“I can say that 99% of my success is built from the push that I got from the Cornell University instructors…they saw the ability, they saw what I would become and saw what I am capable of doing…I have more confidence, I have more communication and leadership skills as well as interpersonal skills, which made me grow to where I am now, working at I&M bank Rwanda.” —Phiona Wafula

“In 3 years, I have been promoted twice, and I think it’s all because on the knowledge I got from this program. I think it has been so inspirational, and it has been an eye-opening moment for me to see what I know and what I don’t know, to look for the knowledge and to apply it.” — Nice Uwase

“You achieve things, but life is really a journey and if you want to be successful then you need to invest in your education. Without attending the Cornell-Hanga Ahazaza program, I don’t think I would have really acquired that potential, that specific skill of jumping into something, trying new things and letting things be without holding myself back, rather go for things and try to see what I can achieve.” — Cecile Isimbi Dusabe

“The program contributed a huge amount to the hospitality industry within Kigali and within the country, more so that it uplifted the standard of service, the standard of knowledge. And once you have the knowledge, the practical side comes a lot easier. More importantly, from the student’s point of view, it got them to think differently and also improve themselves.” — Rob Kucera, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kigali

“The Program, I believe for a lot for people in the hospitality industry, in hotels, in the airlines as well, it’s really brought us up to international standards in terms of service delivery.” — Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir

“Our associates who mastered this program over the last couple of years gained world-class knowledge in hospitality and tourism. So they will be able to grow their careers not only domestically but internationally as well.” — Mathias Window, Former General Manager, Kigali Marriott Hotel

“With the work we’ve done with Cornell, we’ve seen a lot of promotions coming out of it and some even just the confidence, because in addition to the technical skills they may have acquired, we know that management is different. It’s not just about being technically sound, but it’s also about managing the team, cross learning, And I think that’s one of the main things that Cornell was able to do to upskill. And today with have younger managers, Rwandans, that we’re able to see in different places” — Ric Rwigamba, Former Country Head, Master Card Foundation

“From 2017 to 2020, my role focused on developing the grant proposal and launching the program, which included multiple visits to Kigali, learning about the culture and needs of the workforce, collaborating with other initiative partners, and hiring key staff to bring our shared vision to life. Working with the Foundation, our initiative partners, and—most meaningfully—the people of Rwanda, was one of the true highlights of my career. Contributing to the advancement of the hospitality industry through education of youth in Rwanda was a privilege I will always value deeply.

A particularly memorable moment was attending the graduation ceremony, congratulating hundreds of students, and hearing from them about the pride they felt in their accomplishments. Their motivation to continue growing and to contribute to the future of their country was truly inspiring.” — Jenn Mayo, Senior Director of External Relations

“For me, the overall experience was one of growth, learning, and impact. I had never been involved in a grant-funded project prior to Hanga Ahazaza. There was much to learn, and it wasn’t always easy. We persevered. The individual participants were incredible – motivated, earnest, and persistent. They came to learn, and I believe their lives were changed for the better. Although the in-person component at PDP did not last, I feel great pride in the role that it played in the cycle of this project. I am glad to be in contact with some of the people who traveled to Ithaca.” —Nancy Weislogel, (former) Executive Director of Executive Education, eCornell

“Visiting the Mastercard Foundation in Kigali was an experience that I won’t forget. I had the opportunity to engage with several Mastercard representatives (Carmen Nibigira, Joseph Munyambanza, David Rurangirwa, and several others on the team in Ghana like Ric Rwigamba and Gottfried Odamtten-Sowah), and witnessed firsthand the depth of their commitment, clarity of purpose, and transformative impact of their work, which was both humbling and inspiring. Coming from a land-grant university deeply rooted in the belief that education is a pathway to opportunity, it was an honor to be chosen as a partner in advancing a shared vision: equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and access needed to thrive in the hospitality and tourism sectors. My brief time in Kigali reaffirmed the power of working in alignment with organizations that lead with both heart and purpose.” — Barbara Jane (B.J.) Hoerner, Cornell University Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy