Champions of Change: Celebrating Our Team and Board
From left to right, Mr. Pombo, Mr. Danny, Mr. Chancard, and Dr. Jerry in November, 2024.
Leadership, Legacy, and Love: Our Congo Story Continues
In a context where each day brings its own obstacles - from routine power outages and gridlocked traffic to treacherous muddy roads and occasional political unrest - our team's unwavering commitment shines through. Their years of experience have taught them not just to navigate these challenges, but to transform them into teaching moments. With remarkable tenacity and purposeful enthusiasm, they guide young leaders through both practical and profound lessons.
Their dedication extends far beyond the school grounds - you'll find them visiting students' homes, sitting with parents, and building the trust needed for young leaders to flourish. These conversations with families are vital, helping parents understand and support their children's leadership journey.
As master implementers of our leadership model, they work behind the scenes to turn theoretical concepts into living examples of positive change. Their ability to maintain focus and inspiration, even in the face of uncertainty, embodies the very leadership principles they teach.
Dr. Jerry Kindomba in November, 2024.
Honoring DRC Country Director, Dr. Jerry Kindomba
Since 2011, Dr. Kindomba has been the heartbeat of Malembe Rise's work in Congo. As our DRC Country Director, he brings his expertise as a medical doctor and his experience in community development to guide our mission forward. His years with the USAID-funded Axxes Project, which shaped much of Congo's healthcare system, gave him invaluable insights into how sustainable change happens at the community level.
Today, Dr. Kindomba's passion for transformation shows in his leadership of our team and the Club of Leaders initiative at Hebrone School. His signature warm smile and infectious laugh create an atmosphere of trust and possibility wherever he goes. Whether meeting with government officials or sitting with community members, Dr. Kindomba has a remarkable ability to find common ground and build bridges across all levels of society. His compassionate leadership style, combined with his gift for networking and tireless work ethic, sets a powerful example for both staff and students.
As he often says, "Malembe Rise brings principles to help students use their learning and knowledge to benefit not only themselves but also the community."
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Kindomba embodies the values we hope to instill in young leaders. His genuine care for others and ability to bring joy to serious work make him a natural mentor. As a devoted husband to Angel and proud father of five sons, he understands firsthand the importance of nurturing the next generation. His vision for Congo's future, combined with his determined spirit and deep community connections, continues to drive Malembe Rise forward in powerful ways.
Left to right: Dr. Jerry and Brad Long in November, 2024.
Leadership Through Action: Celebrating Brad Long
When we think of Brad Long's remarkable service on our board, we're struck by how one person can wear so many hats - and wear them all so well. As our resident tech guru, creative designer, and steadfast board leader, Brad has shaped not just how we look (thank him for those awesome t-shirts!), but who we've become as an organization.
What many might not know is that Brad has made several journeys to Congo over the years, always maintaining his sense of humor through LONG flights, mad dashes through airports, and questionable airplane meals. Whether navigating Kinshasa's legendary traffic or sharing stories with our Congolese partners, Brad's spirit of genuine connection transcends any language barrier. Armed with a mix of broken French, determined Lingala, and his characteristic warmth, he shows that authentic relationships need no translation.
Throughout his years of executive board leadership, Brad has been our go-to problem solver for everything from website glitches to design challenges. We like to say that Brad is always equipped with exactly the tool we need, whether that's his strategic insight in board meetings, his creative eye for design, or his willingness to cross oceans to further our mission.
Thank you, Brad, for your leadership!
LET'S CATCH UP!
Want to see the full story of what your support made possible this year? Our annual letter captures the remarkable journey of our team and the Club of Leaders. Read it here!
“This was my fifth time to Kinshasa and second time with Malembe Rise. Each time I go I am confronted by two realities: the overwhelming sadness of centuries of torment that colonization has burdened the Congolese people with, and the unbreakable spirit of survival, beauty, and entrepreneurship that thrives in the local culture.
There is a constant struggle for one to overtake the other. During my first visit I remember looking out over the city and having no idea where a person would begin to have any impact, but that was before I joined Malembe Rise and before the Club of Leaders came to be.
Now, with the collective knowledge and experience of Malembe Rise and our US and Congolese staff working in harmony, the Club of Leaders model has become an answer to the question of where to begin. It begins with students empowered to lead sustainable improvements that benefit the health and wellbeing of their community. I’m excited by the interest of other organizations to partner with us to replicate the Club of Leaders model and spread what we’ve started.
Little by little, Malembe Malembe, we’ll keep moving forward.”
-Brad Long