Gyslaine Uwitonze
Gyslaine Uwitonze was born and raised in Rwanda. She pursued a bachelor's degree in law, which provided a solid educational foundation and the skills necessary to excel professionally.
Gyslaine began her career with Global Grassroots in 2006 and worked until 2023. She gained extensive experience and expertise during her tenure, significantly contributing to the organization's growth and development. Gyslaine believes that inner work and personal transformation are essential for change leaders to ensure their well-being and advance the most effective social change. She worked with emerging change agents in Rwanda and Uganda in various positions and titles at Global Grassroots for nearly one and a half decades.
As the East Africa Senior Program Officer at Global Grassroots, Gyslaine Uwitonze was pivotal in empowering women in communities. Her work was not just about overseeing and managing programs in East Africa but about fostering a sense of hope and optimism for the future. She worked closely with local partners and stakeholders, driving sustainable change.
In 2023, Gyslaine transitioned to Executive Director at Umurage Growth, a nonprofit organization she led after Global Grassroots ceased its operations in East Africa. In this capacity, she oversees the organization's operations, ensures its continued growth and success, and strengthens her social justice spirit to support the development of conscious social work to improve people's lives.
In addition to her career responsibilities, she has more than ten years of experience facilitating cultural exchange between African and Western youth and donors and organizing educational trips as a travel consultant at Roots-Expedition, a tourist company.
As a conscious social change practitioner, Gyslaine brings a unique approach to her work. Trained in Coherent Breathwork and the Breath-Body-Mind program of Dr. Richard P. Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, she applies these practices in her trauma-healing work with genocide survivors, victims of sexual violence and exploitation, domestic violence, child abuse, stress, and natural disasters in Rwanda and Uganda.
Additionally, she provides coaching to individuals and Young Women, guiding them on their transformation journey for social change.
Gyslaine's dedication and impact as a conscious social change practitioner were recognized by Global Grassroots, which awarded her the title of the best in her field in 2011 in New Hampshire, USA.
In 2011, Gyslaine intended to speak out about inspirational life experiences and her country's rebirth after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
In 2007 and 2008, Gyslaine Uwitonze worked as an independent co-facilitator in Humanitarian, social, and economic development research.
In 2006, Gyslaine Uwitonze worked as a Rwanda by Invitation Project manager at the Rwanda and American Partnership Organization. This project brought hope to Rwandans' lives after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
From 2003 to 2004, Gyslaine Uwitonze served as a Bindery Worker at Kinyamateka Newspaper Imprimerie. Her meticulous approach to handling post-printing processes, including cutting, folding, collating, stitching, and binding printed materials, ensured the highest quality of the final products. Moreover, she was responsible for the timely delivery of these products to clients, showcasing her reliability and commitment.
Alongside her professional career, Gyslaine serves as a board member and legal representative for Friend Indeed, a local nonprofit organization promoting teen mothers' rights. Her expertise in law allows her to protect the interests of the organization and its stakeholders, ensure that it operates within the bounds of the law, and maintain a strong reputation.
Finally, she enjoys inspiring young people to have confidence in their problem-solving abilities and empowering women to be resilient and make good decisions.
Gyslaine Uwitonze. Executive Director
Gyslaine Uwitonze, Teaching Breath, Body, Mind
