AAI Graduate Angelique on Finding Her Calling in Public Health

Angelique’s journey to becoming a public health advocate is deeply rooted in her upbringing. An Alumni of the first Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) cohort, her path began with a desire to explore, discover, and make an impact.
Growing up in a region where poverty and food insecurity were common, Angelique witnessed the quiet suffering of children. “It was normal for people to go without food,” she recalls. “Adults could pretend, but I could tell the minute I saw a hungry child. Dry lips were a tell-tale, and it seemed as though their eyes leaked water.” Initially, she aspired to a future in business, inspired by bustling local markets. But over time, she realized her community’s struggles ran deeper—access to health and basic needs was critical, especially for vulnerable children. This realization fueled her passion for public health.

For Angelique, being accepted into the AAI was more than just an opportunity to study; it was a gateway to transformative experiences. “The opportunities AAI has afforded me, whether through networks or the community I’ve found, have truly shaped me. It has empowered me in ways that will be fruitful in the coming years,” she reflects. With AAI’s support, she pursued international relations in the U.S., a decision that ultimately pivoted her toward public health.

Adjusting to life in Washington, D.C., was challenging. “The first year was all about adapting to a new culture and keeping up academically,” she recalls. Yet, with AAI’s steady support, she built the resilience and curiosity to shape her career. Studying international relations broadened her perspective, but she soon realized public health was the most direct way to address the issues closest to her heart. “I realized that if people don’t have health, what do they have?” she reflects.

Seeking hands-on experience, Angelique interned at Partners in Health in Rwanda in 2017, gaining exposure to public health work and fundraising. “It was through this internship that I knew I wanted to pursue public health,” she explains. “Clinical interventions are not enough. People need water and housing to live a wholesome, holistic, healthy life.” This sparked her interest in resource mobilization, leading her to develop grant-writing skills. A subsequent internship at Africa Leadership University deepened her understanding of organizational strategy, further cementing her passion for public health.

After graduating in 2019, Angelique stayed in the U.S. for a year on Optional Practical Training (OPT), working with Shorelight Education and RespectAbility, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities. When COVID-19 disrupted her work, she turned to freelance and fellowship opportunities. “It was a challenging time, but it gave me the chance to tap into networks I had built while I was on campus,” she shares.

In 2022, she joined Gardens for Health International, a nonprofit combating child malnutrition in Rwanda. Initially working remotely, she soon realized that returning home would deepen her connection to the work. “It felt like the next natural step,” she reflects. “Working directly with the people we were serving sounded much more appealing to me.” Now serving as Development and Communications Manager, she leads grant writing and fundraising efforts. “To see mothers have healthy babies is incredible. Some even share testimonials about how their babies are healthier than their previous children because they’ve learned what they need to do.”

Reflecting on her journey, Angelique credits much of her growth to AAI’s support. “AAI has been one of the biggest gifts in my life so far,” she says, emphasizing how the program provided practical resources and a strong sense of community. “Knowing that I had additional support was crucial. While the university had great resources, whether academic, social, or campus life, it always helped to know that I had Ashinaga to fall back on if I needed to,” she explains.

A key part of her AAI experience was refining her Kokorozashi, or life mission. Initially drawn to education, she shifted toward public health by her third year. “The ongoing process of refining my Kokorozashi is one of the key aspects that stands out when I reflect on my personal experience with AAI,” she notes. “It was about constantly asking myself how I want to contribute to the world.”

Now, Angelique is focused on amplifying her impact on public health. She plans to pursue a master’s in public health to drive policy change in Rwanda. “My dream is to work with the government to influence policies that focus on population health,” she says. Her story is still unfolding, but with each step, she moves closer to what she values most—supporting vulnerable children and building a healthier, more resilient community.