Introducing Our Be That Girl Trailblazers
Discover the inspiring profiles of our BTG University Scholars. This platform connects our talented individuals with networking opportunities, and fosters a vibrant alumni community. Explore their journeys and contribute to their professional growth within our expansive network.
Be That Girl (BTG) believes that when a girl has agency, entire communities rise. That is why we created the Trailblazers Scholarship Programme, that each year allocates dedicated funding from BTG to help talented young women study at university level. As of 2026, the Trailblazer Programme is active in Rwanda and Malawi.
With our partner Generation Rise, we are currently sponsoring 32 young women to study at University of Rwanda, providing scholarships and wrap-around support tailored to each young woman’s needs. The first cohort started their university studies in 2023. Support includes tuition assistance, learning materials and laptops, sustained one-to-one mentorship, career coaching, internship linkages, and emotional-wellbeing resources. We also partner with local employers, training centres and microfinance partners to open real pathways beyond graduation.
We are also working with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Rotary Club of Lilongwe Lotus Chapter (RCLL) to support young women to study at MUST and receive mentorship by RCLL members. The inaugural cohort of 10 scholars started their studies at MUST in fall 2025. The initiative aims to nurture young leaders in their academic journeys, offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and community engagement while encouraging students to shape their own paths with confidence and self-determination.
This page celebrates the stories and achievements of the Trailblazers. Browse their profiles, learn what they’re studying, and discover how BTG’s sponsorship is helping them turn ambition into impact. Please note: this page is constantly being updated to welcome future Trailblazers. Stay tuned.
university of rwanda
class of 2027
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Diane TUYISINGIZE
Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science with Education (Rukara Campus)
Interests: Mathematics education, computer science teaching, and creative lesson planning
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Beatrice Mafubo
Bachelor of Kinyarwanda and English with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Language education, cultural preservation, and linguistic bridge building
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Irabisohoje Rose Vinci
Bachelor of Kinyarwanda and English with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Language education, cultural preservation, and bilingual teaching methods
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IRAFASHA Esther
Bachelor of Social Work (Huye Campus)
Interests: Community development, social justice, and human welfare
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Umwali Faith
Bachelor of Agribusiness and Agri-economy (Busogo Campus)
Interests: Sustainable agriculture, agricultural economics, and rural development
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UWASE Emelyne
Bachelor of Agribusiness and Agri-economy (Busogo Campus)
Interests: Agricultural innovation, food systems, and sustainable development
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Uwase Angelique
Bachelor of Mathematics and Economics with Education (Rukara Campus)
Interests: Mathematical modeling, economic analysis, and educational innovation
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AYINKAMIYE M. Jose
Bachelor of History and Geography with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Historical research, geographical studies, and educational methodology
university of rwanda
Class of 2028
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IRADUKUNDA Rosine
Bachelor of Computer Science with Education (Rukara Campus)
Interests: IT solutions, photography, and innovative teaching methods
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MUNDERE Anne Marie
Bachelor of Public Administration and Governance (Huye Campus)
Interests: Public administration, governance systems, and policy development
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NSHIMIRIMANA Benoite Henriette
Bachelor of Performing Arts and Kinyarwanda with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Performing arts, Kinyarwanda language education, and cultural preservation
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Mwamini Phoibe
Bachelor of English and Literature In English (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Language and storytelling, cultural bridge-building, and educational innovation
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Christine MANISHIMWE
Bachelor of Swahili and English with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: Swahili language education, English literature, and cross-cultural communication
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Uwase Rosine
Bachelor of Political Science (Huye Campus)
Interests: Strategic management, brand representation, and public speaking
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Ashimwe Anne Noella
Bachelor of English and Kiswahili with Education (Nyagatare Campus)
Interests: English language education, Kiswahili studies, and cross-cultural communication
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BENEGUSENGA ALINE
Bachelor of Creative Art & Performance (Huye Campus)
Interests: Creative arts, performance studies, and artistic expression
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UWIRINGIYIMANA Adeline
Bachelor of Business Information and Technology (Huye Campus)
Interests: Business technology, digital transformation, and information systems
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TUYISABE Rahab
Bachelor of Computer Science with Education (Rukara Campus)
Interests: Technology solutions, collaborative leadership, and innovative problem-solving
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Nyiramihanda Annah
Bachelor of Business Information and Technology (Huye Campus)
Interests: Business technology, information systems, and digital innovation
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Tuyibuke Pricille
Bachelor of English and African Languages (Huye Campus)
Interests: African linguistics, English literature, and cultural studies
Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)
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Isabel Chindimba
BSc Science Education
Interests: To one day establish her own organisation dedicated to championing marginalised girls and women, while continuing to teach and serve as an inspiring role model in underserved schools that lack female staff, particularly in the sciences.
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Pauline Chibwana
BSc Meteorology & Climate Science
Interests: she dreams of specialising in agrometeorology to help farmers in her home area of Nkhotakota, and across Malawi, better understand the relationship between weather patterns and agriculture.
