Empowering Voices: SistaWalk Community Storytelling & Member Spotlight. January 2026 Member Spotlight — Maroro Zinyemba
- Sistawalk Admin
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Pursue Your Peak with Purpose By Dr. Maroro Zinyemba
Some journeys begin with a single step. Others begin with a decision, to show up, to move, and to believe in what’s possible.
For Maroro, her story with SistaWalk has become a journey of endurance, healing, and deep personal discovery. One that has stretched from weekly Saturday morning walks and seasonal hikes, to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Maroro has been part of SistaWalk for more than three years. What started as a weekly commitment to movement has grown into a ritual of grounding, resilience, and belonging.
“SistaWalk has transformed my wellness in ways I never expected. What began as a simple Saturday walk quickly became a grounding ritual, one that nourishes my body, restores my mind, and uplifts my spirit.”
Walking 10 km each week strengthened her endurance, improved her sleep, and reconnected her with the healing power of nature. But in December 2025, that foundation carried her into something extraordinary.
What Kilimanjaro Taught Me
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro had been on my bucket list for a couple of years. The dream first took root during SistaWalk’s seasonal guided hikes with our incredible professional guide, Lucinda. That experience opened my eyes, not only to the power of group adventure, but to the thrill of discovering new landscapes, new plants, and new versions of myself.
So when the opportunity came to travel to Tanzania and hike part of Kilimanjaro, I knew, I felt, it was time.
In December 2025, five friends and I set out together, full of anticipation and excitement. We hiked the Marangu Route, known for its lush montane rainforest and remarkable biodiversity. Our destination was Mandara Hut, sitting 2,720 metres above sea level. The hike was 16 km round-trip, although my Fitbit enthusiastically recorded 21 km by the end!
It was a hiker’s dream day: sunshine, warm temperatures in the high 20s, birds singing through the forest canopy. We started just before 10 a.m and once we stepped onto the trail, time simply… disappeared.
I was fully immersed, watching for unfamiliar plants and animals, listening to the wind, and absorbing the energy of a landscape unlike any I’d known before. It was a full-day adventure, one that left an imprint on both my body and my spirit.
“Kilimanjaro challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally. At various points I faced three choices, turn back, freeze, or push forward.”
Our guides repeated a simple Swahili mantra: “Pole pole” slowly, slowly. And I held onto it. This hike wasn’t about rushing. It was about intention.
At one point, staring up at a steep incline, I had to sit down. My leg threatened to cramp, and my breathing felt tight. That moment could have been a breaking point but instead, it became a turning point.
I paused.I breathed.I grounded myself.
And then pole pole!! I stood up again.
What Carried Me Up the Mountain
So many things carried me forward that day:
Sips of water and mango juice
The steady support of my walking stick
Birds calling through the trees
The wind cooling my face
Small goals “Just get to that tree”
Encouragement from our guides: “Don’t give up”
And a quiet inner voice whispering: “You can do hard things.”
And I did!!!!
Reaching Mandara Hut wasn’t just a physical achievement, it was a reclaiming of peace. Away from the noise and pressures of daily life, I felt held by nature, humbled by the mountain, and deeply grateful for the strength in my legs and feet. They carried me farther than I ever imagined.
When the hike ended and I finally sat down, legs tired, heart full; I reflected on everything the mountain had taught me: patience, perseverance, and purpose.
That’s when my mantra for 2026 became clear:
“Pursue Your Peak with Purpose.”
It’s a reminder to climb slowly, intentionally, and with meaning, whether on a mountain trail or in everyday life.
Sometimes the most profound journeys aren’t rushed, they are taken slowly, intentionally, and with deep respect for the land beneath your feet.
“Kilimanjaro revealed muscles I didn’t know I had. But it also revealed a deep inner resilience I’ll carry forward. I’ve made a promise to honour my legs and feet, train them, and keep them strong for whatever peaks come next.”
Community, Culture & Why SistaWalk Matters
As women, especially women from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of us are raised knowing that community is where strength comes from. We thrive when we are surrounded by people who understand us, uplift us, and see us fully.
SistaWalk offers that space.
The camaraderie and friendships formed around a shared commitment to health reflect the values I grew up with: collective care, mutual support, and resilience. Walking together mirrors how we move through life, stronger when we do it side by side.
Why I Keep Showing Up
I keep showing up because movement and community are medicine.
Walking with others strengthens me physically, grounds me emotionally, and reminds me that wellness is not a solo journey. Being part of a supportive community inspires me to care for myself and knowing that my presence might uplift someone else motivates me to return, week after week.
A Message to Women Considering Walking
If you’re unsure or hesitant, this is what I want you to know:
Go for it....
Every step counts toward a healthier you. You don’t need to be “fit” or experienced, just willing to take that first step. We’ve all felt unsure at some point. But once you join, you’ll realize something powerful:
You’re not walking alone!
January Spotlight Reflection
Maroro’s journey reminds us that resilience is built step by step, breath by breath, and community by community. It’s about choosing to continue, even when the incline is steep. It’s about trusting that each intentional step is shaping a stronger, more grounded version of you.
Whether your mountain is a trail, a personal goal, a career transition, healing, a garden or simply learning to show up for yourself, remember this: you were never meant to climb alone.
Community gives us courage when our legs feel tired. It reminds us of our capacity when doubt gets loud. It celebrates the small wins that eventually become life-changing milestones. Every shared walk, every conversation, every moment of encouragement strengthens the path ahead.
And as you pursue your own peak, at your own pace, know this:
We see you. We believe in you. And we’re walking with you.
Reported by SistaWalk CommunityMember Spotlight Series — January 2026
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