The Komera Rwanda Team
Rosemary Musiimire
Executive Director
Rose is a dedicated educator and advocate for gender equality with over 15 years of experience working in both the Education and Community Development sectors, particularly on donor-funded projects focusing on inclusive education, gender equity, and economic empowerment. She approaches her work with humility and empathy because of her life journey. She joined Komera in 2015 as a junior staff responsible for mentorship, and monitoring and evaluation and has since then continued to grow in her roles and responsibilities. In 2023, Rosemary was promoted to the role of Executive Director of Komera.
Rosemary is a graduate of Makerere University in Uganda with a focus on Education, Literature and English Language. She also completed a post-graduate program with a focus in Human Resource Management.
Rosemary believes that for the inequalities experienced by women and girls to end, we all need to act!
Connect: Rosemary@komera.org
Vestine Uwamahoro
Programs Manager
Vestine joined the Komera team after graduating from the Komera Post-Secondary Transition Program. As a former Komera scholar, Vestine was a bright student who excelled in the nine-month intensive program upon graduation. Vestine started as an intern at the Komera office, and was hired on hired on full time in 2015. She helps the Komera staff with daily operations of programs and has become an essential part of the team.
Contact: Vestine@komera.org
Sylvia Murekatete
HR & Finance Manager
Sylvia holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Kigali Independent University (ULK). Sylvia worked as an Internal Auditor of the District within six years and joined Komera after three year as District Start Up Development Officer. Sylvia was drawn to Komera because of her passion for empowering and developing of young women.
Ruth Kamatali
Social Worker Manager
Ruth joins Komera after spending six years as a trauma and healing counselor for the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Kigali Diocese. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Business Administration from the School of Finance and Banking. Ruth has spent much of her career working with adolescent girls and is passionate about education and empowerment.
Josephine Mutamba
Teen Mother Advancement Program Coordinator
Josephine holds an advanced diploma in General Nursing, and joins Komera after 11 years of work in the nursing profession. Josephine leads the Teen Mother Advancement Program at Komera to support pregnant youth and teen mothers through health, education and economic development. In her prior role, Josephine was in charge of Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRH) at Mukarange Health Center in the Kayonza District.
Olivia Isimbi
Information, Communication, and Technology Officer
Olivia is a Komera scholar who recently joined the team after completing college in Information systems and Technology at Davis college, Akilah campus and she’s now working as Komera information technology officer. After graduation, Olivia did professional internship in a Tech company called OpenIT where she was hired after six months as information technology technician, but her dreams were one day to work for the organization that believes, empowers and transform girls lives which would help her to giveback by being part of that vision and she so excited to join Komera.
Consolee Nibagwire
Youth Empowerment Program Officer
Biography to come.
Mamy Uwineza
Administrative Assistant
Mamy holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic Science and Management with Honors in Accounting Department (A0). She is a former Komera scholar currently working with Komera as an Administrative Assistant. During her higher education schooling, she served as the Gender Minister at the University of Lay of Adventist of Kigali. She is an active social change agent in her community and believes strongly in working hard to be the change you wish to see in the world!
Solange Mushimiyimana Tailor Training Program Instructor
Biography to come.
The Komera U.S. Team
Ashley Lackovich
Managing Director
Ashley is excited to join Komera as Managing Director. She has worked with women and girls globally, with a passion for partnering with adolescent girls to support their education, health, rights, and wellbeing. Ashley has led impactful initiatives, including directing Mercy Corps’ MENA Girl Center during the Syria Crisis and developing guidance on child marriage prevention and response for the UN Refugee Agency. Her work spans Ethiopia, Kenya, the DR Congo and throughout the Middle East.
Ashley holds a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, with a graduate degree from Skidmore College and undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster. She has taught and published, grounding her passion for researching and advocating for community-based approaches that empower adolescent girls. She firmly believes that education, paired with holistic support, can transform the lives of girls and their community. Ashley is thrilled to join an organization that shares this deep-seated belief.
Contact: Ashley@komera.org
Jacquelyn Spade
Associate Director of Development
Through her work, she has seen firsthand the profound impact that investing in women and girls has on families and communities, especially as a pathway out of poverty. She is excited to continue supporting the deep development work Komera is doing.
Jacquelyn is a graduate of NYU - Wagner with a master’s degree in Urban Planning with a specialization in International Development Planning. She holds a B.S. in Sustainable Community Development from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. While at NYU Wagner, she co-chaired the International Policy and Planning Association (IPPA), where she organized and moderated multiple panels with industry leaders. She has a passion for working with communities and local stakeholders to support equitable and sustainable development for all.
Contact: Jac@komera.org