Our senior leadership team
Serge Gasore, Founder
Serge is a native Rwandan and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. After completing master's degrees in Information Technology and Global Service at Abilene Christian University, Serge founded Rwanda Children to aid vulnerable children in his home village of Ntarama. His alma mater, Abilene Christian University, honored him as the 2018 Young Alumnus of the Year. In 2019, Serge was awarded Rwanda’s “Protectors of Friendship” medal by its First Lady. The medal is given to “persons who displayed outstanding acts of courage and humanity by protecting or rescuing thousands of Rwandans during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans in its aftermath.”
Esperance Gasore, Founder
Esperance was born in the Congo. Esperance and her family were resettled to the U.S. when she was a teenager, where she later met and married Serge. A Registered Nurse, Esperance directs our Health Center. As the mom of three children, Esperance loves kids and has a special place in her heart for at-risk children. Esperance received the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda's 2018 Women of Courage Award.
Vann Conwell, Executive Director
Vann served in vocational ministry with local churches for over 35 years and was appointed the Executive Director of Rwanda Children in January 2014. He serves as the vision leader on behalf of Rwanda Children. When not in Rwanda, Vann makes his home in Alabama with his wife, Susan.
Innocente Uwamahoro, Secretary-General
As Secretary-General, Innocente is responsible for all day-to-day management of Rwanda Children. Drawing on her training as a teacher and administrator, Innocente brings a strong background in administration and leadership to her role.
Theogene Ufitishuri, Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Theogene provides day-to-day fiscal management in support of the various parts that make up the mission and ministry of Rwanda Children. Theogene brings to his role an extensive background in accounting and administration.
Sabine Mbabazi, Director of Health Center Operations
Sabine manages our Health Center’s day-to-day operations. Sabine is a skilled nurse who draws on her nursing and administrative skills to oversee all aspects of our clinic and staff. Under Sabine's leadership and guidance, we maintain excellent medical services and practice outstanding patient care.
Brianne Hendrick, National Volunteer Coordinator
Brianne's relationship with Rwanda Children began with a prayer: "God, make me a part of something bigger than myself. Something that can only be explained by saying, 'God is in this!'" God answered that prayer by leading Brianne to us! She and her family make their home in the Washington, D.C., area.
Andrea Butcke, Educational Needs Coordinator
Andrea is a retired special education teacher. She has traveled to Rwanda and seen first-hand the opportunities for partnering with parents, schools, and teachers to educate Rwanda’s children. We appreciate Andrea sharing her expertise and experience in educating at-risk kids.
Innocent Munyabugingo, Headmaster of Rwanda Children Christian School
Drawing on his extensive training and background as a teacher and administrator, Innocent provides leadership and direction to Rwanda Children Christian School’s teachers and students. As you can see from Innocent’s warm smile, he is our school's beloved and respected headmaster (or principal).
Board
Jenny Haskin, Chairman
Accountant, Westlake, TX
Jennifer Hanner, Vice-Chairman
Educator, Abilene, TX
Brad Benham, Secretary/Treasurer
Attorney, Abilene, TX
Ed Emerson
Business Owner, Retired CPA, Abilene, TX
Melissa Weber
Accountant, Abilene, TX
Dr. Whitney Mascorro, MD
Physician, Abilene, TX
Advisory Council - Rwanda
Jean Bosco Baribeshya, PhD // Chairman
Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Philosophy
Vicky Murabukirwa // Vice-Chairman
Real Estate & Construction
Emerence Mukangabo // Secretary
Research Consultant