HOW WE
WORK AS
A TEAM

Our team and volunteers are a passionate and very diverse group of people from all across
the world from all walks of life. Together, we change the world by performing one
act of kindness at a time and empowering people who are forgotten.

TOGETHER, WE GIVE OUR TIME TO CHANGE LIVES

Bright Lights for Africa is mainly run by selfless individuals who give their time and effort to make the world
a better place.

Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to reach their highest potential. Our
leadership and program management team is driven by passion, expertise and a commitment
towards our causes.

Jenny Rutayomba Moto

Executive Director/President
Appointed on August 24, 2020

Jenny Rutayomba is the founder of Bright Lights for Africa. She has a Finance and Accounting background and has a vast amount of experience working in the private and public sectors in Congo as well as with the Federal Government in Canada. Jennys’ strong sense of devotion to the non-profit sector, her love for people and passion for helping individuals realize their full potential, led her to found Bright Lights for Africa.

She is passionate about bringing sustainable change to vulnerable families and communities struggling with poverty and food insecurity thereby empowering them to rise above their current challenges. She believes in giving back to society and over the years has been dedicated to serving tirelessly within the communities she has found herself. Jenny is a doer and is driven by the principles of hard work, perseverance, consistency and dedication. One of her greatest desires is to inspire positive change through acts of love and service, wherever she finds herself.

Outside of managing a non-profit, Jenny is a devoted wife and mother of two biological children as well as a foster parent to three kids. She is also a Pastor in her local church and has been instrumental in transforming the operations of ministries within the church.

Founder/Executive Director

Jenny Rutayomba Moto

CANADA

Adejoke

Adejoke Oluwayemi

Program Manager

Adejoke is a PMI certified project manager with over 10 years managing complex projects and consistently meeting or exceeding time constraints. Led cross functional teams achieving an average project completion rate of 10% ahead of schedule. 
 
She is the program manager focused on leading the planning,  development and implementation of BLFA’s programs that aligns with her mission and vision. 
 
She is also responsible for supporting the expansion of initiatives to ensure that marginalized individuals are empowered and ensure that international programs milestones are met.
 

Team Since 2022

Program Manager

Adejoke Oluwayemi

CANADA

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Kikunda Cote

Outreach Coordinator – Canada

Bio coming soon.

Outreach Coordinator

Kikunda Cote

CANADA

Nabintu

Nabintu Mwenze

Program Coordinator – Canada

Nabintu Mweze, is a dedicated and passionate Congolese-Canadian, possesses a profound desire to serve others. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Congo, Nabintu has a strong academic foundation. Her extensive background includes 8 years of experience in Supply Chain, which she now channels into serving the Calgary community.

When Nabintu is not engaged in her professional duties or serving her community, she finds solace and fulfillment in her kitchen. Whether she’s experimenting with fermentation or canning, or managing her home-based business, Nabintu’s culinary endeavors reflect her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. With her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to service, Nabintu plays a vital role as Program Coordinator for Bright Lights For Africa, enriching the lives of those she serves.

Program Coordinator

Nabintu Mwenze

CANADA

Viviane Kasikwabo Moto​

Program Coordinator – DRC

Eugenie Kisikyabo Moto is a dynamic and reliable woman who believes in a community where people can thrive. She brings with her many years of public and private sector experience in community development. Holder of a master’s degree in development sciences (project management and administration), she is a true community mobilizer. Her actions in the community tend to bring about a change in mentality and behavior.

For BLFA, she carries out field missions for the awareness and community mobilization of the population on issues related to sustainable development, equal rights between men and women and more specifically on the protection and assistance to most marginalized people, especially women and children.

She ensures the programmatic and operational implementation of all project components in accordance with the principles and procedures of BLFA and the implementation of projects, and contributes to their success. 

Team Member Since 2021

Program Coordinator

Viviane Kasikwabo Moto​

DR CONGO

Déborah Miriam Katindi

Administrative Assistant – DRC

With a Master Degree in Management Science (Marketing Management), Miriam Deborah Katindi  brings 4 years of experience from  private and non-profit sectors in administration and human resources management.

She assists the National Coordinator (BLFA Congo) in all administrative, human resources and financial tasks. 
 
Her personality is marked by adaptability and creativity, communication and a keen sense of organization.
 

