The people behind Hope Iwacu Initiative.

She is an accomplished entrepreneur and tourism professional with over 15 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, organizational leadership, and community development. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Eco Community Tours Ltd and serves as the Country Coordinator for Charis Ministry UK in Rwanda, where she promotes community engagement and sustainable development initiatives.

As the Chairperson of the Hope Iwacu Initiative, Chantal provides strategic leadership and governance, guiding the organization’s vision, growth, and accountability. She is passionate about empowering communities, promoting ethical leadership, and building strong partnerships that advance the organization’s mission to prevent human trafficking, protect vulnerable populations, and restore hope and dignity to survivors.

Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service continues to strengthen Hope Iwacu Initiative as a trusted, community-driven organization dedicated to creating lasting social impact.

He is a project management expert with over 20 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing socio-economic development programs across East African countries. His expertise spans project management, strategic program development, research, policy and advocacy, partnership building, and organizational development within national and international non-governmental organizations.

Throughout his career, Kabera has successfully coordinated multi-stakeholder initiatives, strengthened institutional partnerships, and led programs focused on countering human trafficking, youth empowerment, education, child protection, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). He has extensive experience in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization, and evidence-based programming.

In addition to serving as a Board member, Kabera volunteers as the Secretariat Coordinator of Hope Iwacu Initiative, providing day-to-day leadership and overseeing the organization’s daily operations, program coordination, strategic partnerships, and organizational development. His commitment reflects his passion for advancing Hope Iwacu Initiative’s mission of protecting vulnerable communities, empowering survivors, and promoting sustainable social change.

As a Board Member, Kabera provides strategic leadership and governance, helping guide the organization’s growth, sustainability, and impact through innovative, rights-based, and community-driven approaches.

Umulisa Lilian is a public health and development leader with over 12 years of experience managing large-scale health and development programs across Rwanda and internationally. She has led strategic partnerships with governments and global donors, contributing to stronger health systems and improved community wellbeing.

As one of the founding members of Hope Iwacu Initiative, Lilian played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s vision. During her internship with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Rwanda National Police, she witnessed first-hand how young people were being exploited through transnational organized crime, particularly human trafficking. Her experience in identifying trafficking hotspots in Kigali inspired her to champion counter-human trafficking as one of Hope Iwacu Initiative’s core priorities from its inception.

Today, Lilian continues to provide strategic leadership and governance as an Executive member, bringing her expertise in partnerships, policy engagement, and sustainable development to advance the organization’s mission of protecting vulnerable communities and promoting human dignity.

Amanda Kayumba is a results-driven development and project management professional with over 10 years of experience managing donor-funded programs, building strategic partnerships, and mobilizing resources in the non-profit and public sectors. She is passionate about advancing sustainable development, children’s wellbeing, and inclusive community development through effective collaboration and capacity strengthening.

As the Treasurer and a Board member of the Hope Iwacu Initiative, Amanda provides strategic oversight of the organization’s financial governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and sound stewardship of resources to support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Anitha Kagenza is an accomplished finance professional with extensive expertise in strategic financial planning, budget management, financial reporting, and risk assessment. She has a proven track record of strengthening financial accountability, improving organizational performance, and delivering sound financial solutions that align with institutional goals and long-term sustainability.

Her strengths in stakeholder engagement, financial governance, and strategic decision-making enable her to foster transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. Anitha is recognized for her strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, which support informed decision-making and organizational growth.

As the Chair of the Audit Sub-Committee and a member of the Hope Iwacu Initiative, Anitha provides strategic oversight on financial management, internal controls, compliance, and risk management. She is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and good governance, ensuring that the organization’s financial resources are managed responsibly to maximize impact for the communities it serves.

Experienced banking professional with over 10 years in internal audit, risk management, and compliance. Strong background in ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks, improving operational efficiency, and leading strategic initiatives. Holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration majoring in accounting and is currently pursuing advanced professional certifications.

Core competencies: internal audit and risk management; analytical thinking; leadership and strategic planning; strategic, operational, and detail-oriented; advanced knowledge of accounting software and investment portfolio management. Excellent analytical skills and sound financial decision-making judgment.

She is a dedicated and accomplished Information Technology professional with strong expertise in web design, software development, and computer systems management. She possesses practical experience in web development using PHP, HTML, and CSS, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, and a wide range of programming languages including C, C++, VB.NET, Java, JavaScript, Python, and Android Studio.

In addition to her technical expertise, she is skilled in computer maintenance and repair, enabling her to provide comprehensive IT solutions across diverse organizational settings.

Known for her strong work ethic, analytical mindset, and commitment to excellence, she thrives in both collaborative and independent work environments. She has a passion for analysing data, translating insights into practical solutions, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Her ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams makes her a valuable contributor to organizational growth and innovation.

As a member of the Hope Iwacu Initiative, she brings strategic technological insight, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to leveraging digital innovation to strengthen the organization’s mission of preventing human trafficking, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and empowering vulnerable communities.

He is an experienced legal and security professional with over 20 years of expertise in law enforcement, investigations, conflict resolution, and security management. His career includes distinguished service with the Rwanda National Police, the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, and the private sector, where he has led security, safety, and investigative operations.

As the Chair of the Conflict Resolution Sub-Committee and a member of the Hope Iwacu Initiative Board of Directors, Derrick provides strategic guidance on governance, conflict management, safeguarding, and organizational integrity. His extensive experience in justice, investigations, and community safety strengthens the organization’s efforts to protect vulnerable communities and promote human rights through peaceful and accountable leadership.

She is an international policy and public affairs professional with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, donor engagement, and human rights advocacy. She has worked with international organizations and civil society partners across Europe and Africa, supporting policy development, resource mobilization, and organizational growth.

As a Board Member and Vice Chairperson of the Conflict Resolution Sub-Committee at Hope Iwacu Initiative, Claire provides strategic guidance on governance, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. Her commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and rights-based approaches strengthens the organization’s efforts to promote peace, protect vulnerable communities, and advance sustainable social change.

Phionah Ingabire is a program management and private sector development professional with over 10 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business development, strategic partnerships, and organizational capacity strengthening. She has successfully led high-impact programs across East and Central Africa, supporting entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and building collaborative partnerships that drive sustainable development.

As a Board member of the Conflict Resolution Sub-Committee, Phionah contributes her expertise in stakeholder engagement, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. She is committed to promoting effective governance, peaceful conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership that strengthens the organization’s mission of protecting vulnerable communities and advancing human dignity.