Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
Rwanda
The Alumni Network is the culmination of our vision to mobilize the alumni from our programs — which include the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ashoka, the Youth Think Tank (YTT), the Scholars Program, the Anzisha Prize, and Youth Forward — to be a force for change.
To learn more about the Alumni Network, click here to complete the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Interest form.
To learn more about the Rwanda Alumni Network email: mcfrwandaalumninetwork@gmail.com.
Meet the Leadership Committee
Rwanda
Benita Laurianne Tegura
Benita Laurianne Tegura is an alumna of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AshesiUniversity, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She further pursued her education and holds an MBA degree from Kigali Independent University (ULK).
Currently, Benita serves as a Human Resources Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC-Rwanda). She is driven by a passion for positively impacting people’s lives.
During her time in Ghana, Benita actively engaged with the Chorkor community. She taught school subjects to children and initiated a project aimed at empowering women in the community. Additionally, she worked as an Educator at the Global Scholars Program (GSP) in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she guided young individuals in exploring their passions and purposes. The program encompassed learning about Africa through the lens of South Africa’s history, cultural expression, youth-led entrepreneurship, service learning, wildlife conservation, and the dynamics of urban life.
Delphine Murekatete
Delphine Murekatete is a highly motivated data science professional with a Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), where she was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.
Delphine is recognized for her self-motivation, resilience, and eagerness to learn. Her passion lies in statistics, data analytics, data management, and machine learning, with a particular interest in addressing African social development issues, especially related to climate change.
Respecting others, giving back, and making a positive impact are core values for Delphine, as she believes they are crucial for community progress and development. Her aspirations include advancing to a leadership position in data science, mentoring and coaching other data scientists, and fostering a strong and vibrant data science community.
Elisabeth Uwamahoro
Elisabeth Uwamahoro is a passionate leader and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Fabeth, a pioneering piggery project that focuses on sustainable agriculture, implementing innovative practices for efficiency and profitability. Elisabeth is also the visionary behind Smart Ikigega, a digital platform empowering farmers through inclusive farming practices and technology.
As a member of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network Committee Rwanda chapter, Elisabeth actively contributes to entrepreneurship and leadership development, collaborating with industry leaders to drive positive change. She has been recognized for exceptional leadership and holds a strong belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Elisabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Sciences and Technology from the University of Rwanda. Outside of her professional pursuits, she engages in outdoor exploration and community service, supporting education and economic empowerment initiatives.
Driven by a passion for innovation, leadership, and social impact, Elisabeth is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the agricultural sector and empowering farmers and youth worldwide.
Damilola
Damilola is a seasoned social entrepreneur with ten years of experience in the education and development sectors. His mission is to empower youths and professionals by helping them transform their education, talents, and skills into practical solutions, such as jobs and enterprises, to overcome development barriers. He is a three-time TEDx speaker, sharing his insights and expertise.
As the Chief Catalyst at Prikkle Academy, a for-impact organization in Nigeria and Rwanda, Damilola utilizes open-source and personalized education approaches to translate ideas, uniqueness, and knowledge into actionable outcomes. In 2017, he pioneered a groundbreaking “school without teachers” initiative in Nigeria, promoting innovation and collaborative learning. Additionally, Damilola serves as the 2023 Local President at JCI Mille Collines in Rwanda, further demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and leadership.
Passionate about co-creating innovative solutions, Damilola thrives on embracing “chaos” to drive positive change. His work exemplifies a strong dedication to fostering education, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Lucie Uwimpaye
Lucie Uwimpaye is an accomplished IT professional serving as an IT Business Analyst at the Business Development Fund (BDF). With a master’s degree in Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University and as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar alum, Lucie is dedicated to leveraging technology to make a positive impact in her community.
Lucie’s passion lies in empowering women and young people while promoting a sense of self-worth. She actively mentors young individuals and volunteers in various programs aimed at building better communities. Lucie’s commitment to community development is evident through her involvement in leadership committees and advocacy initiatives.
Combining her technical expertise with a drive for social change, Lucie strives to create opportunities and inspire others through the power of technology and empowerment.
Papi Sibomana
Papi Sibomana is a passionate Rwandan young leader with a keen interest in digital inclusion, disability advocacy, and entrepreneurship. He is dedicated to facilitating access to barrier-free education and empowering youth with disabilities to secure meaningful employment. Papi actively engages with his community, mobilizing and inspiring youth with disabilities to become leaders in their respective communities.
Papi holds a Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Currently, he serves as an assistant lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Integrated Polytechnics Rwanda College in Musanze, North Province. Through his academic and teaching roles, Papi continues to drive innovation, empower young minds, and promote entrepreneurial spirit among students.
Shakila Umutoni
Shakila Umutoni is a versatile professional with a wealth of experience in education, project management, and capacity building. With expertise in team organization, instructional design, and project management, she is dedicated to working with and supporting young people to unlock their full potential.
To view Past year’s alumni, click here.