In this My Afrika Magazine exclusive, we sit down with trailblazer Lindsey Machona, the first Zimbabwean immigrant to run in a Canadian federal election. Though she came in second, her candidacy marked a powerful milestone not just for her, but for immigrants, women, and young leaders across Canada and the diaspora.

A dynamic community leader, advocate, and mother, Lindsey shares her insights on bridging her Zimbabwean roots with Canadian public service, the lessons she learned on the campaign trail, and how she is shaping civic engagement from the grassroots up. From global diplomacy to local advocacy, Lindsey’s journey is a bold reminder that representation matters, and that the future belongs to those who dare to lead with purpose.

MAM: Lindsey, it seems you are the first Zimbabwean immigrant to contest in a Canadian federal election. What did that moment mean for you personally, and what message do you think it sent to other immigrants watching your journey?

LM: It was a historic and deeply personal moment for me. As a woman born and raised in Zimbabwe, now living in Canada, putting my name on the ballot was more than a political decision, it was a statement that immigrants belong in every space where decisions are made. This experience also demonstrated that you do not lose your identity by settling in a new country, you expand it. It is possible to bridge two worlds, your roots and your new home, and still lead with authenticity. It also signaled to other immigrants and newcomers, especially young Black girls, that their stories, voices, and dreams matter in this country.

MAM: Although you did not win this election, coming second in a tight race is a powerful statement. What lessons did you take away from this campaign, and how do you plan to continue serving the Edmonton Northwest community moving forward?

LM: Coming second in a new riding with only 30 days to campaign was no small feat. The biggest lesson I learned is that my community is much bigger than I thought. During the campaign, I connected with individuals, organizations, and groups that I would never have connected with if I was not running for political office. I also learned that people have a desire for authentic, principled leadership, someone who listens, who shows up, and who speaks boldly for them. This is just the beginning for me. I will continue to serve Edmonton Northwest by building on the relationships I created with various constituents, cultural groups, businesses, and communities. My desire is to establish platforms, especially around political education, support civic engagement, and mentor diverse leaders to step into political spaces with courage and conviction.

MAM: You have had a remarkable journey from Zimbabwe, to becoming a recognized community leader and advocate in Canada. How have your roots shaped your leadership values and vision for inclusive, practical policy-making?

LM: Growing up under economically challenging circumstances in Zimbabwe taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of dreaming big despite your circumstances. My leadership is grounded in possibility and empathy. I am always looking for solutions that empower the most vulnerable and build sustainable systems that bring everyone along on the journey. I believe inclusive policy is not just about checking boxes, it is about listening to those at the margins and ensuring they are part of the process right from the beginning. We must never leave anyone behind.

MAM: Throughout your campaign, you emphasized building strong communities and supporting working families. What were the top concerns you heard from residents of Edmonton Northwest, and how would you address them if given the opportunity again?

LM: The biggest concerns I heard on the campaign trail were affordability, protecting Canada’s sovereignty, access to quality childcare, housing and homelessness, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, oil and gas issues, and mental health supports for those who need it. Families are stretched thin and are frustrated that life is becoming unaffordable and challenging. If given the opportunity again, I would push for practical policies that put people and the economy at the centre of governance, increasing funding for universal childcare, investing in co-operative and affordable housing, and expanding inclusive and culturally responsive health care services. We need solutions that meet people where they are at. This includes creating policies that are rooted in and are responsive to people’s diverse needs and address the root causes to the challenges of the day.

MAM: Your background includes International Development work and representation at the United Nations. How do these global experiences inform your local leadership and the policies you champion in Canada?

LM: My work in International Development taught me first and foremost, the interconnectedness of our humanity and the responsibility we have to take care of each other across boundaries. It also taught me that good policy begins with people and understanding their diverse needs and experiences. At the United Nations, I saw how local issues are connected to global systems, and how people from different communities and demographics all experience the same issue differently. This means that solutions cannot be cookie cutter but must be rooted in the local context. It also shaped my belief that justice, equity, and inclusion are universal priorities that must underlie all humanitarian work. In Canada, I champion policies that reflect this interconnectedness, are inclusive, evidence based, and grounded in people’s lived experiences.

MAM: Balancing leadership, advocacy, and motherhood is no small feat. How do your experiences as a mother and a community organizer intersect in shaping the kind of representative you aim to be for families in Edmonton Northwest?

LM: Motherhood is my daily reminder of what is at stake. I know what it is like to juggle work, childcare, extra-curricular activities, and still show up for my community. It makes me deeply empathetic and focused on providing real solutions for families. This means creating opportunities for hardworking Canadians to balance family, ambition, and achievement. My advocacy is rooted in building relationships, promoting unity, and creating systems that allow working parents, business owners, professionals, cultural and religious groups to thrive. I believe that no one is self made, and no person is an island, therefore we achieve more when we come together. I do all I can because of the love and support I receive from others around me.

MAM: Are you still actively involved with any advocacy or diplomatic work in Zimbabwe?

LM: Yes, I stay connected to advocacy networks in Zimbabwe, especially those focused on promoting democracy, gender equity, and youth empowerment. While my work is now primarily here in Canada, I believe in global citizenship. Our struggles are shared, and our solutions can be too. I am a huge advocate for ending period poverty for girls worldwide, so they improve their health and stay in school during their periods. I have connected organizations that produce reusable sanitary pads in Canada with organizations in Zimbabwe that distribute the kits to girls in rural areas. I believe we should all do what we can, when we can, with what we have. My desire is to leave this world better than I found it.