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
Ange Kalitanyi Ange Kalitanyi
A landscape restoration professional with a bachelor’s degree in Bioresource Engineering and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumna from McGill University. She is the Lead Project Manager and TerraFund Liaison at Vumbuzi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation, a newly established African financial intermediary supporting over 100 restoration projects across AFR100 (the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative) member countries. In this role, she leads project implementation and fosters strategic collaboration with local organizations. Previously, she managed TerraFund for AFR100 projects at One Tree Planted across eight African countries. Ange is passionate about scaling community-led restoration and creating dignified work opportunities for youth and women through inclusive and impactful environmental initiatives.
Alestide Kabogo Alestide Kabogo
Alestide Kabogo is a Human Centered Designer, youth leader and global health activist. He is a young Rwandan leader passionate about ensuring that young people's voices are at the center of every decision and action made on their behalf.
His work spans across the enterprise teams - where he has led, co-led, and collaborated on impactful projects across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, all driven by a strong commitment to social impact and sustainable development. With hands-on experience in leadership, he helps organizations design and implement strategies that attract and engage beneficiaries and stakeholders; support organizational strategy, especially with and for youth. Most importantly he brings a critical and creative flair to everything.
He is motivated to design programs/projects that harness the potential and power of young people. He is a stronger advocate for youth empowerment programs in sustainability concepts. He believes in the power of young people and what they can achieve when they are provided with tools and opportunities.
Currently, Alestide is serving as a Country Director at AfriYAN Rwanda where he ensures the growth, development, and leadership of AfriYAN Rwanda through providing leadership to internal initiatives and contributing to organizational learning and professional development. His expertise spans from youth engagement, program and project management in complex adolescent health interventions, to gender promotion with and for young people.
Alestide also assume different representation of young people on different high level platforms, and to date he sits on different youth governing bodies. Notably, he is a member of the Youth Board of the Generation Gender Programme, a global programme that aims at creating a Gender Just and Violence Free Society with and for Youth in Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, and Indonesia. In this role, he collaborates closely with young leaders from these seven countries to advocate for and embed young people’s needs, interests and lived realities from all programme countries to be central in decision making at global and country level.
Caessy Ngarambe Caessy Ngarambe
Caessy Ngarambe is a dynamic young creative and social impact leader working across the Arts and Creatives, Education and Skills, Hospitality, MSME and Digital Economy sectors passionate about storytelling, sustainability, and empowering communities. She volunteers in communications at Gisimba Memorial Centre, contributing to trauma-informed programs and community development. Supports creative youth through Prime Luminisce Rwanda by writing grants, and serves as Sales Manager at Cunda Fashion House, a social enterprise supporting single mothers.
As the spokesperson for TechtonicAfrica, she advocates for digital skills training for girls to ensure equal opportunities in today’s tech-driven world. She also co-founded Ishami Talents, serves as Secretary at Tarama Rwanda, and completed an internship at Kigali Marriott Hotel, where she explored her interest in hospitality.
Caessy uses content creation, through dance, travel, and fashion, to inspire confidence and ambition in young women. Rooted in faith and a deep love for people, her mission is to keep building platforms where creativity, community, and sustainability thrive, proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. Creating a path for the next generation is her personal take on sustainability.
Marie Aimee Dukuze, Information Management Specialist & Founder, Aimee Data-Lab Initiative
Marie Aimee Dukuze is an Information Management Specialist at UNICEF-RWANDA with a strong commitment to data-driven development and inclusive decision-making. She is the founder of Aimee Data-Lab Initiative, an organization with a mission to avail data insights for public consumption and a vision to foster environments where decisions are based on factual priorities. Aimee is also a passionate human rights advocate, especially focused on championing the rights and visibility of women with disabilities. Through her work, she bridges data, technology, and social impact to influence more equitable and informed policies and practices.
Fabrice Kwizera Rwayitare Fabrice Kwizera Rwayitare
Fabrice Kwizera Rwayitare is a final year student at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), specializing in Crop Production Systems with a focus in research-driven agronomic practices. He holds a strong foundation in soil health management, plant physiology, and seed production, particularly in maize, beans and potatoes. Equipped with hands-on experience in field research and extension work. He’s currently interning in One Acre Fund RICA Seed Center as Assistant Farm Coordinator and Research Intern. He is eager to contribute his knowledge and skills to research, agronomy, and extension programs that enhance agricultural sustainability and food security.
