2018-2019
Bethel Endawoke: Co-President
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: International Politics & Economics
Minor: Global Health
What I love about Umoja: Umoja brings different cultures together. Africa is beautifully diverse and we get to learn about that in our meetings and events. I love the space it provides for Middlebury students that are interested in African affairs and cultures.
Samuel Kang’ara: Co-President
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Computer Science and Economics
What I love about Umoja: Umoja is part of my family on campus. It is a place where even though I am some 11,000 km away from my home, I can always reflect, discuss and share my Kenyan heritage with others while learning about their respective cultures. It is a melting pot of backgrounds. It is a place where I know people genuinely care about how I’m doing whenever they ask. I get to learn so much about Africa from our meetings and events – and have even picked up a couple of dance moves along the way.
Ronnie Tapiwa: Treasurer
Graduation Year: 2020
Major: Mathematics & Economics
What I love about Umoja: The food is amazing.
Hadjara Gado: Secretary
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Math
What I love about Umoja: I love Umoja because it is a place where I find the people I can call family. We can spend the whole time dancing and singing together without having explain to someone what Afrobeat is. Umoja also gives me the space to talk about issues on the continent and Have good food.
Francoise Niyigena: Events Coordinator
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Education studies and Psychology/Global health
What I love about Umoja: Umoja is a family a way from home where everyone is so sweet and I get the warmest hugs!! I love love and love how kind, fun, and cool everybody is.
Oscar Eilitta P.: Media
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Environmental Studies-Geography
What I love about Umoja: The events, conversations, and friendships I’ve shared at Umoja have enrichened my experience at Middlebury in so many ways, and I feel so fortunate to get to know our tight-knit diverse community of students. It’s also a great place to share my epic Spotify playlists.
Laurent O: Media
Graduation Year: 2020
Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Minor: Global Health
What I love about Umoja: Umoja is a home away from home. It is a space I always want to be because I get to glean and engage in relevant conversations about the continent with like-minded people. And, of course, I enjoy the foods as well!