"Identity and Industry: Navigating Impact"; Reflecting on our Tsudoi 2025 Scholar Gathering
"From this year’s Tsudoi, I’m taking away the powerful lesson that even small, consistent actions can create meaningful change. The idea of starting with what’s within my control—sharing knowledge, resources, and hope—resonates deeply with me. It reminded me that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures but rather a commitment to growth and contributing positively to those around me. I also learned the importance of fostering connections and embracing shared experiences as a way to inspire both personal and collective development. Tsudoi has reinforced my belief that empowering others, especially youth, to discover their passions and strengths is a vital step in creating a better world. It’s a reminder to always keep asking, “How can I help today?” and to act with intention and kindness."
Our Tsudoi 2025 took place Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19 on the theme "Identity and Industry: Navigating Impact" to explore how Scholars' perceptions of themselves, and their values, influence the work they will do upon their return to Africa. We had an amazing lineup of guest speakers who shared their stories and inspired our Scholars.
We kicked off Tsudoi 2025 with three of our Ashinaga USA Graduates!
Lincoln from Zimbabwe currently works as a Senior Analyst at Deutsche Bank. Lincoln also started gaming hubs in his home village to spread coding and computer science knowledge to the next generation.
Juniour, also from Zimbabwe, recently completed her MBA in Global Public Management and seeks to elevate women in marginalized communities using skills she gained through a recent internship with the World Food Program.
Alex from Kenya currently works as an Analyst at Bank of America in London within their Operations division. Alex is also on the board of a non-profit in South Africa providing strategy and growth advisory.
Our Scholars reflected: "The talk with the graduate panel was really insightful for me because I received advice from people that have been in my position before and that I believe will help me navigate through my academic years positively."
On Saturday, Wamweni Sharlette Samundengu, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, of the African Union Commission Envoy on Youth, gave the keynote on "Driving Strategy, Coordination and Partnerships for Youth Development." Two Scholars reflected on Wamweni's keynote:
"Apart from being a student, I am a person who envisions helping others and be part of the change I want to see. Ms. Wamweni Sharlette resonated with me the most because she has always wanted to touch the lives of people and started with youth volunteer program, which am also part of back home!"
"I was inspired by her story of venturing into volunteering with the African Union regardless of her age because it resonated best with what she was passionate about: humanitarian advocacy and I believe I would want to work in the same field someday."
On Sunday, the Entrepreneurs' Panel featured Jolis Nduwimana and Ambrose Kamya.
Jolis is a Burundian young leader and entrepreneur and Founder and Executive Director of WEGE Company, a social enterprise that promotes the green economy in Burundi through a circular economy. Jolis is a country representative of the ‘Africa under 40 CEOs’ network.
Ambrose is a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow from Uganda and serial entrepreneur. He has co- founded several impactful ventures including KeBERA Organics, an agri-tech startup empowering local organic farmers in Uganda, and Safebangle Technologies, a personal safety technology startup combating sexual assault in Uganda.
One Scholar's feedback on the entrepreneurs' panel shared: "They were authentic, sharing both their failures and successes. I also loved their advice. They were amazing!"
Our Tsudoi 2025 included sessions on Scholars' professional development. Ashinaga USA was generously provided free sessions for all of our Scholars to use Chea Seed, a self-service career tool. One of the outputs, for example, is a 'career plan' that consists of a five-year plan with possible job titles generated by the user's responses to various questions. Scholars reflected on the tool with the following thoughts:
"(Chea Seed) solidified my ideas that were scattered... makes me inspired and tells me more of what I can do."
"I like the five-year plan...getting the job is the first step, not the last step, so it was really helpful."
In a separate session, Scholars reflected on the mission of Ashinaga, which is for Scholars to return to their communities to create impact. Scholars broke out into their Cohorts to discuss what inspires them to return home, what hurdles they face, and what steps can be taken while at university to stay connected and better set up Ashinaga Scholars to have a professional network to build on upon graduation.
Scholars' takeaways from this final session included:
"I learned about the importance of networking, not just in the USA, but also back in my home country."
"Make use of all the available resources at your school for your success. Make connections. Be flexible and willing to learn."
Thank you to our esteemed guest speakers, and to our Scholars for their participation and enthusiasm!