Meet the team

The people opening the gateway.

Irembo is led by people who know first-hand what a single opportunity can change.

Bertrand Ishimwe

Founder and President

Irembo Foundation | Irembo US

From survival to service

Bertrand Ishimwe is a Rwandan humanitarian leader, contemporary artist, international speaker, and the founder of Irembo Foundation.

Born in Kigali in 1994, one month after Rwanda's liberation, Bertrand entered a country and family deeply affected by the Genocide against the Tutsi. Before he could know their names or hear their voices, the Genocide had already taken nearly his entire extended family. He later faced severe poverty, hunger, and an interrupted education. These experiences shaped his worldview and gave him a profound sense of empathy and determination.

A British supporter recognized Bertrand's potential and helped him return to school. He attended Lycée de Kigali and later studied International Relations at Oral Roberts University in the United States. That opportunity strengthened his belief that support received should become opportunity passed forward.

In 2015, Bertrand founded Irembo Foundation to support vulnerable children, single mothers, and underserved families in Rwanda. Through education sponsorship, vocational training, livelihood development, nutrition, and community programs, Irembo has helped approximately 126 children attend school and has supported more than 100 single mothers.

Bertrand currently lives in the United States and serves as Founder and President of Irembo US. Through his leadership, art, and public speaking, he continues building connections between Rwanda and the wider world while creating pathways to dignity, education, and self-reliance.

Opportunity should become opportunity passed forward.

Immaculee Mukaburanga

President

Irembo Foundation Rwanda

Education at the heart of service

Immaculee Mukaburanga is a Rwandan education leader and community advocate who serves as President of Irembo Foundation Rwanda.

A former educator and co-founder of Imena School, Immaculee has devoted much of her life to helping young people learn, grow, and recognize their potential. Her experience in education strengthened her belief that knowledge, encouragement, and consistent care can transform not only an individual life, but an entire family and community.

Her compassion extends especially to children and single mothers. She understands that many vulnerable families possess talent, strength, and determination, but often lack the support and opportunities needed to move forward. This conviction has shaped her commitment to programs that protect children's access to education and help women build greater confidence, dignity, and independence.

As President of Irembo Foundation Rwanda, Immaculee provides leadership grounded in experience, empathy, and service. She helps advance the Foundation's mission of supporting vulnerable children, empowering single mothers, and strengthening families through education and practical opportunity.

Immaculee's journey from the classroom to nonprofit leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to people. She believes that meaningful change begins by listening, standing beside those facing hardship, and helping them develop the tools to build a more secure future.

Leading with education, compassion, and a commitment to opportunity.

David Rugaba Izibyose

Vice President and Country Director

Irembo Foundation Rwanda

A journey of belonging and service

David Rugaba Izibyose is a Rwandan artist and humanitarian leader who serves as Vice President and Country Director of Irembo Foundation Rwanda.

David first encountered Irembo approximately ten years ago, when he was still a child growing up in Kigali. By participating in Irembo's activities, he found a community where young people could learn, create, and feel supported. Those early experiences gave him a lasting connection to the organization and the values it represents.

Years later, David's return to Irembo marked a meaningful new chapter. Once one of the children participating in its programs, he now helps lead the Foundation's work in Rwanda. His journey gives him a personal understanding of the importance of belonging, encouragement, and opportunity in a young person's life.

David is also a painter whose practice centers on abstract and semi-abstract work. He uses color, shape, and movement to express emotion, explore ideas, and tell stories that may not always be captured through words. For him, art is both a personal language and a way of connecting with others.

As Vice President and Country Director, David brings creativity, lived experience, and a deep commitment to Irembo's mission. His story reflects the long-term power of investing in young people: a child once welcomed by Irembo has grown into an artist and leader helping guide its future.

Once an Irembo child, now helping guide its future in Rwanda.

Marie Corrine Ujeneza

Director and Chief Operating Officer

Irembo US

Leadership rooted in service and hope

Marie Corrine Ujeneza is a Rwandan humanitarian leader committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children, women, and families.

Born in Kigali three years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Corrine grew up surrounded by Rwanda's journey of healing and rebuilding. Her parents were born and raised in exile in Uganda and Burundi because of the discrimination and persecution faced by Tutsi families. Her uncles served in the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which stopped the Genocide and helped restore hope and security to Rwanda.

Growing up in post-genocide Rwanda taught Corrine that the country's future depended on people caring for one another and working together to build stronger communities. After completing high school in Rwanda, she moved to China and studied International Economics and Trade at Liaoning University.

Upon returning to Rwanda, Corrine learned about Irembo Foundation and its work with vulnerable children, single mothers, and underserved families. Its mission deeply connected with her values, and Irembo soon became a second home where she could turn compassion into meaningful service.

Corrine currently resides in the United States and serves as Director and Chief Operating Officer of Irembo US. She oversees the organization's daily operations, program coordination, organizational growth, and fundraising efforts while strengthening the connection between supporters in the United States and Irembo Foundation's programs in Rwanda.

Helping create a future of dignity, opportunity, and hope.