Catherine Rwivanga

Visionary diaspora strategist and global partnerships builder and African community leader with 20+ years’ experience across Africa, Europe, and the U.S. Expert in mobilizing diaspora communities, advancing policy dialogue, and building high-level partnerships with governments, multilateral institutions, and civil society. Proven success in designing flagship diaspora programs, securing six-figure sponsorships, and translating complex policy and economic goals into accessible initiatives. Recognized for strengthening Africa’s global positioning through diplomacy, cultural programming, and innovative engagement platforms aligned with diaspora economic integration.

• English, Fluent
• French, Intermediate
• Kinyarwanda, Native
• Luganda, Native

• President, Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA DMV Chapter), Washington, DC, 01/01/20 - Present, Lead engagement for 5,000+ diaspora members in the DMV, strengthening civic, cultural, and economic ties with Africa., Designed and executed large-scale diaspora convenings (Rwanda Day, Kwibohora, Umuganura) with 7,000+ attendees and multi-sector sponsorships., Expanded membership by 45% through targeted outreach., Supported national-level mobilization campaigns amplifying diaspora voices and economic participation.
• Event Coordinator (Consultant), Rwanda Day – Gaylord Conference Center, Laurel, MD, 01/01/24, Coordinated flagship diaspora event uniting 7,000+ community members, private sector, and government stakeholders., Cultivated six-figure sponsorships and negotiated with vendors to ensure delivery of cultural diplomacy and economic engagement goals., Directed protocol and program flow for the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Dallas, Texas, positioning it as one of the largest U.S. and Rwanda diaspora gatherings.

• Conceived and led the U.S. national diaspora launch of the Agaciro Fund, 12/01/12
• Coordinated Rwanda Day conventions in the U.S., 01/01/11 - 12/31/24
• As VP of United States Rwandan Community Abroad (USRCA), conceptualized, planned, and executed the 2022 International Women’s Day Celebration in Dallas., 01/01/21 - 12/31/23
• Generated multiple six-figure sponsorships to support diaspora mobilizations and ensure financial sustainability.
• Increased diaspora voter participation by 40% during the 2024 elections., 01/01/24