KYBORA, a global healthcare advisory firm and investment bank, and Foundation Rwanda, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, recently co-hosted a benefit dinner in Princeton, New Jersey.
The event brought together leaders from the biopharma sector in support of a shared mission: empowering second-generation genocide survivors through entrepreneurship.
The dinner highlighted the Foundation Rwanda-KYBORA Initiative, a groundbreaking program that equips second-generation genocide survivors with essential entrepreneurial training and access to microloans. The initiative focuses on sustainable empowerment: fostering economic independence and self-determination, restoring a sense of purpose and dignity and offering survivors long-term support.
Guests were deeply moved by the stories of Paulin, a second-generation survivor who is now forging their path as an entrepreneur, as told through powerful short films and photography by Serrah Galos and Lucas Vanderborght. A homemade dinner brought warmth and community to the event, where all proceeds directly supported the Foundation Rwanda – KYBORA Initiative, thus empowering survivors and their families.
A homemade dinner brought warmth and community to the event, where all proceeds directly supported the Foundation Rwanda – KYBORA Initiative, thus empowering survivors and their families.
The Foundation Rwanda-KYBORA Initiative is truly transformative. It directly empowers second-generation genocide survivors, giving them not just essential entrepreneurial training and vital loans to start their own ventures, but also fostering deep healing and self-determination.
This program ignites tangible hope, helping young Rwandans break cycles of poverty and build their own futures. As Shyaka Obed, a second-generation survivor, so powerfully put it: “The Foundation Rwanda youth are alive and they are still progressing. They are looking forward to who they want to be in life.”
“Our recent KYBORA community dinner was a tremendous success; it was incredibly inspiring to see such enthusiastic support for this vital mission from the greater Princeton and biotech communities.” – Jules Shell, Co-founder and Executive Director, Foundation Rwanda.
KYBORA’s involvement has been instrumental in scaling this initiative, combining its commitment to guide transformative healthcare companies to enduring success globally with actionable social impact.
“At KYBORA, we believe in creating long-term and sustainable value. Partnering with Foundation Rwanda allows us to invest in a future led by resilience, innovation and justice. It’s about unlocking potential and building a future shaped by equity and new ideas. The energy at the benefit dinner was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose leads and communities come together. “, said Alan Vanderborght, CEO, KYBORA.
Oye Olukotun, Board member at Tonix Pharmaceuticals and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, CEO at CR Strategies and KYBORA Advisor was present at the event and shared “The personal stories of some of the victims of the Rwanda rape were so gripping that my wife and I were so moved that we had to help Foundation Rwanda in the healing process for these women and their offspring. A very noble cause indeed!”
The Foundation Rwanda-KYBORA Initiative aims to provide 50 young adults each year with comprehensive training and small business loans. The top 15 winners of a business plan competition will receive loans to launch their ventures, along with ongoing support for three years. To expand the program and support 100 entrepreneurs, additional funding is needed.
The top 15 winners of a business plan competition will receive loans to launch their ventures, along with ongoing support for three years. To expand the program and support 100 entrepreneurs, additional funding is needed. A unique “pay-it-forward” program ensures participants who receive loans contribute back to the initiative, fostering a cycle of support.
Explore the initiative’s impact: see stories and testimonials from the Foundation Rwanda-KYBORA Initiative here. You can also watch the powerful film Intended Consequences, or listen to Agathe’s inspiring story on the Rwanda Rising podcast.
We invite our colleagues in the biotech industry to join our initiative and help create a brighter future for these young adults and their families.
To learn more, please visit Foundation Rwanda’s website, reach out to us here or send an email to info@kybora.com