Fatmata Allie Fatmata Allie
I am a youth advocate and social entrepreneur passionate about creating economic opportunities for young people through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade from the African Leadership University, I have developed a strong foundation in business development, customer engagement, and community-led solutions. I strongly believe the MSMEs are key to reducing youth unemployment and driving sustainable development in Africa. I have supported community initiatives in education and youth engagement. I am especially passionate about helping young women to explore economic independence through skill-building and small business support. As a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, I look forward to bringing grassroots perspectives into high-level decision-making and working with other changemakers to amplify youth voices in shaping inclusive economic systems.
George Cyuzuzo George Cyuzuzo
My name is George Cyuzuzo, and I am a passionate and solutions-driven emerging leader currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. With a solid foundation in industrial electricity and a growing specialization in mechatronics, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving in areas such as automation, innovation, and sustainable technologies.
I hold a Virtual Assistant certificate from ALX, a Leadership certificate from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center – East Africa, and a Facilitation certificate from the UNLEASH Innovation Lab.
With over two years of experience as a member of the Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Group in Rwanda, where I currently serve as co-chair. I am deeply committed to youth empowerment, capacity building, and inclusive development.
My work spans across the education and skills, and digital economy sectors, where I leverage technology and leadership to drive meaningful, community-centered change.
George Niyingabira George Niyingabira
George Niyingabira is a purpose-driven development professional and social impact strategist from Burundi, with lived experience as a refugee in Rwanda. He is actively engaged in the Education and Skills, MSME development, and Digital Economy sectors, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.
George is a First Class Honours graduate in International Business and Trade from the African Leadership University, where he was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and held several leadership roles, including Campus Coordinator and Student Venture Ambassador. During his time at ALU, he co-founded Great Path Hub, an initiative that has helped over 15 refugee youth access fully funded university scholarships, and New Fashion Design Ltd, a sustainable fashion enterprise that repurposed textile waste into marketable products, promoting both environmental consciousness and income generation in vulnerable communities.
Professionally, George has worked across diverse sectors including fintech, education, and communications. At Chipper Cash, he contributed to customer operations, ALU, contributed to the company Operations, while at Prikkle Academy, he supported digital outreach strategies focused on youth skills development. He is currently serving as a Campus Operations Intern at ALU.
He has participated in global programs such as the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship in Entrepreneurship and the Global Entrepreneurship Forum at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and was recognized in the ALU Circular Economy Challenge for his work in sustainable business models.
Most recently, George was awarded a prestigious French government scholarship to pursue a Master’s in International Development at Sciences Po, France, one of Europe’s leading institutions in global affairs.
In recognition and experience of his ongoing contributions to youth development and policy, George was recently selected to serve on the Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, where he will help shape youth-focused strategies and programs under the Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda.
Joyce Mahoro Joyce Mahoro
Joyce Mahoro is a passionate and results driven professional with a strong background in education, youth empowerment, and quality assurance. She currently serves as a Quality Assurance Technician at Educate! in partnership with NESA, where she supports the implementation of competency based education through school monitoring, teacher mentorship, and reporting.
A former CorpsAfrica volunteer, Joyce has led impactful community led projects in education, health, and economic empowerment, including the formation of youth cooperatives, savings groups, and kitchen gardens. She has also worked as a Site Coordinator, Warehouse Manager, and teacher, gaining experience in leadership, logistics, and curriculum delivery.
Joyce holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Rwanda and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development Studies. She is certified in ICDL, Monitoring & Evaluation, and entrepreneurship, and has completed multiple trainings in gender inclusion, digital skills, and community resilience.
She is actively involved in the Education and Skills, MSME, Youth Empowerment, and Community Development sectors, and is committed to creating inclusive, youth centered, and sustainable development solutions across Rwanda and beyond.
Julia Gihozo Julia Gihozo
A youth policy advisor and digital inclusion advocate working at the intersection of education, technology, and inclusive governance. She currently serves as Strategic Communications Lead at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, where she supports national efforts to expand foundational digital literacy and build citizen-centred digital public infrastructure.
A Mastercard Foundation Scholar with a First-Class Honours degree in Social Sciences, Julia’s cross-sector experience spans public service at the Ministry of Local Governance, education leadership at Ashinaga Foundation in Tokyo, and entrepreneurship training at the African Leadership College in Mauritius. She brings deep insight into translating grassroots realities into evidence-based policy and communication.
