staff

Neema Namadamu
Founder & Executive Director
Hero Women Rising & Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Neema Namadamu is a visionary game-changer. Her approach to enacting change is summed up in her words, “Impact is not measured by whether or not you are amassing followers, but whether or not you are inspiring leadership. We don’t want a world of leaders and followers, but leaders only.”

Masoka Jeanne Namunezero
Director of Programs
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
“I love to change Africa through young women, because it is they who will be the mothers of the nations of the world,” says Masoka. Born in the remote area of our Itombwe Center, and a member of the staff since 2016, Masoka is integral to the operation of both our Bukavu and Itombwe programs.

Ange Kega Wa Kega
Director of Operations
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Ange has served her country in various capacities since she graduated from university, including in the Civil Guard Service of the Military and as Director of the Governor of South Kivu’s cabinet. She became Chairwoman of SAFECO’s board in 2016 and Director of Operations in 2021.

Anne-Marie Uwimana
Office Manager
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Anne-Marie became a member of the Maman Shujaa Media Center in 2017 and aligned immediately with its vision, quickly becoming one of the most engaged members and representing SAFECO at local Civil Society meetings. She joined SAFECO’s staff in the summer of 2019.
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Beatrice Woody
Director of Communications and Development
Hero Women Rising (United States)
Beatrice is a committed intrapreneur in the for-profit and non-profit sectors driving development and communication excellence to impact youth in communities who need us most. Her spirit of advocacy permeates into policy through the organizations she serves, professionally and voluntarily.

Clementine Namasomo
Lead Computer Trainer - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Clementine was the first Maman Shujaa member to join the staff. She was initially hired as an office cleaner, and began learning computer skills. Capable and passionate, Clementine has now been an integral part of the Media Center staff since 2014.

Esther Atosha
Computer, English, and Entrepreneurial Trainer - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Esther first joined the Center as a member, became a Girl Ambassador for Peace, and joined the staff in 2019. Her diverse range of skill sets make her a versatile trainer, specializing in several different areas.

Petite Kubota Songa
Sewing Trainer - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Bio coming soon...

Joseph Bisetsa
Security - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
It's been 4 years that I have been a security guard at SAFECO. I am studying Public Law. Having the job at SAFECO gave me a lot of hope for a happy life.

Narcisse Zawadi
Receptionist - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Bio coming soon...

Divine Nabigarira
Reforestation Field Manager
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Bio coming soon...

Letithia Nantabara
Sewing Trainer - Bukavu Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Letithia began learning how to sew. So in 2015 when SAFECO was embarking on its Micro Enterprise industry to make washable, reusable feminine hygiene kits, Letithia was among the first trainees. She now co-leads our seamstress livelihood training program along with Petite.

Rachel Umutoni Walters
Volunteer Program Director, Light of Hope
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
In 2017 Rachel founded a program called Light of Hope, to provide school fees, supplies and uniforms for orphaned children in the DRC.

Carlos Kinyama
Facility Manager - Itombwe Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations
Carlos is a man of Itombwe. He was born in Marunde, the village where the Center is located. He grew up there and knows and is known and respected by everyone in the vast Haut Plateau.

Aline Mukobwa
Sewing Trainer - Itombwe Center
Synergy of Congolese Women's Associations\
Bio coming soon...