Staff

Meet The Family

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.