In My Own Words: Ange Ishimwe

Young Leader, Big Impact

For Ange Ishimwe, the Rwandan proverb “Giti kigororwa kikiri gito” (a young tree must be pruned to grow well) is more than just words; it’s a guiding principle. 

Mentorship and coaching have shaped her journey, from joining One Acre Fund as a Finance intern and in just a few years, becoming the Executive Assistant to our Rwanda CEO. For her, development isn’t a box to tick, it’s a lived experience that has fueled her growth and one of the things she values most about working here. So much so that she has taken it further, championing growth for others as Chair of One Acre Fund Rwanda’s Women in Leadership Group. 

In this Q&A, Ange shares her career journey, why personal and collective development matters to her, and how she’s creating spaces for more women to access these opportunities.

Let’s start with a bit of nostalgia! Picture yourself back at the very beginning of your career journey. Where were you, and what path brought you to One Acre Fund?

I’ve always felt a strong drive to create meaningful change in people’s lives. Even while studying at the Catholic University in Nairobi, I joined initiatives that supported young women. After graduation, I returned to Rwanda, but finding a job was tough. Still, I knew I wanted to work for impact. 

That’s when I learned about One Acre Fund. My family, who are farmers, often mentioned Tubura. At first, I didn’t realize it was the same organization until I researched further and discovered Tubura was the local name for One Acre Fund. Its mission inspired me and aligned perfectly with what I was seeking.

Landing a job, however, wasn’t simple. I applied eight times. My sister often made fun of my rejections, but persistence paid off. In 2021, I finally joined as a Finance intern.

What role has learning and development played in your journey?

I like to frame my career journey through a Rwandan proverb: “Giti kigororwa kikiri gito,” which means a tree must be pruned while still young. To me, this captures the importance of early guidance, encompassing education, discipline, and timely advice. I am still early in my career journey and view this stage as my learning season, a time to explore, ask questions, and build skills.

One Acre Fund has been the perfect place for that growth. From day one, I was struck by how much the organization invests in its people. I’ll be honest: when I came in, I wasn’t sure I had what it takes to be a leader. People say leaders are born, but I’ve learned it’s also about training your mindset. Structured learning, mentorship, and coaching have shaped me into a more confident leader.

Mentorship has been especially transformative. It inspired me to co-create the Women in Leadership Mentorship Program, which connects mentors and mentees, providing young women with a space to ask questions, gain perspective, and grow into their full potential.

You light up when you talk about the Women’s Leadership Program. What was it like bringing it to life, and how has the journey been so far?

When I started the mentorship program, I didn’t have many resources. I didn’t even know who to reach out to for help with matching mentors and mentees. Leading an initiative like this isn’t part of the job description, so you have to truly love it and be passionate about it. I took it upon myself to go case by case; reviewing what mentees wanted to develop and what skills mentors could offer, then making matches as best as I could.

I wasn’t sure it would work, but one pairing in particular really inspired me. It was supposed to last six months, yet they’re still going strong a year later, and the mentee even earned a promotion! Hearing this feedback at a recent cohort launch made me so proud for taking that first step.

You recently transitioned into a new role. What has the experience been like?

As mentioned, I’ve been preparing for growth since joining the organization. I have always aspired to have a challenging role that would stretch me as a leader and enable me to support other leaders.

Transitioning into the Rwanda CEO’s office has been both exciting and overwhelming. Finance and Executive support are worlds apart. Suddenly, I’m learning to anticipate needs, manage priorities for multiple senior leaders, and organize complex communications. Learning about and experiencing Belinda Bwiza’s (One Acre Fund Rwanda CEO) perspective is incredible and inspiring. I now have a front row seat to the organization’s big picture and get to play a part in removing obstacles so Belinda can focus on strategy that drives real impact for farmers.

What song instantly gets you in work mode?

I’m a big music person. I always start my day with music. Afrobeats usually gets me moving and energized, but there’s one French song I love most - Mon Eldorado (Du Soleil) by Yannick Noah. It speaks about hope, dreams, and finding your own paradise. It encourages me to stay positive and keep moving forward.

If you had to describe One Acre Fund’s culture as a food, song, or place, what would it be and why?

It would be a stew. We are diverse, full of energy, and everyone brings their unique flavor. People from different backgrounds, talents, and perspectives mix freely, like ingredients in a hearty stew, and together we create something vibrant, nourishing, and impactful, all enjoyed with some Afrobeats music (laughs).

Finish this sentence: When I look at the farmers we serve, I feel…

…proud. Especially seeing young farmers. Their dedication inspires me and motivates me to keep playing a part in their success.