A hummingbird experience: My internship journey at Resonate
During my master's program, I had the opportunity to undertake a transformative four-month internship in Rwanda at Resonate. This experience went beyond fulfilling academic requirements, enabling me to engage in real-world projects that enhanced my skills, increased my employability, and deepened my understanding of leadership. Throughout the internship, I participated in strategic planning, community service, and collaborative efforts that emphasized empowerment, solidarity, and the impact of collective action. This blog reflects on the lessons, challenges, and achievements gained during this meaningful journey.
A thoughtful onboarding process
A successful onboarding process was key to my internship at Resonate, where the first month focused on understanding the organization’s mission, vision, and operations. One-on-one meetings with team members helped me learn about their responsibilities and the alignment of my role, fostering personal connections and a sense of belonging. I gained insights into strategic priorities, tools, and systems, particularly for the Rise & STEM program, which supports young women in leadership and STEM careers. Weekly supervisor check-ins provided feedback and direction, ensuring I was well-prepared to contribute effectively and integrate as a valued team member.
Bridging goals with action
Contributing to Resonate’s strategic planning was an enriching experience, during which the team evaluated accomplishments, identified challenges, and set priorities aligned with the organization’s mission. I had the opportunity to strengthen the Rise & STEM project by refining its mentorship structure and developing strategies to support high school and university students, with a focus on mentorship, monitoring, and STEM exposure. One of my most impactful contributions was creating a framework to foster mentor-mentee relationships and track students’ progress.
In addition, I participated in a four-day workshop centered on leadership, personal growth, and professional development in STEM. Through activities such as storytelling, role-playing, and reflective exercises, participants built self-confidence, discovered their strengths, and set personal goals. Post-survey feedback revealed notable improvements, with participants embracing change and confidently sharing their stories. The workshop fostered proactive leadership in the young ladies in the STEM field, symbolized by the hummingbird, which represents positive transformation and initiative in times of challenges.
Improving my professional skills
During my internship, I gained valuable skills in data analysis for program evaluation by collaborating with the Monitoring and Evaluation team. I learned to clean, organize, and analyze datasets, which highlighted the role of data-driven insights in shaping impactful and accountable programs. Through data quality checks and outcome measurement methodologies, I identified areas for growth. Additionally, the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which provided Humentum membership, allowed the team to enhance professional skills, emphasizing precision and reliability in program evaluation
Inspiration from remarkable women
A key aspect of my internship was learning from inspiring leaders through Resonate’s SpeakHer series, where I met Kampeta Pitchette, CEO of the Development Bank, who emphasized intentional living and prioritization for success. I also interviewed Resonate’s CEO, Claire Uwineza, whose career journey highlighted resilience, mentorship, and proactiveness. These interactions stressed the importance of adaptive learning, self-belief, and leadership humility. Additionally, I overcame challenges such as a language barrier during Kinyarwanda-based workshops and a supervisor transition, with the unwavering support of the Resonate team ensuring smooth progress and growth.
Transforming lives together
A highlight of my internship was participating in Rwanda’s Umuganda, a monthly community service culture. During Resonate’s Community Day in the Nyanza District, we collaborated with residents to build a home for one of their own, witnessing the transformative power of community solidarity. Additionally, Resonate workshop participants shared success stories, highlighting the transformative impact of Resonate’s programs and reinforcing the value of grassroots engagement and storytelling in empowering communities.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on my time at Resonate, I truly appreciate the structured activities and guidance that fostered my professional and personal growth. Kampeta Pitchette’s advice about embracing life’s seasons continues to inspire me to pursue my aspirations with intentionality and balance. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the values and lessons I have learned, whether by supporting young women in STEM or advancing community-driven initiatives. I remain committed to creating positive change and uplifting others. As the Resonate team often reminds me, once a hummingbird, always a hummingbird.
Stronger together, empowering girls' and women's lives.