In 2024, she won the National Bank of Rwanda’s Monetary Policy Challenge, strengthening her focus on inclusive finance and youth-led enterprise. Guided by the Jewish principle of Tikkun Halev and Tikkun Olam—repairing the heart, repairing the world—Julia volunteers with the National Child Development Agency to support early childhood development and girl-centred education in rural communities.
Julia was recently appointed to the Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, where she helps steer the Young Africa Works strategy and ensure youth voices shape the future of dignified work across the continent."
Munezero Clarisse Munezero Clarisse
My name is MUNEZERO Clarisse, a passionate and determined young leader with a background in Accounting. I hold a secondary school certificate in Accounting, which laid the foundation for my early professional journey.
I am actively involved in youth empowerment and agriculture. In 2024, I had the honor of representing my community at the YouthConnekt Awards, organized by the Rwandan Ministry of Youth, where I was recognized for my contributions and leadership.
In my daily life, I work as a tomato farmer in collaboration with SERVE, an organization that supports rural development. Farming is more than just a source of income for me, it’s a way to contribute to food security and uplift my community.
Through resilience, hard work, and a strong sense of purpose, I continue to grow and inspire other young people in Rwanda and beyond. I believe in the power of youth to drive change, and I’m committed to being part of that transformation.
Sandrine Irankunda Sandrine Irankunda
An alumna of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and a passionate education professional dedicated to youth empowerment, career guidance, and mentorship. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry with Education from the University of Rwanda – College of Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Planning and Management at Mount Kigali University.
Currently, Sandrine serves as a Teaching Assistantship Mentor at Inspire Educate and Empower Rwanda (IEE), where she supports aspiring teachers in developing instructional skills, leadership capacity, and professional confidence. In addition, she mentors female university scholars through FAWE Rwanda in partnership with Beautiful World Canada, promoting girls’ education, personal growth, and job readiness.
Her professional experience includes serving as a Career Resource at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village and working as a Master Trainer in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). She has led numerous training sessions, outreach programs, and youth-focused initiatives centered on career development, gender equity, and STEM education.
She is passionate about equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in academic and professional settings. Actively involved in the Education and Skills Development sector, she contributes to national efforts that aim to strengthen STEM education and inspire the next generation of Rwandan leaders. Her work continues to reflect her dedication to creating accessible, inclusive, and high-quality learning opportunities across Rwanda.
Murungi Sarah Murungi Sarah
A multi-passionate entrepreneur and creative, deeply committed to empowering youth through innovation and storytelling. She is the founder of Goal’d Media, a podcast agency that helps bold voices and visionary brands harness the power of podcasts to drive real impact, by quite literally using their voices for change. Through this work, she supports personal brands, businesses, and government institutions in crafting stories that inspire, connect, and transform.
As a graduate in Entrepreneurship from the African Leadership University, Sarah blends creativity with strategy to spark conversation and catalyze progress across the continent. Whether you’re learning from her in a classroom or podcast, or chatting over coffee, she will always leave you with a powerful thought on patriotism, Pan-Africanism, or self-development.
Valentine Uwimpuhwe Valentine Uwimpuhwe
An innovative and dedicated professional with expertise in gender and peacebuilding from Rwanda with a proven track record in community mobilization, capacity building, and project coordination. Currently serving as the Field Coordinator for the Kataza team at Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), she plays a key role in planning and executing field operations, conducting situational analyses, and leading training that empower communities and promote gender equality.
Valentine has a Master’s in Development Studies from Kigali Independent University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with Honours in International Relations from the University of Rwanda. Valentine combines strategic insight with practical expertise. Her diverse experience, ranging from project lead in biodiversity conservation to internships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, underscores her adaptability and commitment to social change. As a passionate peace builder and gender advocate, Valentine actively contributes to youth empowerment and community development through her roles as a member of the Dallaire Institute’s Youth Advisory Council, Global Peace Chain Ambassador, and various leadership positions within youth networks. Her innovative mindset, strong communication skills, and unwavering dedication continue to drive impactful projects and raise sustainable progress in her community
Rwanda - Past Alumni
Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network
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.
