Four Years, Countless Lessons, One Transformative Journey

Four years ago, I joined Resonate through the Facilitators Training of Facilitators (ToF), where I was first introduced to and immersed in Resonate's core content, Storytelling for Leadership. That experience marked the beginning of a journey of discovering my own potential in a much deeper way.

One of the proudest moments of my time at Resonate was becoming a certified facilitator. It was more than a certification; it was the beginning of my journey of empowering other women and girls to discover their own potential and embrace a more positive, growth-oriented mindset. Witnessing the transformation participants experienced, often before a workshop even ended, brought me immense joy and a sense of purpose.

Among the many participant stories I encountered, one from a Speak for Change Prevention workshop in Kirehe District will always hold a special place in my heart.

During the Tree of Life session, one participant became emotional and stepped outside. I followed her to check on her, and she opened up about her life. She had grown up without knowing her mother and in a difficult home environment where, at times, she had to fight for the opportunity to stay in school. Despite the challenges, she remained determined to continue her education, even waking up early to finish household chores before going to class.

At different points in her journey, the kindness of others helped her stay in school, but when that support fell away, she once again faced the possibility of dropping out.

During the Resonate workshop, something shifted. She realized that she deserved to speak up for herself. She approached her school's headmaster, explained her situation, and was given the opportunity to continue her education. She also found the courage to share her challenges with a woman in her community, who welcomed her into her home and supported her.

The shy young girl who once struggled to find her voice later became the head girl of her school. She shared that learning to speak up for herself without seeking others' approval had transformed her life. Knowing that she overcame those challenges and stayed in school remains one of the most rewarding outcomes I witnessed during my time as a facilitator.

Stories like hers shaped me as much as they shaped the participants. They taught me the importance of kindness because we rarely know the battles others are fighting. They also showed me the power of sharing our stories and listening without judgment. Every participant's story taught me something new and strengthened my confidence to support others in becoming the best versions of themselves. Through these experiences, the meaning of Turi Kumwe became much deeper to me.

My journey with Resonate eventually took another turn when I joined the full-time team as a Partnerships Intern and later transitioned into a Partnerships Associate role. Moving into Partnerships became one of the most challenging yet rewarding chapters of my journey. It stretched me beyond my comfort zone and contributed significantly to my professional growth.

I learned how to build and nurture relationships with partners and came to see every interaction as an opportunity to create meaningful collaboration. The feedback, mentorship, and encouragement I received from colleagues across the organization helped me grow into someone who could confidently engage partners, coordinate strategic meetings, and contribute to the sustainability and expansion of Resonate's work.

Looking back, I have grown in ways I never imagined. Resonate empowered me, and in turn, I have had the privilege of empowering others with commitment, empathy, and purpose. From joining as a facilitator to becoming a Partnerships Associate and eventually coordinating engagements that strengthen partnerships and amplify our impact, this journey has been transformational.

It has also given me the opportunity to see Resonate's impact from different perspectives: first through the participants whose transformations I witnessed firsthand, and later through the partnerships that help make that work possible. After four years of experiencing this work, I have seen the meaningful and lasting change that investing in women and girls can create. To the partners and funders who believe in this work, thank you for making that impact possible and for continuing to invest in the potential of women and girls.

As I prepare to close this chapter, what I will miss most about Resonate is the “Turi Kumwe” spirit; the sense of togetherness, collaboration, and genuine support within the team. I will also miss the “What will you do to take care of yourself this week?” practice, which became something that truly fueled my week and reminded me to prioritize self-care while still delivering professionally.

Leaving after four years has not been an easy decision. Resonate has been more than a workplace; it has been a family, a reliable team, and a community that has supported and challenged me to grow. I leave with immense gratitude for the journey and for everyone who has been part of it.

As I step into my next chapter, I am carrying with me the tremendous personal and professional growth I have gained, the lessons from constructive feedback, and the goal-oriented mindset that has shaped my journey. Above all, I carry deep gratitude. Resonate has played a significant role in who I have become, and I owe much of my growth and success to the people, experiences, and opportunities I have had here. I will take all of these lessons, values, and memories with me wherever I go.

To the entire Resonate family, thank you for believing in me, investing in my growth through different programs, encouraging me to take ownership, and teaching me how to set meaningful goals and work toward achieving them. Your guidance and support have shaped both the professional and the person I have become.

While I may be closing this chapter, I will always remain part of the Resonate family and continue to be an agent of change. I remain committed to unlocking the potential of girls and women and supporting them to become the change they want to see in their lives and communities.

Once a hummingbird, always a hummingbird!