Some of Eugenie’s earliest memories are of sitting with and learning from her ‘nanny’, whose stories sparked a lifelong fascination with expressions of culture and community. With a strong sense of justice, upliftment of individuals forms a central part of any project Eugenie undertakes, as is evidenced by her extensive community involvement, at every level.

During the 80’s, Eugenie was involved with young dancers and facilitated opportunities for them to participate in events, such Boyzie Cekwana and Gregory Maqoma’s (Vuyani Dance Theatre) attendance at a choreography workshop in Austria, classes with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Tina Turner’s performance in South Africa (which resulted in David Matamela obtaining a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey School); as well as various workshops presented by international performers as part of the requirements of the Cultural Desks because of the sanctions against South Africa – all while working with PAWE to ensure that performers contracts were fair.

Recent examples of this include her contribution to the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandel Day initiative, and involvement with rural producer groups where her focus has been on Basic Business training, market driven product development and mentoring to enable groups to become self-sustainable.

She been trained Community Project Leader by Institute of Marketing Management on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture, is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs-GIBS 10 000 Women Certificate Programme for Women Entrepreneurs (2013); and a member of the global Vital Voices Lead Fellowship (a project of Hilary Clinton); and further chosen as one of 60 selected to participate in the South to South exchange aspect of this programme.

Eugenie is a Trustee and Board Member of Siyazisiza Trust and a Founding Member of the Southern Guild Design Foundation.