Travel has a method of stripping every little thing again to what issues most. At the top of the yr, I traveled to Rwanda, my one hundred and thirtieth nation. A visit of a lifetime, for a lot of causes. Both gorilla and… | Cate Luzio

Travel has a method of stripping every little thing again to what issues most. At the top of the yr, I traveled to Rwanda, my one hundred and thirtieth nation. A visit of a lifetime, for a lot of causes.

Both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are unparalleled experiences I’ll always remember (you possibly can try these tales on my Insta @cateluzio); nonetheless, being in Rwanda jogged my memory that resilience isn’t loud. It’s regular. It’s persistent. It exhibits up each single day, even when the chances are stacked excessive. My 2026 phrase of the yr modified from FOCUS to PERSPECTIVE, all due to this journey and the folks we met.

Thanks to an incredible long-time Luminary Member, Jo McKinney, I used to be launched to a neighborhood tour firm, Green Way Safaris ltd and the three males main it, together with Gadi Habumugisha, all victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide who misplaced their total households, they supplied a lot data, historical past and native perspective, and that is the explanation this journey meant a lot.

They additionally launched me to Roz Carr, who handed within the early 2000s, an American lady who spent over 50 years on the bottom, who didn’t arrive in Rwanda to extract, to impress, or to be celebrated. She got here to construct. And she stayed to take a position regionally and who ultimately based the Imbabazi Orphanage, the place she “raised” these three males (3 of over 400+).

Through the businesses she constructed regionally and Imbabazi, Roz created one thing enduring by centering folks, place, and function. By creating alternative the place there was little infrastructure. By believing in native expertise and committing to coaching, schooling, and long-term financial empowerment. By honoring the land and the neighborhood, not exploiting it. For elevating a doubtlessly misplaced technology.

Through Imbabazi, she created a real residence. A spot of security, dignity, and belonging for youngsters and adults who had misplaced every little thing. What started as an act of compassion grew to become an enduring legacy of care, schooling, and hope that continues to vary lives.

Her legacy is not only what she created, however how she created it. With respect. With persistence. With deep listening. She confirmed what’s attainable when management is rooted in accountability and when success is measured by who’s lifted alongside the best way.

Her persistence is quiet however plain. Her resilience is earned. And her affect lives on by way of the folks, livelihoods, and confidence she helped domesticate. Roz is a reminder that true management isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about doing the work. Day after day. With integrity. With coronary heart.

She was a exceptional lady.
She was a builder.
She was a drive.

And she is, with out query, a real Luminary.

Grateful for Rwanda. Grateful for the teachings. And deeply grateful for girls like Roz who select to depart locations, folks, and prospects stronger than they discovered them. This journey did not simply provide me perspective, it created aspiration.

Links under to Roz’s e book, and Green Way Safaris.