Welcome to our new interview series! Through personal interviews of locals and expats alike, we hope to create dialogue and discussion for our dynamic community in Kigali.
Amy with her team on the compound.
Meet Amy, Professional Political Activist & Social Entrepreneur
1. What originally brought you to Kigali, Rwanda?
In 2011, I came to Rwanda with NDI - the National Democratic Institute, an organization I've worked with for 20 years now in 16 countries mostly as a consultant - but I was their full-time Country Director in Rwanda.
I have been in Rwanda ever since - going back and forth to the US while keeping a compound that I airbnb in Kiyovu. Rwanda is a special place to study, listen and learn. Rwanda has inspired me to think creatively, and be entrepreneurial! I feel more at home here now than in the US most of the time.
2. What is your line of work in the USA?
Global GAIN’s first international trip to Rwanda
My day job is as a political consultant for candidates, campaigns, and causes through my company AP Campaigns and as an advisor to Deliver Strategies.
But I'm also an activist, social entrepreneur, founder of several nonprofit organizations including BISC, Democratic GAIN, Global GAIN, and an active board member of others including the Akilah Institute - now part of Davis College.
3. What led you to found Global GAIN, a global network of women change-makers?
Amy with Vestina - Manager of Amy’s Kiyovu Compound and close friend
I recently founded Global GAIN seeking to link women in the US with women's leadership programs globally. I believe the solution to most world problems is to educate girls and empower women, promoting more them into leadership positions and increasing the number of women in political office globally.
Rwanda was a very deliberate goal for our first trip. I hope the women who traveled this past June are inspired to do something similar in another part of the world. With Global GAIN, I will continue to expose women to the meaningful nature of traveling for purpose.
Travel is the best education you can possibly have.
4. What advice do you have for expats living in Kigali?
It’s easy to come here and get insulated in the expat scene. The key is getting out of your comfort zone. Through gym, yoga, social groups, networks, the art community and the fashion industry, I find connection and community in Rwanda.