What do you like to do outside of work (hobbies, sports, interests)?

I enjoy reading, dancing Zumba, playing bean bag toss, and attending Fit Body Boot Camp three to four times a week. These activities bring joy, energy, and balance to my life.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a linguistic wizard—fluent in multiple languages. My mind navigates languages so naturally that I even dream in them! I’m truly a global communicator and a bridge between cultures and worlds.

What is your favorite snack/treat?

Coconut cookies are my absolute favorite!

What song inspires or motivates you (who sings it)?

“Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans is my favorite and most inspiring song. It reminds me of God’s constant faithfulness in my life. It fills my heart with hope and courage. My other favorite songs are “I’ll Take You There” by BeBe & CeCe Winans and “Come Jesus Come” by CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar. I also love many, many Congolese songs that lift my spirit and connect me to my roots.

What is something you’re proud of and why?

I am proud of what God has done through my parents, my children and through me.

I am proud of my journey to the United States. My journey to the USA began in the ashes of loss and sorrow. Thirty years ago, I came to the United States as a refugee, having lost eight of my beloved brothers and sisters in a devastating genocide. I arrived not only grieving, but also without the ability to speak the English language, with no map for the path ahead. But I came with faith—sometimes small, but always present—and a heart ready for healing and restoration. I learned English, one word at a time. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in teaching, then a Master’s, and eventually a Doctorate. I have taught for 24 years—22 of those in the Sioux Falls School District. My journey is a testimony of resilience, God’s amazing grace, and unwavering faith. I am grateful to God and proud of my life and the lives of all those who walk beside me.

What is your personal and professional journey that led you to Call to Freedom?

What led me to Call to Freedom is deeply rooted in my lived experiences. I was forced into marriage at a very young age. I lived through two genocides. I lost nine brothers and sisters—some to violence, others to illnesses that could have been easily treated. I have known the pain of war, the weight of grief, and the ache of separation. I was broken but not destroyed.

Yet, in the midst of all that, something remarkable happened. When I arrived in Sioux Falls, this community—and especially my church—embraced me with love and grace. That embrace began my healing journey. With the support and encouragement I received, I began to grow—emotionally, spiritually, and academically. My pain was transformed into purpose. My story became a testimony.

The God of all comfort used the people and places around me—especially the Center of Life Church, University of Sioux Falls, Lutheran Social Services, and my church, Life Change—to remind me that nothing is ever wasted in His hands.

Today, I am a woman of faith. A servant leader. A living testament to God’s redeeming grace. I now live to serve others, just as I was once served. My life is devoted to offering the same comfort, encouragement, and hope I once received—from both my heavenly Father and the incredible people He placed in my path.

What kinds of projects are you most excited to work on at Call to Freedom?

I am excited to work on community-building projects—fostering partnerships, deepening knowledge of relevant resources, and serving as a system navigator. I am also passionate about housing-related initiatives, especially access and retention, as well as educating on tenant rights and responsibilities.

In addition, I am deeply committed to advocacy work, including human trafficking awareness, confidentiality practices, and safety planning. These are the potential skills I am most excited to contribute and develop at Call to Freedom.

Finally, I bring with me a strong foundation of working with individuals who have experienced trauma. My professional work and personal insight into how trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit are part of the lens I bring into this mission. I am eager to continue learning and growing in trauma-informed care, ensuring that my work remains rooted in empathy, safety, restoration, and empowerment.

Why do you believe in the mission of Call to Freedom?

I believe in Call to Freedom’s mission because I believe in freedom, healing, and dignity for all. Every human being deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to live a life of purpose. The work Call To Freedom do reflects the heart of Christ, who came to set the captives free.

How do you think your position at Call to Freedom is important to the mission?

My role helps bridge the gap between trauma and healing, between silence and advocacy. I bring empathy, cultural understanding, and years of experience working with diverse populations. Not only have I worked with people from diverse backgrounds, but I have also worked with those who have experienced deep trauma—including survivors of war, human trafficking, orphans, refugees, youth and children living on the streets in Africa. My lived experience of trauma, including the loss of family members, neighbors, and church members during times of conflict – shapes how I serve today. I believe my presence and work here are part of a divine assignment—to comfort those in any troubles and to help restore what has been broken.