OUR IMBABAZI TEAM
Our Board of Directors
RWAYITARE LESIKI MAKALA FONSKE, PRESIDENT
Fonske has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Brussels and is currently Managing Director at Kigali Bearings Import Ltd. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Kigali and a member of the Kigali City Council. He is fluent in six languages. He and his wife live in Kigali; they have five children.
BETH KAPLIN, VICE PRESIDENT
Beth is a Biodiversity Conservation Scientist with over 35 years of experience, primarily in Rwanda. She was founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity & Natural Resource Management at University of Rwanda from 2017 to 2023. She is an Honorary Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Rwanda and Adjunct Professor at the School for Environment, University of Massachusetts-Boston. In 2023 she won the Frankfurt Conservation Award from the Bruno H. Schubert-Foundation for her contributions to applied research.
JEAN-MARIE MBONYINTWALI, TREASURER
Jean-Marie is a clinical psychologist with over 17 years of experience in public health, environmental management, governance, and socio-economic development in Rwanda. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Rwanda and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Rwanda, School of Public Health. He is owner of an authorized Certified Irish Potato Seed Production and Agrochemicals dealership in Mudende/Rubavu.
ANN HALSEY, SECRETARY
Ann is Roz Carr’s niece and co-author of her memoir, “Land of a Thousand Hills.” She is a founding member of the Imbabazi Orphanage Foundation and lives in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
BOBBY JENDRY, PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Bob is an International Business Consultant, independent entrepreneur, lay minister, and author of numerous books on business management, technology, and spirituality. He and his wife Charlene (recently deceased) have been associated with the Imbabazi Orphanage since its founding. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.
ELIE NIZEYIMANA, MEMBER
Elie is an attorney and legal consultant, working primarily with Non-Governmental Organizations in Rwanda. He serves on the board of the African Rift Conservation Organization and has acted as legal representative of the Imbabazi Orphanage/Roz Carr Imbabazi Legacy for several years. He lives in Kigali.
CALLY ALLES, MEMBER
Cally lived in Rwanda for 23 years, during which time he was Director General of the Sorwathe Tea Company and served as a member of the Rwandan President’s Economic Advisory Council. He is a Chartered Engineer and is a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Kigali. He is from Sri Lanka and serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Rwanda in Sri Lanka.
KRISTI JENDRY, MEMBER
Kristi is a vertical landscape designer specializing in long-term development of edible and biodiverse gardens with unique micro-climates. She has traveled extensively to Rwanda and is now based in San Francisco and Columbus, Ohio.
GATERA GASHABANA, MEMBER
Gatera Gashabana is an attorney and advocate specializing in criminal, judicial, labor, administrative, fiscal, banking, and insurance law, practicing in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He lives in Gasabo District with his wife and four children.
UMUTESI MARIE CLAIRE, MEMBER
Marie Claire has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences/Crop Production, an Advanced Diploma in Crop Production (A1), and a Secondary Leaving Certificate in Agronomy (A2). She has many years of experience in Education, Administration, and Research, with a particular emphasis in crop production and animal health.
NIKUZE THEONESTE
Managing Director, Mugongo Gardens, Ltd.
VALENS DUSABE, MEMBER
Valens is a seasoned finance and operations executive with more than 16 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, budgeting, risk management, internal controls, auditing, taxation, and corporate operations. He previously served as Chief Finance Officer and Chief Operations Officer within Rwanda’s tea industry. He lives in Ottawa, Canada.