Grace Ishimwe

Co-Director

Grace Ishimwe is a Rwandan leader, educator, and community development professional whose career has been dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities throughout Africa. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, youth development, and organizational management, she has worked to expand educational opportunities, promote gender equality, and create sustainable pathways to employment for young men and women.

Grace began her work in the nonprofit sector with International Alert Rwanda, where she contributed to peacebuilding and community engagement initiatives. She later participated in the Youth Exchange South to South (YESS) program in Madagascar, leading projects focused on girls’ empowerment, environmental stewardship through the Green Tech Generation initiative, menstrual hygiene education, and campaigns to prevent violence against young women and men through advocacy, education, and community action.

Following her work in Madagascar, Grace returned to Rwanda to serve as YESS Program Coordinator, overseeing youth leadership and cross-cultural exchange initiatives that equipped young people with the skills and confidence to become agents of positive change within their communities.

From 2018 to 2021, Grace served as General Manager of Lingua-World Ltd. Rwanda, where she led organizational operations while ensuring excellence in program delivery and client services. She has also developed significant expertise in nonprofit compliance, government regulations, and organizational policy, helping NGOs operate effectively while advancing meaningful community initiatives.

Since 2022, Grace has served as Co-Director of the Yooo! Rwanda Foundation and as a university admissions consultant, guiding students toward higher education opportunities while helping shape the foundation’s vision and programs.

Grace’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service have been invaluable to the growth of the Yooo! Rwanda Foundation. As a proud Rwandan woman, she brings insight, compassion, and a deep understanding of her community’s strengths and challenges. Her guidance continues to shape the foundation’s mission and impact, and we are profoundly grateful for her leadership, wisdom, and dedication as we work together to expand opportunities for others.