Designed and led by IHP co-founders Abusana Micky Bondo and Claudette Ndayininahaze, women studied different leadership styles and successful women leaders from around the world. Then, they coached the students on how to identify and apply their own personal brand of leadership. Each student ended the course by creating an action plan to demonstrate how they will implement what they learned, continue to grow, and positively impact others in the community. Participant Claudine Kandja noted, “This course has moved me, and I am another person.”
In her final class reflection, Jeannette Hitimana noted:
“…I am from Rwanda. I have been in this country for a while, but after the leadership class, I discovered I have a couple of leadership styles. After looking deep inside me, I discovered I am a servant leader. The reason why I discovered I am a servant leader is because:
1. I have the capacity to boost others by encouraging them to improve themselves without looking at my biases, such as where they come from, which language they speak, or without looking at the color of their skin.
2. Power of persuasion means to influence other people or a group of people to change their beliefs or behaviors, so they can achieve their goals.
3. Empathize as an effective leader because I struggled to integrate myself in this country, where the culture, the weather, and language barriers were different. Still, I chose not to survive but to thrive (getting my education…)
4. Create a trusting environment by showing everyone the mission, the values they must uphold, and being transparent about their goals; It can be short-term or long-term. As a servant Leader, I discovered that every day is a learning day. As this class offered me this knowledge, I know I am still learning, and I still have some challenges, such as being consistent, discovering when I am overwhelmed, burnout out, and finding my safe space. Through this course, I recognize that everyone in this world has something to offer, to never underestimate anyone in life, and be humble, respectful, and grateful to God, who always brings you good and bad people to give you memories and experiences. I want again to tell each woman who took this course that you made a good decision by taking this class.
As Harriet Tubman said: Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Claudine Kandja :
Nobody can make the world wonderful like you dream it. Believe in yourself, work on it, don’t give up, and make your dream real and visible.
Zita Alida Madzou:
I am who I am, my values cannot match someone else’s. My motivation can change but my goal without a plan is just a wish.
Teresa Luzolo:
The realization of my own race will realize at my own pace. Stay focused on your inspiration, then don’t give up.
Lilian Kanku:
Doing well what I am supposed to do can also inspire my peers. It’s important to be you, but it’s always you who is important.
