Dr Mary Mgonja is a Tanzanian national with a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics and held 2 Post Doctoral Positions. Worked for 20 years with Tanzania Agricultural Research, 16 years as a Principal Scientist with International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and AGRA -Tanzania country for 3 years. Has released 22 crop varieties, co-supervised 11 post- graduates and 3 post-doctoral fellows. Has 64 publications in agricultural research and policy. Currently is the Managing Director for Namburi Seed Company and engaged in PVP activities since 2011. Is a Governing Board Member for Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) and the PBRO for years. Won 3 awards from the Tanzania Prime Minister on Excellency in Entrepreneurship in Seed /Agriculture.