Meet the Leadership Committee
Benita Laurianne Tegura 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Meet the Leadership Committee
Ariane Umuringa Ariane Umuringa
Ariane Umuringa is a graduate of Fab Academy a digital fabrication hands-on experience at the Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She has served as the country ambassador for Youth Opportunities in 2018 and has led leadership development programs for youth.
She is a computer scientist, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Starlight, a social innovation that makes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) products and conducts workshops to inspire and spark curiosity, innovation and creativity in young students across Rwanda. Her passions include creating social innovative solutions that tackle climate change issues, affordable access to clean energy and women’s issues.
Benjamin Gisa Mushayija Benjamin Gisa Mushayija
Benjamin Gisa Mushayija is an African Leadership University (ALU) student, pursuing Global Challenge. 
Benjamin works as a Program Manager at Acts of Gratitude (AOG), a Rwanda-based social enterprise that tackles youth unemployment and contribute to achieving other SDGs by solving key social challenges in local communities.
He is an alum of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), an Anzisha Fellow, and the lead of African Leadership University Sustainable Development Hub.
Benjamin is the co-founder of Kaso, a manufacturing company that manufactures and packages natural organic products both for consumption (e.g. honey, tea, oils, baking soda) and for cosmetic purposes (e.g. lotions, bee wax, coconut soap).
He is a passionate about and practices business development and youth empowerment.
Francine Nishimwe Francine Nishimwe
Francine Nishimwe holds an Advanced Diploma in Land Survey from the University of Applied Sciences INES-Ruhengeri, Rwanda. She is also a Participant Engagement Chair for the YALI Rwanda Chapter.
She previously worked with Gahunga TVET School, Rwanda as an Electrical Trainer and Technical Trainer. She then worked with the East Africa Research and Data Analysis Institute, a marketing & Social Research company, as a Marketing Research Executive.
She has strong communications and teamwork skills and is passionate about bringing socio-economic change to his community.
Francine is enthused about the opportunity to contribute as a member of the Alumni Committee network.
Jean-Paul Rwigema Jean-Paul Rwigema
Jean-Paul Rwigema an alum of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) program holds a bachelor’s in applied statistics from the University of Rwanda and is currently completing his master’s in business administration specialised in Artificial Intelligence at Nexford University, Washington DC.
Jean-Paul works with the African Leadership University as a Financial Aid Associate where he reviews and select financial aid applications and provides post admission and university support to selected Mastercard Foundation Scholars
He is currently working with Ida technology to improve the digital skills of young girls in the GirlsInCode program. Over the past two years, 35 girls have gone through Ida Technology’s eight months intensive coding program and graduated into various jobs.
In 2020, Jean-Paul won a micro-grant for social change from the Pollution Project and a COVID-19 relief grant by the Government of Rwanda under the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture.
Olive Uwimana Olive Uwimana
Olive Uwimana is a Youth Think Tank alum and holds a master’s degree in data science with specialization in econometrics from the African Centre of Excellence in Data Science and a bachelor’s degree in management with concentration in logistics and operations from Southern New Hampshire University.
Olive recently joined African Leadership University (ALU) as an Academic Assistant for the School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC). Prior to that, she was a Program Associate at African Union under Social Affairs Department in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is a passionate about women empowerment and youth mainstreaming.
Sandrine Tuyisenge Sandrine Tuyisenge
Sandrine Tuyisenge is an alum of the Hanga Ahazaza program and holds a diploma in hospitality management from the Akilah Institute. Post-graduation, Sandrine joined Davis College and Akilah Institute team where she works as the student affairs officer. In her role, she provides guidance to student leaders and empower them to create positive student experiences.
Sandra previously worked at the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa as a Program Management Intern and facilitated the US Embassy Rwanda led Everybody Reads program which aimed to promote a reading culture in Rwanda.
She has strong customer care, communications, planning, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, and values diversity.
In the future, Sandrine hopes to continue her studies and start a career in project management.
Sheila Mbadi Sheila Mbadi
Sheila Mbadi holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a master’s degree in information technology from the Carnegie Mellon University –Africa (CMU-Africa).
Professionally she is a Software Engineer and an Applied Machine Learning Specialist. She also has experience in academia as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at CMU – Africa and as a Research Assistant at the Kigali Collaborative Research Centre.
She delights in forming communities and ensuring they succeed. At heart, she is a Pan-Africanist who is always looking for opportunities to connect with fellow Africans for the betterment of the continent.