Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes

So incredibly proud of @AkilahInstitute graduate, Emmanuella Uwimbabazi! 🥳🥳

When Carmen died a few days ago, a WhatsApp group was created to honor her extraordinary life. What began as a small gathering of loved ones quickly grew to over 400 members from around the world sharing stories and inspiring memories. The group has become a beautiful celebration of Carmen's life—and a nourishing way to grieve. The messages paint a vivid portrait of Carmen’s journey, from her early days as a refugee leaving Burundi for high school in the UK, to her years of academic excellence while pursuing her PhD at Clemson University, to her pivotal role as a dedicated board member at Akilah and Davis College for 14 years, and a champion of the African sustainable tourism industry. Each post is a testament to her vibrant joy, unwavering passion, and ability to inspire and uplift everyone around her. Her legacy shines brightly through the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. — @AkilahInstitute and @DavisCollegeEdu alumni and staff, please join us on Monday, November 25 at the Akilah Villa for a reception to honor Carmen's life and legacy. Reception starts at 3, program at 5.

Dear @AkilahInstitute and Davis College alumni, please join us for a reception to celebrate the life and legacy of our Board Chair, Dr Carmen Nibigira, at our home on Monday Nov 25. Reception starts at 3 pm, program at 5 pm. @CarmenNibigira

It is with profound sadness that I share the sudden passing of our beloved Board Chair, Dr. Carmen Nibigira. @CarmenNibigira Carmen was one of the most loving and extraordinary people I have ever known. She was one of the first to believe in me and the @AkilahInstitute vision. Carmen contacted me in 2010, soon after we opened Akilah, with a declaration: “I HAVE to be a part of this!” Over the next 15 years as a board member, Carmen infused our institution with her unmatched dedication, grace and commitment to education for underserved youth. When Akilah was still in its infancy, Carmen’s determination led us on a remarkable journey. She convinced me and Dave to travel to Burundi to meet with the President and Minister of Education. “Burundian women must have a college where they can become leaders and entrepreneurs,” she insisted. Her leadership made the impossible possible. Carmen spearheaded the launch of Akilah Burundi, and ensured that it thrived, impacting hundreds of women. Even when instability and violence forced the relocation of our Burundian students to Rwanda, her resilience kept the mission alive. Carmen’s passion was boundless. Whether mentoring the ladies of Akilah, leading the tourism ministry in Burundi, or devising strategies to empower young Africans through entrepreneurship and conservation, she brought infectious energy to everything she touched. Her approach to challenges was inspiring. Carmen faced every obstacle with a calm resilience and an unshakeable belief that “this too shall pass.” She had a rare gift: she was both a loving, supportive friend and an encouraging force who pushed those around her to become the best versions of themselves. Whenever I faced a problem or insecurity, I called Carmen and she radiated unconditional love and wise counsel- a gift she shared generously with so many. Born in Burundi in 1978, Carmen was a trailblazer in tourism and hospitality, dedicating over 24 years to the industry. At the time of her passing, she served as the Lead for Tourism and Hospitality Management within the Mastercard Foundation’s Rwanda Programs team. Her academic achievements included a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University and advanced degrees in Travel and Tourism from universities in the United Kingdom. She held key leadership roles, including Project Director for Horwath HTL, Director General of the Burundi National Tourism Office, and Regional Coordinator of the East Africa Tourism Platform. She began her career managing tour operations across East Africa and leading an international hotel in Tanzania. Her dedication and vision earned her accolades such as the African Women in Tourism Leadership Award and recognition as one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Travel in 2017. Carmen was a fierce advocate for women’s education and socio-economic empowerment. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her two sons, Dominick (19) and Merrick (17), who were the loves of her life. As we mourn this painful loss, we celebrate her extraordinary life. Her legacy will endure in the lives she touched, the industries she redefined, and the countless dreams she made possible. We honor her memory by continuing the work she was so passionate about, carrying forward her belief in resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education.

“A society grows great when old women plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." 🌳 -Greek Proverb

First there is the fall, and then we recover from the fall. Both are the mercy of God! ~Julian of Norwich I’m reading Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by the wise Richard Rohr. His explains the role of “necessary suffering” & how we unlearn to awaken.

I’ve watched Awakening from the Meaning Crisis twice (100 hours) and it dramatically changed the way i see the world- and my purpose. I can’t wait to watch the new series from @VerbatimHKG

A beautiful take on one of my favorite writers and philosophers C.S. Lewis. I’m currently reading the Narnia series to my kids at bedtime.

I dream about spending days in a magical bookstore like this

Mudita: Taking delight in the happiness of others; vicarious joy.