Team Member Since 2020

Administrative Assistant

Déborah Miriam Katindi

DR CONGO

Jean-Claude Lingima​

Field Officer​ – DRC

Jean-Claude Mbula Lingima is a public servant in the mobilization of tax and non-tax revenues who brings over 10 years of experience in field work. He is a true community mobilizer, a civil society actor and a man of integrity.

In consultation and collaboration with BLFA Congo Project Manager, he oversees mobilization, sensibilization, recruitment and training of Community based resource persons to enhance promotion and bring awareness on BLFA’s projects. He maintains a link between local beneficiary communities, customary authorities and BLFA coordination.

Team Member Since 2022

Field Officer

Jean-Claude Lingima​

DR CONGO

Socrate Katindi Songa

Program Consultant – DRC

Bio Coming…

 

Team Member Since 2022

Program Consultant

Socrate Katindi Songa

DR CONGO

Our Board of Directors bring a wealth of knowledge from different sectors and share a passion for people, plus a can-do attitude to serve our local and global community.

They provide the strategic vision for us to empower communities on their journey toward creating lasting change in their lives.

They are dedicated to the belief that everyone in the world deserves a brighter future.

Founder/President

Jenny Rutayomba Moto

FOUNDER BRIGHT LIGHTS FOR AFRICA

Director

Michelle Bella

OCCUPATION GENERALIST, ALBERTA GOVERNMENT​

Director

Molakun Bankole

POST DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY​

Secretary

Arianna Atkins

MANAGER OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, TD CANADA TRUST

Director

Amanda Makosso

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICER, IDRC

Treasurer

Fallone Ouattara

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, COMPUTERSHARE

Director

Denniese Ruiz

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ALCDB

Amanda Makosso

Director
Appointed on April 14, 2023

Amanda Makosso is a passionate advocate for community engagement and has a strong background in international development and program management. She holds a Master’s in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, an Associate Degree in Intercultural Studies and International Relations from Douglas College, and two degrees from Tunisia—a Master’s in Marketing and Business Intelligence from Avicenne Private Business School and a Law degree from IBN Khaldoun University. Her rich educational journey fuels her unwavering dedication to driving positive change in communities.
 
Amanda’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting sustainable development is evident in her career at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and her previous roles. She has actively worked towards enhancing the settlement experience of newcomers in Canada, improving access to healthcare services, and fostering dialogue on national and international security issues. In the academic field, Amanda has published insightful articles and co-edited the book “Re/Generation: Perspectives on COVID-19 from the African Continent,” highlighting valuable perspectives on the pandemic’s impact. Her work encompasses critical themes such as the likelihood of conflicts arising from resource demand, and the promotion of women’s leadership. 
 
Serving as a board member of Bright Lights for Africa (BLFA), she leverages her education and experience to empower communities and work towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Director

Amanda Makosso

Program Management Officer, IDRC

Denniese Ruiz

Director
Appointed on April 3, 2023

Denniese channels her passion and expertise towards empowering communities and working towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
 
She brings a wealth of professional expertise and a sincere dedication to making a difference. 
 
Holding a BBA specialized in Project Management from the renowned Yorkville University, she exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and excellence. 
 
Denniese’s unwavering commitment to helping others is evident through her active involvement in volunteer work at Kingston General Hospital and her dedication to teaching English in her spare time. 
 
 
With a successful track record as an accomplished administrative assistant at Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School and a skilled project manager at Wemp & Smith Construction, Denniese consistently delivers outstanding results through her reliability and efficient approach. 
 
Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in reading and photography, always seeking opportunities to contribute positively to the lives of others.

Director

Denniese Ruiz

Administrative Assistant, ALCDB

Fallone Ouattara

Treasurer
Appointed on April 10, 2023

Fallone is a Canadian-Congolese passionate for community services.
 
Born in DR Congo and having spent many years in Ivory Coast, she noticed early in her youth that there was a need to help people get out of poverty and she might be the person to bring it about. 
Eight years ago, she started the journey that brought fulfillment and purpose to her life.  With the desire to provide food to those in need, she took the initiative to feed homeless individuals in Calgary.  She was able to raise funds and gather volunteers to make sandwiches and meals for hundreds each month.
 
