This story is part of a series of profiles of Global Women In Management alumni who have gone through training and mentorship with Counterpart International and brought the lessons learned back to their home countries, where they are changing the world for the better.
Tashi Browne’s story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. Growing up in a rural area of Guyana and often accompanying her mother on educational trips across the country, Browne developed a broad perspective early on. Academically gifted, she went to university at the age of 15, where she earned a degree in biology before working as a biology teacher, a technical officer at the Bureau of Standards, and later a project associate with the UNDP.
While in graduate school, Browne was helping to provide local companies and organizations with the tools and resources needed to develop quality management systems, supporting safe practices and products, ensuring credible results from laboratories, and otherwise doing her part to see that the public health market in Guyana was of the highest quality possible. After completing her master’s degree in public health, she decided to start her own company doing similar work.
Browne founded “Strategy Pro,” an independent consultancy focused on quality and project management. Her engagement with the Guyana Women’s Chamber of Commerce first led her to hear about Counterpart International’s Global Women In Management program and its focus on participatory training. She participated in an initial training in 2023 that helped her to get her business off the ground, and then stayed in touch with the network through their robust alumni network.
Last year, Counterpart announced a six-month mentorship program to support graduates of the management program in advancing their careers. Browne was immediately interested, motivated by a desire to “replenish [her] cup.” For years, Browne’s focus had been on giving to those around her; the mentorship program was an opportunity to focus on herself and take her business to the next level.
Tashi Browne posing with artwork created by Global Women In Management alumni, featuring the message “Rising Together” and birds painted to represent the flags of alumni home countries.
When Browne was selected to participate in the program, she was paired with a fellow Guyanese alum, Evie Gurchuran, an expert in marketing and digital content development. With Gurchuran as her mentor, Browne found the direction she was looking for. It was through her mentorship that Browne helped better identify her professional goals. Gurchuran served as an invaluable resource to support Browne in navigating the digital landscape. She was instrumental in helping Browne to develop a public persona and establish a robust online presence while keeping her private life private. This guidance was crucial as Browne prepared for the launch of her first book, “Stifle Those Limitations,” which encourages breaking free from self-imposed barriers.
The mentorship program’s focus on accountability and skills transfer, combined with Gurchuran’s emphasis on personal exploration, allowed Browne to thrive. She successfully live-streamed her book launch on Facebook, overcoming her reservations about public exposure—a direct result of the confidence and skills gained through her mentorship. This achievement marked a new comfort with social media, underpinned by a strategic communication plan tailored to her unique voice and goals.
With Gurchuran’s support, Browne is now considering expanding into podcasting. Reflecting on how the mentorship program’s thoughtful pairing with another woman from her country, Browne told us that this experience not only helped to clarify and focus her career goals, but also fostered a profound and enduring connection with Gurchuran. Browne plans to maintain this valuable bond beyond the mentorship program, underscoring the lasting impact of this focused partnership and its long-term benefits to growing both her business and her personal brand.
The Global Women in Management program is funded by ExxonMobil. Since 2005, the program has provided 1,000 women from 77 countries with leadership, management, and technical skills through residential workshops, coaching, and network support. More than 300 GWIM alumni have received additional training and technical support in coaching, advocacy, mentorship, program design, and facilitation skills.
