concluded with insights from Kelly, a programme alumna, who emphasized the importance of knowing your business, believing in your solution, and leading with confidence.
This experience challenged me to think differently about how Willvray Travel & Tours can leverage technology, storytelling, and branding to elevate authentic Botswana tourism experiences and connect them to the world.
More importantly, it reminded me that every business has a story, every founder has a voice, and every journey has the power to inspire impact.
Mehlolo Tracy Segale-Vray