Joining Bright Lights For Africa Foundation (BLFA) will allow not only to help with 1 meal but to teach others sustainable ways of living in Calgary, but also around the world.

Treasurer

Fallone Ouattara

Relationship Manager, Computershare

Our team and volunteers in Bright Lights For Africa Foundation are the face of our organization to our clients and the community we serve.

They are recognized as being one of our greatest strengths. Their contribution is the reason we are able to make such a difference in the lives of people.

Your time and skills are valuable to us.

Volunteering is about becoming a part of a community that works selflessly and gives generously.  We invite you to become a part of our incredible volunteer team and make meaningful connections over meaningful work.

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to become a Volunteer

“As We Work To Create Light For Others, We Naturally Light Our Own Way.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US?

  • We are ordinary people making an extraordinary difference
  • You can contribute to the eradication of poverty and change the lives of women and their communities
  • Meet new people and build new friendships
  • Join a team of volunteers who share your passion for making a difference in someone's life
  • Gain invaluable experience working with people from all walks of life
  • Practice what you already know or come learn something new
Apply Now

VOLUNTEER WITH US FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

You might be a good fit for our team if You …
  • Have professional experience in a relevant field
  • Have a recognized qualification
  • Are available at least 4 hours a week
  • Demonstrate soft skills: positive and realistic commitment, commitment to learning, flexible and adaptable, ability to work well with others and sensitive to the needs of others

WE
NEED
YOU

Teamwork
Makes The
Dream Work

DO YOU
HAVE TIME
TO SPARE?

DO YOU
HAVE SKILL
TO SHARE?

GET
INVOLVED

OPEN VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

VOLUNTEER ROLES

Board Member Roles

Be passionate about BLFA’s mission and vision and act as an ambassador for its programs in your sphere of influence.Contribute to the development and advancement of BLFA’s programs and initiatives in Canada and DR Congo (Africa).Actively seek opportunities, partners, potential sponsors, and donors in your community to support fund development and initiatives to advance BLFA’s mission.Provide your skill sets to support strategic and organizational planning for BLFA.
Apply Now

Marketing Specialist Roles

Develops a digital marketing strategy for Bright Lights for AfricaDevelops, manages, and designs layouts of digital communication materials such as newsletters, event materials and brochures.Collaborates with the Web Developer to create and post original content for the website.Generates new and creative ideas on how to market Bright Lights for Africa’s programs and campaigns.Provides support for the promotion of fundraisers and BLFA's programs and initiatives to potential sponsors and donorsMeasures and reports on performance of all digital marketing campaigns.
Apply Now

Grant Administrator Roles

Conduct research on available funding sources and opportunities in Canada and DR Congo.Prepare and maintain a database of funding opportunities in Canada and Africa to keep track of available opportunities year round as well as deadlines.Complete all grant applications in a timely manner, to ensure that BLFA can secure funding to run its programs.Generate new and creative ideas on how to receive funding for Bright Lights for Africa’s programs and campaigns.Works closely with other BLFA teammates as required to seek input into funding applications.
Apply Now

Fundraising Specialist Roles

Manage all digital and fundraising campaigns (setting up, scheduling, setting key performance indicators, writing copy, securing visuals, monitoring).Write clear, compelling copy for various mediums and publications such as annual reports, press releases, social media, and e-newsletters that align with our Mission and vision.Increase donations, sponsors, and virtual event attendees using social media, web, and e-newsletters.Create and maintain relationships with potential and existing donors, businesses, and event sponsors to increase donations and sponsorships. Evaluate success and progress of accomplishing goals and refine business tactics as needed
Apply Now
Become a volunteer with us

GET
INVOLVED

MAKE AN IMPACT, YOUR OPINION COUNTS

We want to be a community that fosters and celebrates creativity so let us know some other ways you could get involved. We can’t promise we’ll do everything you propose, but we want to try new things and push the boundaries and we can’t do it without you.

FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW AND LET US KNOW WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND

    CELEBRATING
    OUR
    VOLUNTEERS


    We can transform the future of poverty if we work together.

    Join us in celebrating our volunteers!

    We deeply appreciate the contribution of our committed and generous volunteers wo enable us to achieve our goal  to empowering individuals and communities to reach their highest potential.