Theonestina Mwasha holds an MSc degree in Mineral Process Design from Imperial College, University of London, UK and a BSc degree in Mineral Processing from Cardiff University College, University of Wales. She is the first Tanzanian woman to graduate and practice as a Mineral Processing Engineer.

Currently, Theonestina is the Executive Secretary for The Foundation of ASM Development in Tanzania. Recently, she worked for Government Institutions, the Private sector and International /intergovernmental Organizations in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, with roles and responsibilities varying from conducting research, developing training programmes in mining-related fields, training, and managing and coordinating various programs. More recently, she has been involved in promoting Responsible mining in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Subsector. Other credentials include being a Member of the VETA- Mining Technical Advisory Committee for three terms (2015-2022). Principal member of TEITI MSG representing CSOs and recently appointed as a Board Member of HakiRasilimali.

Theonestina is passionate about Artisanal and Small-scale Mining and is keen to utilise her skills and experience to help and add value wherever she is involved. She is Highly organised, efficient, energetic, and resilient; With the ability to encourage and motivate others, especially women, to enable them to meet their personal and organisational goals; The pain and problems of others matter a lot to her.