Hi, I'm Sotaire Kwizera

Born and raised in Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, I have witnessed firsthand the stark realities of economic hardships. My home commune of Ntega, in the northern province of Kirundo, is deeply marked by the harrowing legacy of the 1988 Ntega-Marangara massacres—a period of ethnic violence that left the region grappling with enduring socioeconomic challenges and a systemic deprivation that stifled everything from basic economic stability to educational resources. Academic expectations for someone like me whose parents have little to no formal education are modest. Nevertheless, my passion for learning propelled me to surpass these limitations.

In 2021, I became the first ever in my family to attend college when I was admitted to Berea College with a full scholarship. While Berea's tuition-free promise played a role in my decision to attend Berea College, its historic mission to serve economically, racially, and regionally disadvantaged students from Appalachia and beyond truly resonated with me. As one of only eight federally recognized Work Colleges in the United States, Berea College hires every student to work at least 10 hours per week in one of over 130 departments on campus. This unique model has deepened my appreciation for hard work and taught me to make the most of limited resources as I balance a rigorous full-time academic load with labor responsibilities.

Currently pursuing a Professional Master's degree in Development Practice at UC Berkeley, I'm sharpening my ability to identify socio-economic challenges and design sustainable, inclusive solutions from the ground up. My goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical development strategies that empower underserved communities.