Intervenants/Leaders

A dynamic gathering of leaders and changemakers from Africa and the global diaspora spanning business, government, culture, and community

Sheba Rugege Hakiza

Co-Founder, Diaspora Homecoming

Organizing Committee

Sheba Rugege Hakiza

Co-Founder, Diaspora Homecoming

A global leader in public health, business development, and diaspora engagement, Sheba brings over 15 years of experience across clinical research, consulting, and international partnerships. She is the Founder of Pinnacle Planning Associates and serves on the Executive Board of the United States Rwandan Community Abroad.

Deborah Kakoma

Co-Founder, Diaspora Homecoming

Organizing Committee

Deborah Kakoma

Co-Founder, Diaspora Homecoming

Strategic Creative Director/CEO, The Brief
A brand and ecosystem architect who has spent two decades translating global and emerging market intelligence into customer journey experiences and platforms like Diaspora Homecoming where African culture, capital, and identity converge — making the complex simple, the possible real.

Cathy Rwivanga

Stakeholder Engagement Chair

Organizing Committee

Cathy Rwivanga

Stakeholder Engagement Chair

Cathy leads strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement efforts, bringing deep experience in building cross-sector collaborations and mobilizing high-level networks across the diaspora.

Tyler Bowa

Strategic Creative Director

Organizing Committee

Tyler Bowa

Strategic Creative Director

Tyler shapes the digital voice of Diaspora Homecoming, blending strategy, media, and innovation to connect global audiences and amplify its impact. A creative strategist and AI innovator with over 15 years of experience, he has led global brand campaigns across North America, China, and Africa.

Carol Rugege

Communications Chair

Organizing Committee

Carol Rugege

Communications Chair

Carol leads communications strategy, ensuring cohesive messaging and global outreach to position Diaspora Homecoming as a premier Pan-African platform.

Yannick Ntirushwa

Business Expert

Organizing Committee

Yannick Ntirushwa

Business Expert

A business leader and strategist specializing in trade, investment, and digital transformation, with a track record of strengthening U.S.–Rwanda business ties as former Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda. He bridges private enterprise, policy, and innovation to drive sustainable growth, with a focus on diaspora investment, technology-led expansion, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Michael Barclay

Cultural Leader

Chiefs Advisory Council

Michael Barclay

Cultural Leader

A global music executive and cultural leader, and former Chief Events Officer of Essence Festival, with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, contributing to shaping global music markets and diaspora cultural influence.

Bishop James Dixon

Senior Pastor

Chiefs Advisory Council

Bishop James Dixon

Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor of The Community of Faith Church in Houston and a nationally recognized faith leader, Bishop Dixon is a champion of social impact, community development, and Pan-African unity.

Tuma Basa

Cultural Curator

Chiefs Advisory Council

Tuma Basa

Cultural Curator

A leading global music executive and cultural curator, Tuma Basa has played a transformative role in elevating African music and artists on the world stage.

Jackson Mvunganyi

Journalist

Chiefs Advisory Council

Jackson Mvunganyi

Journalist

A prominent journalist and media professional with international experience, known for his work amplifying African stories and perspectives through global media platforms.

Amb Mathilde Mukantabana

Ambassador

Chiefs Advisory Council

Amb Mathilde Mukantabana

Ambassador

Former Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States and a distinguished academic and diplomat, she has been instrumental in strengthening Rwanda diaspora relations globally.

Dr. Kevin Washington

Education Leader

Chiefs Advisory Council

Dr. Kevin Washington

Education Leader

A respected leader in education and organizational leadership, bringing strategic insight into global development, governance, and diaspora engagement.

Keisha Effiom

Expert International Affairs

Chiefs Advisory Council

Keisha Effiom

Expert International Affairs

A leader in international affairs and diaspora engagement, with expertise in building global partnerships and advancing Africa focused initiatives.

Sandrine M. UWIMBABAZI

Director, Rwanda Community Abroad, MINAFFET

Government & Institutional Leadership

Sandrine M. UWIMBABAZI

Director, Rwanda Community Abroad, MINAFFET

Leads Rwanda’s diaspora engagement strategy, working to strengthen connections between Rwanda and its global community.

Yehoyada Mbangukira

President, Rwanda Community Abroad

Government & Institutional Leadership

Yehoyada Mbangukira

President, Rwanda Community Abroad

A key leader in diaspora mobilization, Yehoyada plays a critical role in connecting Rwandan communities across the United States and advancing collective impact initiatives.

Emmanuel N. Muvunyi

Global Humanitarian Leader

Government & Institutional Leadership

Emmanuel N. Muvunyi

Global Humanitarian Leader

Emmanuel Muvunyi is a Global Humanitarian Leader with over 15Years of Experience. As Deputy Executive Director of Business Operations at the International Rescue Committee, He leads efforts that deliver critical support to displaced populations. A Community Leader in the Rwanda Diaspora in the US, Emmanuel also serves on the Statewide Advisory Council at Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services, where he helps shape policies and funding to support community based organizations.

Ivy Prosper

Media Professional, TV Host and Public Speaker

Speakers

Ivy Prosper

Media Professional, TV Host and Public Speaker

Ivy Prosper is a leading voice in shaping Africa’s global narrative through media and storytelling. She has played a key role in diaspora engagement as Social Media Manager for Ghana’s “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives. As a documentary producer, author of Your Essential Guide on Moving to Ghana, and digital content creator, she has helped connect the diaspora to Africa through compelling storytelling and cultural engagement across global platforms.

Josephine Murphy

Co-Founder, Shelter Them

Speakers

Josephine Murphy

Co-Founder, Shelter Them

A Rwandan diaspora leader based in Canada, Josephine is dedicated to community development and social impact initiatives in Rwanda, with a focus on empowerment and sustainable solutions.

Jocelyn Alexandre

Co-Founder, Shelter Them

Speakers

Jocelyn Alexandre

Co-Founder, Shelter Them

Jocelyn is a social entrepreneur committed to advancing inclusive development and creating opportunities for underserved communities through innovative, community-driven approaches.

Ana Bodipo

Strategic Advisor

Strategic Advisor

Ana Bodipo

Strategic Advisor

A strategic advisor with expertise in international development, partnerships, and global engagement, supporting initiatives that drive impact across Africa and the diaspora.

Belise Kariza-Leke

Founder, The Africa Edit

Strategic Advisor

Belise Kariza-Leke

Founder, The Africa Edit

A pan-African tourism and conservation strategist, Belise has shaped Rwanda’s global tourism profile as former Chief Tourism Officer at RDB and led conservation efforts with the African Wildlife Foundation. She now curates premium African travel experiences connecting diaspora to the continent.

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