IMPACT NOW: WHEN WOMEN LEAD BLOG
Transforming Leadership in Times of Crisis
Staying informed about global crises can be overwhelming. e recognize the rapid pace of change. This newsletter provides key updates on the ongoing conflict and highlights how Nyota participants are leading with resilience and hope. (Congo Initiative is putting out...
DRC in the News: An Update
You may have seen recent news about conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 rebel group has intensified its attacks in Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, DRC. Thousands of residents have fled the city. Water and food are becoming...
5 Steps to Success for the Young Female Professional: Insights from NYOTA Graduates
NYOTA graduates are doing remarkable things in their organizations and in Beni, DRC. They also have experience and wisdom that benefits people outside their immediate context. With that in mind, I asked NYOTA members what they would advise young women who are early in...
The Ripple Effect
As 2024 draws to a close, I am awestruck by the effect of your support on Impact Now and the NYOTA Leadership Program. When I started to write this letter, the song “Ripple” from Spirited, (my favorite Christmas movie) came to mind. The song is about how small...
Marie’s Story: A Triumph of Courage and Determination
In eastern DRCongo, where conflict places children at unimaginable risk, Marie stands as a beacon of hope. As a child protection officer with MONUSCO, her job involves rescuing children abducted by armed groups and helping them reintegrate into society. Recently, her...
CELEBRATIONS FROM NYOTA MODULE 6
Thank you for keeping in touch with Impact Now and following the activity with the NYOTA Leadership Program. Our first cohort is fast approaching the end of this six-month program. This past Saturday we began the last of the program modules, Networks and...
News from Beni, DRCongo: Stories from the NYOTA Cohort
This past week in Beni has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every conversation with a NYOTA participant or planning team member uncovered stories of impact. Beyond the “Classroom" On Friday, NYOTA Co-Director JeanMarc Asobee and I sat down with five cohort members...
Women Leading Change: Stories from the Nyota Leadership Program
What happens when women lead? They transform their communities. At Impact Now, our mission is to equip and empower women leaders through our core initiative, the NYOTA Leadership Program, implemented in collaboration with the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo,...
Leadership Growth—NYOTA: A Personal Story
Leadership is all about growth. Sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges. The goal of NYOTA, our collaborative initiative with Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), is to support women leaders as they develop skills...
First Module of NYOTA: Heartfelt Gratitude
The first module of the NYOTA program, “Time Management as a Female Leader,” concluded last Saturday. Dr. Rebecca Wasingya, a professor of economics at our partner organization, Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) developed and led the session. Rebecca...
Nyota Has Launched!
NYOTA has launched! Last Saturday's event was a delightful surprise and a great success. What I thought would be a simple session turned out to be a formal public ceremony, complete with an MC, the mayor, and other local leaders. UCBC leaders were among the more than...
THE STAR THAT IS NYOTA
What a delight to arrive in Beni, DRC, after a long (but smooth) journey. People often ask, “How long does it take to get there?” This time: 22 hours of actual travel (17 via air; 4 via road). 6 hours of “transit”—layover, border crossing, check-ins, and waiting. 3...