With preparations underway for the Class of 2022 graduation later this year, we are looking forward to witnessing this cohort of incredible students transition to alumnae and join a distinguished network of the region’s leaders and entrepreneurs.

Six month ago, we celebrated the graduation of over 400 brilliant and brave young women in the Class of 2021. The hybrid ceremony marked the culmination of two years of commitment and passion for their studies.

Among this group of future leaders, four were recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments, through the Founders’ Award, the Justine Umuhoza Award, and the honor of Valedictorian. We recently caught up with each of these young women who shared highlights from their college experience, moments of growth, and their goals and aspirations for the future.

Liliose Beriteto, Information Systems, Class of 2021 Valedictorian

“I had so many amazing experiences at Akilah, but mostly I enjoyed the environment there. Everyone is so friendly, both students and staff. I really appreciated how the teachers are so welcoming and supportive.

The key lessons that I learned that will make me a better leader include first of all being an organized person. This helped me to accomplish my assignments because I could schedule everything beforehand. Another key lesson was to adapt to changing situations and remain committed to what you are doing. For instance, when the pandemic came, it was really challenging and hard at first, but of course I put in more energy than ever and at the end I got to like online classes more.

Personally, I have grown so much since joining Akilah. I feel more responsible and ready to take on a professional role, and I believe my friends and family see so much growth in me too. Before I started at Akilah I was studying at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village. I had learned a lot of things there since it is a school that equips you with so much knowledge, but I wouldn't say that I was sure about my future career; I was just studying to complete my studies. But when I came to Akilah, I got a chance to choose my career path in Information Systems and I am now excited to pursue the opportunities available in that industry.”

Divine Uwera, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Class of 2021 Founders’ Award Recipient

“My journey at Akilah was full of memories and lessons that I will never forget. My best moments were those that I spent with my fellow Guild Cabinet members and my classmates. I remember we used to call “Gusasinzobe” where we could openly speak our minds and give each other constructive feedback, which was always fun and informative. I also remember how the instructors were very comfortable and conversant, which would always make it easier for us and especially when I was in need of any kind of support. I think that is what a lot of the universities lack, and I can bet that it contributed significantly towards my success! Overall, I am glad to have spent my time in such a welcoming environment, because it always felt like home when I was in Akilah.

To me, leadership is not about being smart or having experience. It is about having the heart to serve, being humble, social, extremely understanding, approachable, putting others’ needs before yours, being family centered, believing that leadership isn’t about you but your people, and on top of that leading by example. This is what made me an extraordinary leader.

I am grateful and thankful that my leadership experience wasn’t as hard as I thought when I was elected as Guild Vice President. On the contrary, it was fun and definitely worth it. I’ve grown both personally and professionally; I’ve improved on my leadership and communication skills, proactivity, creativity, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Now that I am a graduate, I am looking forward to getting a good job that I am passionate about, and then using my savings to pursue further studies. I also want to start my own NGO that I have wanted to have my whole life, and I am sure it will be a huge success looking at the small projects I am working on now that will lead to it.

My motivation to join Akilah was that they empower young women like me to be changemakers, and also how their focus is more in leadership, soft skills, and market-relevant skills, contrary to most of the other universities that are more theoretical.

Before joining Akilah, I was not fluent in English, which could sometimes hinder me when sharing my idea. Additionally, I was afraid to say no because I feared hurting others due to my loving and altruistic personality. But thanks to Akilah, I can now fluently and confidently speak my mind.”

Benitha Ishimwe, Information Systems, Class of 2021 Founders’ Award Recipient

“Being a student at Akilah has been the most amazing experience I ever had. I have made lifelong friends and the best memories. I also took up some leadership roles and I did an internship at BICT, which made me broaden my skills and experience, and helped me to understand what it is like to be in an office and work on real life projects.

I learnt that servant leadership is the cornerstone to being a better leader. I had four principles that guided me as a leader: encourage diversity of thought, create a culture of trust, have an unselfish mindset, and foster leadership in others. These principles helped me know that I am not only leading myself but I have other people that look up to me.

It was a mesmerizing journey that I believe changed my life. I would say that I have become more flexible by coping with changing circumstances. By encountering different people at Akilah, and also developed strong people skills. The hardships and the tough times were present, yet I am grateful. It changed me in a positive way. I am much more understanding towards others. I developed strategies to cope with everyday life, and I feel there is meaning and value to my existence.

In the future, I see myself as a cybersecurity expert and I want to have my own cybersecurity consultancy business. Since an early age, I have always wanted to do STEM and I always wanted a college that would empower me and help me shine as a girl. Getting to know Akilah was like a dream come true because I knew it is the best institution to empower women and that will foster my inner potential. I couldn’t wait to join Akilah!

Before I joined Akilah, I didn’t have a clear direction of exactly where I wanted to be or who I was. All I had in my mind was that I have to be in IT. I never did computer science or any other related field in high school, but I had that feeling always pulling me towards IT. I remember an Akilah Alumna came to our school and she told us more about Akilah, what it has to offer, and I finally knew my place. I worked hard so that I could be able to do Information Systems at Akilah. I started doing some self-training, taught myself some digital skills, consulted my teachers, and got course recommendations from my friends. It was not easy to combine that with my studies, but I did it and I am so proud to now call myself an Akilah Alumna.”

Elyse Uwimpuhwe, Class of 2021 Justine Umuhoza Award Recipient

“My highlights as a student at Akilah were about balancing my academic life with my professional life, developing my social and emotional health, and building my leadership skills. I feel like I really utilized all the resources available to support my learning and personal growth. Making friends and memories with my colleagues was also the best part of my experience.

The key lessons that I learnt that make me a better leader are to have a clear vision, always keep priorities in mind with your team, to always listen to both sides, and to find a mentor who can support my goals. I grew a lot personally by being open to experiencing new things, managing my time, and creating room for evaluation of the main areas of my life such as mental growth, social growth, spiritual growth, physical growth, and emotional growth.

My main motivation to enroll at Akilah was because it is a great platform for young women to find themselves and their purpose in life. My career goals and aspirations for the future are to continue my education, broaden my network, achieve managerial success by becoming an expert in my field, and owning my own business.

Before joining Akilah, I really didn’t know my personal and professional goals and vision. I wasn't able to speak publicly and articulate my thoughts or ideas; I was so shy and less confident. But by now, I am a confident lady because of Akilah.”

Alumnae Spotlight: Class of 2021 Award Recipients