Congratulations to Joan Amek! 🎓
On September 20th, 2023, our dedicated project planner and Kahuna at Rella Women’s Foundation, Joan Amek, achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from the CSSA GUIDE Program, Cohort 2, 2023. This program, an integral part of the USAID/Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA), represents a cutting-edge approach to leadership development within Ugandan Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
As a participant in the second cohort of the CSSA GUIDE program, Joan was part of an emerging group of youth leaders with the potential to drive enduring social change within CSO leadership in Uganda. Her commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and the pursuit of social change within Civil Society Organizations in Uganda is truly commendable.
Through her active involvement in the CSSA GUIDE Program, Joan has harnessed knowledge and a network that she’s now channeling toward advancing CSO leadership within the LBQ community and beyond. Her outstanding contributions to the Village of Care Project earned her not only a certificate of completion but also recognition as one of the most outstanding fellows. The Village of Care Project, under Joan’s leadership, addresses the pressing issues of violence and discrimination faced by LBQ individuals, empowering them to become Human Rights Defenders and creating safe spaces while facilitating access to vital services. Together, they are building a more inclusive world.
Joan’s journey through the guide program has brought immense benefits to her personal and organizational leadership. Notably, it has enabled her to join the LBQ Movement Convening for Solidarity Committee, ensuring community inclusivity and fostering invaluable networking opportunities. These connections have facilitated the establishment of strategic relationships and partnerships vital for the sustainability of projects. The program’s focus on improved project planning and implementation has enhanced her organizational effectiveness. In addition, it has contributed significantly to her personal branding, solidifying her reputation within the LBQ community and the broader civil society sector. Furthermore, the skills and experiences gained have played a pivotal role in her career development, opening doors to leadership positions and enabling her to take on impactful roles in community-driven projects.
At a deeper level, the guide program has profoundly impacted both Joan’s personal and organizational leadership within Rella Women’s Foundation, especially in the Village of Care project. Personally, it has led to skill enhancement and a heightened sense of empathy and understanding for the needs of the LBQ community. Embracing the servant leadership model has become a guiding principle, fostering ethical and inclusive leadership. Organizationally, the program has instilled a community-centric approach, ensuring tailored solutions for the specific needs of LBQ individuals. This has not only built trust and connection within the community but also created a positive organizational culture centered on empowerment and ethical leadership. Moreover, the program has inspired the LBQ movement to adopt servant leadership principles, resulting in collective impact, sustainable change, and a well-structured leadership succession plan, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for LBQ individuals in Uganda.
Joan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated leadership, education, and collaboration. We celebrate her achievements and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make in the LBQ community and beyond.
Congratulations, Joan Amek, on your well-deserved success! 🌟🌈👏