Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes

Chair & Founder @akilahinstitute in Rwanda “That for which we long cannot be found by seeking, and yet only seekers find it.” -Bastami

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

@rbarwanda Goo Emmanuella!! the @AkilahInstitute community is so proud of you’

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

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

[Mathilde Mukantabana @AmbMukantabana]

Cheerleading pom-poms, applause & proud smiles all around at @MarriottIntl HQ in Washington, D.C. as #Rwanda’s own Emmanuela Uwimbabazi was honored with Marriott International’s top award, presented annually to only 10 associates globally.
A well-deserved recognition of her commitment to excellence. Rwanda is proud of you. Congratulations, Emmanuela @KigaliMarriott

[Mathilde Mukantabana @AmbMukantabana]

Cheerleading pom-poms, applause & proud smiles all around at @MarriottIntl HQ in Washington, D.C. as #Rwanda’s own Emmanuela Uwimbabazi was honored with Marriott International’s top award, presented annually to only 10 associates globally.
A well-deserved recognition of her commitment to excellence. Rwanda is proud of you. Congratulations, Emmanuela @KigaliMarriott

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

@AmbMukantabana @MarriottIntl Go Emmanuella!!! 🩷❤️ the @AkilahInstitute community is so proud of you!

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

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.

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Dr Carmen with the Akilah Burundi students. Spending time with these creative and inspiring leaders brought her immeasurable joy. She saw the future of her beloved Burundi in their eyes.
RIP dear friend 💔
@CarmenNibigira

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

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

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

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.

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

@willynyamitwe Beyond heartbreaking. 😭 Our world has lost a selfless angel, loving mother and creative innovator. She touched countless lives and was a beacon of hope and inspiration. So unbelievably sad to lose her way way too soon. 😭

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

@nathanbaugh27 @dickiebush ✍🏼

[David Perell @david_perell]

The American Psychological Association once invited William James to give a talk on the first 50 years of psychology research.

He simply said: “People by and large become what they think of themselves.”

Then, he left.

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Akilah alum Archange Umugabe will speak about her experience studying and working at Akilah and our new vision for transformational education for Rwandans. The Migrasia team will share about their work in supporting exploited domestic workers in Asia.

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Hong Kong friends, please join us on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day at the China Club and support @AkilahInstitute in Rwanda and Migrasia, which provides legal support to HK migrant workers.

https://t.co/NSe3PnlPMH

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

We are inviting alumnae running their own businesses at all stages and those who are keen to start the entrepreneurial journey  to email [email protected] or DM us at @AkilahInstitute

Learn more at
https://t.co/Ard53656au

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Akilah and Davis alumni, we are partnering with Ardent Mentoring to offer an incredible mentorship program.
🧵

📸 @AkilahInstitute Class of 2013 with First Lady Madame Kagame

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Beyond a social entrepreneur’s career, their Whole Person mentoring approach focuses on a person’s family, identity, faith, and work-life balance as the foundation for the multiplication of their social enterprise.

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

Our team retreats, costume competitions, adventures, and vulnerable moments are the highlights of my career.

Thank you to every person who has worked alongside us on this journey. 💓

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

I’ve worked with the most extraordinary people the past 15 years. @AkilahInstitute

Colleagues who are deeply passionate about transformative education and poured their hearts and souls into building this institution. 🧵

[Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes @EDearbornH]

It’s rare to find leaders who are energised rather than paralysed by the chaos and ambiguity of a startup.

We built a culture that was fiercely dedicated to high quality and nourishing education with a community of professionals who laughed and played hard together.