Welcome to the Team Ryan!

Introducing Ryan — Komera’s newest team member! Ryan will be joining the team as our new Development and Communications Coordinator. Ryan has a deep passion for working with students and promoting empowerment in all communities. He has a strong background in the non-profit space and is excited to support the team’s growth this year! We’re excited to have him join us and to share his insights in development work.

How did you first hear about Komera?

Jacquelyn Spade, Komera’s interim Managing Director, is an alum of the grad school that I’m currently attending — NYU Wagner — and was even a member of the same club as I am. She posted in our school’s Facebook group, looking for people interested in international development work, and that’s how I was connected to Komera! Once I scrolled through the webpage, and saw all of the amazing programs this organization runs, I knew it was the one for me,

What made you want to join Komera?

I used to be a tutor, so ‘empowerment’ has always been the core of the impact I wanted to create in the world through public service. When I found Komera, I was amazed by how closely its goals of empowering women in Rwanda completely aligned with what I had been working at my whole life. Each specific program — from the scholarships, to encouraging women to be involved in sports — made me fall deeper in love with the organization.

What projects are you most excited to dive into and support the team with?

I am super excited about building new partnerships with other organizations, and maintaining our longstanding relationships. My work has always revolved around working directly with people and forming connections, so I am excited that I get to apply my skills to aid such a great cause like Komera!

What is your favorite part of the Komera program or mission that inspires you?

I truly love the Leadership Center. Another non-profit I used to work for focused a lot on “place,” and I really came to appreciate this concept that if you provide a space for people to flourish, then they will do just that! The Leadership Center is the embodiment of this, serving as a centerpiece for everything Komera does to build the skills of women in Rwanda.

A big piece of Komera’s mission is female empowerment through sport and health wellness. What is your personal favorite way to sweat and how do you practice self-care?

Personally, I’m a runner, which is on-brand for Komera. While I’m certainly not up for a marathon anytime soon, I do love running through Central Park of course! Self-care for me, however, looks like putting on soothing music, laying down, and meditating.

What is a fun, unique or weird fact about you?

Speaking of music, I am a huge collector of vinyl records. I am always looking for recommendations of thrift stores that sell unique and affordable finds. Recently, I got a copy of What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye for $5 down the street from my apartment. I was overjoyed!

Inspirational quote or mantra you live by:

“Creo que puedo” — I think I can, in Spanish.