Today, we speak with Ange Ishimwe Benimana (Rwanda, One Acre Fund), a current Scholar from our 2024 Cohort of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize Virtual Leadership Institute (VLI). Thank you, Ange, for sharing with us about your personal and professional growth! We wish you the best of luck with the rest of the VLI and with your career!
I’m Ange Ishimwe Benimana, originally from Rwanda. Currently, I work as an Accountant at One Acre Fund, where I manage financial reporting and support audit processes. I also lead women in leadership initiatives aimed at helping women grow and develop their potential. I am passionate about gender equality, which involves advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for all genders in various aspects of life, including the workplace, education, and politics. A fun fact about me is that I’m a gym addict – I’m always in the gym!
My desire to participate in the Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute stems from a strong commitment to enhancing my leadership skills and the program’s alignment with my values. The Institute provides a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, share my expertise, and learn from others to amplify our collective impact.
To me, leadership is about inspiring and enabling others to achieve their full potential. Effective leadership is not just about achieving results but also about understanding and supporting the needs of the team. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
The Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute has been instrumental in my professional and leadership development by offering insightful sessions and networking opportunities with global leaders. This experience is enhancing my ability to be a more effective leader in the initiatives I lead at One Acre Fund, as well as fostering my personal growth and self-leadership.
One memorable lesson from the VLI has been learning new perspectives on leadership and getting to know my fellow participants and their inspiring projects. It’s heartening to see so many people making meaningful changes in their organizations and communities.
To make the most of your experience in the VLI, I recommend engaging yourself fully in the program, actively seeking feedback, and building connections with fellow participants. These interactions can provide diverse perspectives and foster valuable relationships that extend beyond the program.