Our Team

My name is Tessy Mercy Umutoni, an international relations major with a concentration in development studies. I’m passionate about empowering youth and communities in Africa through leadership, education, and inclusive development programs. My work focuses on bridging local needs with global opportunities, especially in post-conflict and underserved areas.

My name is Cherif Bukuru, a Burundian filmmaker and student at the United States International University–Africa, where I study Film Production and Directing. I believe in the power of stories to connect people, heal wounds, and shine a light on the voices that are often unheard. One of my short film Be Still and a recent documentary that placed in the top five of the FOCUS on Ability competition reflect my passion for telling meaningful, real-life stories. I also serve as a media coordinator in a nonprofit that empowers youth through education and creativity. I’m driven by purpose, community, and a desire to use film as a tool for impact and understanding.

I am a results-driven technology leader with a strong foundation in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science. As Co-Founder and CEO of Space-Ed Africa , I lead the development of Samandari , a platform dedicated to equipping students with in-demand tech and entrepreneurship skills across Africa. My work spans across full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, and AI applications for social impact. I have hands-on experience designing scalable web applications, building real-time APIs, implementing machine learning models for micro-insurance and credit scoring, and leading teams through complex development projects. I thrive in roles that combine technical execution with strategic thinking, and I am particularly interested in creating innovative solutions at the intersection of technology, education, and impact . Technical Skills: JavaScript (React.js, Node.js), Python (Django), MongoDB, SQL, Playwright, Cloudinary, REST APIs, Ably, Git, Tailwind CSS, JWT Auth, CI/CD Core Competencies: Leadership, Product Development, Team Management, Technical Mentorship, Problem Solving, Agile Development Current Focus: Leading product development at Space-Ed Africa Building scalable EdTech platforms Exploring AI/ML applications for real-world problems

I specialize in building robust web applications with modern technologies like React, Next.js, and Node.js. With a passion for clean code and user-centric design, I transform complex problems into elegant solutions.

Pie is an International Relations Scholar. He is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and quality education in Burundi; committed to advancing Pan-African ideals and empowering the next generation to shape Africa’s future.

I am Stophonie Kwihangana, a passionate filmmaker, creative storyteller, and community development advocate from Burundi, currently based in Nairobi, Kenya. A student of Film Production and Directing at the United States International University Africa, I bring stories to life through powerful visuals, narration, and impactful editing. Fluent in English, Swahili, Kirundi, and basic Spanish, he thrives in multicultural environments and enjoys connecting with global audiences. I am also a skilled content creator, film director, editor, and graphic designer. my storytelling ranges from documentary films highlighting inspiring individuals to short films based on real-life emotional experiences, such as navigating campus life, heartbreak, and the impact of social media. Driven by creativity, resilience, and purpose, I use film not just as an art form but as a tool for education, awareness, and empowerment.

Christa Bella Nibaruta is a passionate changemaker, software enthusiast, and social innovator from Burundi. Blending technology with social impact to create sustainable change. Christa brings a unique blend of technical skill and heartfelt advocacy, driven by her deep commitment to equity, community resilience, and youth empowerment in Burundi and beyond.

With a foundation in software development, project management, and community service, I'm an aspiring cybersecurity professional focused on empowering others through technology. I've contributed to the development of practical tech solutions, including a mobile learning platform and the Samandari App. My leadership roles as a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador and participation in Google Developer Groups involve hosting impactful tech events and mentoring peers, all aimed at advancing digital literacy and enabling communities.