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Memory Ethel Soko
BSc Sustainable Energy Engineering
Interests: She is driven to contribute to sustainable energy solutions that can power communities, create jobs, and reduce reliance on unsustainable sources, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
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Regina Bwanali
BEng in Sustainable Energy
Interests: To turn her childhood curiosity into real impact, designing cleaner, more efficient energy solutions that reduce waiting times, empower communities, and challenge the notion that certain technical roles are “for boys only.”
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Samantha Kachule
BSc Medical Microbiology
Interests: She looks forward to stepping confidently into leadership positions while excelling academically and preparing to make meaningful contributions to medical microbiology and public health in Malawi.
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Prisca Mwafulirwa
BA Indigenous Systems & Practices
Interests: She hopes to boost cultural pride at home, create sustainable economic opportunities, and ensure that indigenous voices and systems are celebrated rather than looked down upon.
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Mary Lewa
BSc Disaster Risk Management
Interests: She loves that Disaster Risk Management is inherently people-centred -focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery- and allows her to fulfil the same core purpose she once envisioned as a doctor.
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Memory Mbukwa
BSc Water Science & Management
Interests: She sees water science as a powerful way to address one of Malawi’s most critical needs: sustainable water resources, clean supply, and effective management for communities.
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Atupele Kholowa
BSc Medical Microbiology
Interests: She is eager to use her knowledge to contribute to disease prevention, laboratory excellence, and better health outcomes across Malawi.
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Eliness Sinkhonde
BSc Biomedical Engineering
Interests: She is focused on making a lasting impact in the medical field, designing solutions that improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities.
Rotary Club of Lilongwe Lotus Mentors’ Profiles
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Alena Chiwaya
Alena is an accomplished IT professional with deep expertise at the intersection of technology and business strategy. She currently serves as Business Engagement & Controls Manager at Standard Bank Plc, acting as the key liaison between IT and senior business leadership.
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Angela Zachepa
Angela is a qualified accountant and former Member of Parliament for Blantyre North East. Elected at the age of 21 in 2004, she became Malawi’s youngest-ever Member of Parliament. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Malawi (Polytechnic).
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Bridget Msolomba Malewezi (Dr.)
Dr Bridget is a medical doctor and public health specialist. She is Chairperson of the Women Doctors Association of Malawi and former Country Director for mothers2mothers (m2m) Malawi. She is a 2021 Harvard LEAD Fellow and recipient of multiple national awards, including “Woman of Substance” in Medicine and “Doctor of Excellence”.
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June Kambalametore
June is a Corruption Prevention Specialist at the Basel Institute on Governance with over 12 years of experience in programme management and development. She has worked with Hivos Southern Africa, UNDP, and Malawi’s Economic Justice Network. She holds a Master of Commerce in Economics from the University of KwaZuluNatal.
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Nophichuwa Tsamwa
Nophichuwa is a qualified lawyer and Senior Legal Advisor at Standard Bank Plc. She brings strong expertise in legal advisory, compliance, and corporate governance. Outside work, she is an avid gardener and an active member of a book club.
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Norah Nsanja
Norah is Head of Legal and Governance at Standard Bank Plc (Malawi). She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malawi, an MSc in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London, and a Diploma in Environmental, Social & Governance Risk Management.
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Oganive Chingakule
Oganive Chingakule currently serves as Business Incubation and Acceleration Officer at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, leading the USAID Business Acceleration for Youth project. Oganive holds an MBA in International Business, along with PMP and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications.
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Priscilla Sani Chimwele
Priscilla is the Founder and Chief Executive of an award-winning renewable energy social enterprise, Wala Ltd. Outside of her work in the renewable energy sector, Priscilla was Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lilongwe Lotus and worked closely with Be That Girl to set up the scholarship programme in Malawi.
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Rachel Kumwenda
Rachel is a drone pilot, entrepreneur, and founder of Drone Link Malawi. A 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow and recipient of the Growth Accelerator Malawi grant, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Malawi and a certificate in Drone and Data Technology. Rachel is also a leader at OpenStreetMap Malawi.
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Tamandani Kadaluka Hughes
Tamandani is an entrepreneur and Director of Oasis T&K Investments and Oasis Construction. With a strong passion for business and infrastructure development, she brings practical experience in project execution and enterprise growth. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and hosting friends.
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Mary Manjanja
Mary is a Civil Engineer and Project Management Specialist. She currently serves as Regional Field Engineer- Southern Region for the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) Programme. Mary holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering – Transportation from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Science.
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Thandiwe Chilumanga
Thandiwe Chilumanga is a passionate Data Science student and emerging technology professional with a strong commitment to using digital solutions for social impact. She currently serves as a Network Operations Technician (NOC) at Open Connect Limited (OCL) in Blantyre, where she supports the monitoring and maintenance of critical network systems.