Board of Directors Executive Board Members Kaleba H. Ngoie-Kasongo
In the midst of crisis’ brought on by war, compassion and sympathy are not enough to bring solutions to chaos. Positive action and our definition of HOPE are the vital ingredients to make a difference. Kaleba H. Kasongo, a social-entrepreneur, understands that well enough to create the Shitowa foundation to rebuild the lives of women survivors of war in Congo DRC. Mrs. Ngoie-Kasongo, a native of Congo, DRC has herself has bitterly experienced the lost of many family members as a result of war. Mrs. Ngoie- Kasongo is very active in her community holding many fundraising events to bring awareness about the violent war crimes that women in Congo endure daily.
Congolese women survivors of war need a voice to reach the international community. A voice to claim back their lives, to fight for their dignity and freedom and to hope for a better future for themselves and their children. Kaleba is their powerful voice.
She earned a degree in Business Management from Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida and is pursuing a medical degree at the University of Miami. Muakana Solange Kabamba-Hepburn
Muakana Solange Kabamba-Hepburn is an entrepreneur and a humanitarian who is very involved with our cause. She has family members living in the conflict region who face death everyday. When she was approached about getting involved with Shitowa she jumped on the opportunity and is unstoppable about spreading the word regarding the conflict in Congo and our work we do for women in Congo. She is an exceptional advocate for women who are suffering in Congo DRC. Muakana Solange was inspired at a young age by her father, Dr. Nkamany Kabamba M.D, who was for several years a Representative of the World Health Organization in numerous African countries. Her mother, Farai Mangaza was also instrumental in developing her sensitivity for needy people. As a young girl Muakana Solange helped her mother organize many fundraising events for abandoned children in Africa. Chronic poverty, diseases, illiteracy are no news to her. She has been a witness to it and acted to alleviate it. Even more so now, Muakana has made a vow to become a strong voice for the women of Congo because she too believes that it is time to weave a legacy of hope for a better future that these women also deserve. Muakana Solange serves on the board of the Congolese Chamber of Commerce. She uses a combination of her public relations and leadership skills to develop marketing strategies for Shitowa foundation. Muakana Solange studied Hospitality Management at the Birnam Business College in Johannesburg, South Africa. Patricia A. Rohena
Patricia Rohena was the first woman to respond to Huguette’s call. She responded powerfully, not only with her words but also with action and full support. As a project manager, Patricia donated her time to develop several programs for the women enrolled with Shitowa foundation. Her expertise developed programs such as trade, housing policies criteria and eligibility as well as hard skills classes. Patricia has traveled the world as a senior procurement consultant and trainer and has been to Congo, DRC returning to the US with one mission in mind; change the lives of the women she saw, help them smile again. Ms. Rohena has developed and conducted management, procurement and leadership training for both US government agencies and private entities such as Loral-Ford Aeorospace, National Institute of Health, United States Postal Services, and NASA. She uses her 17 years of experience to develop training programs for women who are registered with Shitowa foundation in Congo, DRC. She has completed procurement casework at the George Washington University National Law Center and management casework at the University of Maryland. Jean-Marie Ngoy Jean-Marie Ngoy has played a major role in the creation of Shitowa Foundation, Inc. She inspired the founder with her humanitarian work in Congo, DRC where she offered free tuition for orphans and other disadvantaged children. Jean-Marie lived in Congo and helped enroll women who later became participants in our programs.) She is the president and co-founder of Bambi private schools in Katanga, Congo, DRC. She understands that without a basic education the children she teaches will not live a full life. Jean-Marie started her teaching career at the Belgian consulate school in Lubumbashi, Congo DRC.
As an instructor herself, Jean-Marie could not conceive of a better way of giving back to the community than for children to have a chance to learn. She created a program through her school to assist orphans and low-income students with free tuition, school supplies and uniforms. Jean-Marie has been running this program for 30 years.
Her passion for her work, determination and experience are a great mix to support the programs that Shitowa has developed for the women of Congo. Advisory Board Members Jean-Claude Kasongo
Jean-Claude Kasongo is a native of Congo, DRC. He shares his wife’s passion of bringing hope for a brighter future to women in Congo, DRC. Mr. Kasongo has been involved in the World of Finance for 16 years after working at Fortis Bank in Belgium, McMahon Investments in Paris and Li-Pang Investments in Tappei, Taiwan. Mr. Kasongo has an extensive experience working with domestic and international securities, including bonds and investment funds. The Shitowa foundations benefits greatly from Mr. Kasongo wealth of experience and advice in financial transactions. John E. Murphy PhD
Dr. John Murphy holds a doctorate degree in sociology and understands the human implications in the Congo conflict very well. He decided to get involved and offer his guidance to the foundation on how we can best assist populations in distress. Colette Brown-Graham, MD
Dr. Brown-Graham is a board certified Obstetrician / Gynecologist, and has been practicing in the West Palm Beach area since 1996. Dr. Brown-Graham attended her undergraduate studies at Duke University and earned her medical degree at the University of Miami. She completed her internship and residency at Boston University. Dr. Brown-Graham also holds a Public Health degree from Harvard University. Her areas of interest include normal and high-risk pregnancies and laparoscopic surgeries. She is uniquely suited to understand the medical complications that the rape victims in Congo face. |