Executive Team
INGABIRE Tricia
Executive Director
Ingabire Tricia is a passionate advocate and leader dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, empowering youth, and driving social transformation in Rwanda and beyond. With a career that bridges science, advocacy, and leadership, she has become a respected figure in advancing gender equality, conflict resolution, and community development.
Her journey began as a volunteer with Never Again Rwanda, where she played an active role in conflict mediation dialogues, youth participation initiatives, and community healing efforts. This experience cemented her belief in the power of young people to shape more peaceful and inclusive societies.
After completing her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Tricia transitioned into advocacy, becoming a strong voice for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), especially for girls and women in rural Rwanda. Her work caught international attention, leading her to Women in Black in Dubai, where she led awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma around gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting dignity for women survivors.
Following two impactful years abroad, Tricia returned to Rwanda to serve as the Executive Director of the Population Development Initiative (PDI). In this role, she brings her wealth of experience in advocacy, mediation, and leadership to shape programs that empower communities, elevate women’s and youth voices, and drive sustainable social change.
For Tricia, leadership is not only about strategy but about service ensuring that dignity, equity, and inclusion guide every initiative under PDI.
Unejese Placidie
Director of Programmes
Unejese Placidie is an experienced educator, activist, and programme leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to equity, knowledge-sharing, and community transformation. Over the years, she has built a unique bridge between education and activism using the classroom as a space to shape not only minds but also values of inclusion, equality, and civic responsibility.
Beginning her career as a teacher for children, Placidie steadily expanded her focus to adult education, specializing in social studies that explore how human interaction shapes everyday life. Her teaching has always gone beyond textbooks, encouraging learners to reflect on community dynamics, empathy, and the role of individuals in building a more just society.
Alongside her educational journey, Placidie has been a gender equality activist for more than a decade, consistently advocating for girls and women to be seen and treated as equals. Her activism has taken her from grassroots mobilization to organizational leadership, where she has designed and supported initiatives that promote inclusion, empower women, and break cycles of inequality.
As the Director of Programmes at Population Development Initiative (PDI), she channels her dual expertise in education and advocacy to design programmes that are not only impactful but also deeply human-centered. Her leadership ensures that PDI’s work stays rooted in equity, dignity, and community empowerment with a strong emphasis on elevating the voices of women and youth in Rwanda.
For Placidie, every programme is more than a project; it is an opportunity to shift mindsets, challenge inequalities, and inspire lasting change.
Jean Pierre Havugimana
Director of Grants and Fundraising
Jean Pierre Havugimana is a passionate activist, filmmaker, and multimedia expert who has dedicated more than 15 years to using creative storytelling, technology, and youth empowerment as tools for peacebuilding and social transformation. His career reflects a unique blend of technical expertise and activism, amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing issues such as justice, reconciliation, gender equality, and public health.
As the Founder and Director of Hapa Media Center Ltd, Jean Pierre has built a hub that creates opportunities for young creatives and produces audiovisual content with social impact. Under his leadership, Hapa Media has collaborated with international partners including OXFAM, Health Builders Rwanda, and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), as well as government institutions, to deliver campaigns promoting peace, unity, and community resilience.
In 2018, he secured over USD 50,000 in funding from the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture (RALC) to support cultural and educational productions that strengthen Rwandan identity. Since 2019, he has also held a long-term partnership with Rise and Shine World Inc., reinforcing his commitment to using media for peace and development.
Jean Pierre’s expertise is backed by solid academic and professional training in multimedia, IT, and audiovisual content development, with qualifications from South Africa, South Korea, and Rwanda.
At Population Development Initiative (PDI), Jean Pierre serves as the Director of Grants and Fundraising, where he leverages his background in media, project design, and partnerships to secure resources and sustain programmes that empower women, youth, and communities.
For Jean Pierre, fundraising is more than mobilizing resources it is about connecting creativity with purpose, ensuring that every partnership contributes to lasting peace and transformation.
KAYITARE Olivier
Director of Communication and IT
Kayitare Olivier is a versatile professional with a unique blend of expertise in information technology, communications, and activism. With a background in IT and finance, Olivier quickly discovered his passion for using digital tools and strategic communication to support social impact initiatives and amplify community voices.
What began as part-time support for organizations soon grew into a career in which he became known for his ability to craft compelling messages, design innovative communication strategies, and manage digital platforms that keep stakeholders engaged.
His strong technical foundation allows him to merge creativity with precision, ensuring that communication efforts are not only inspiring but also data-driven and impact.
As the Director of Communication and IT at Population Development Initiative (PDI), Olivier leads the organization’s digital transformation, communication strategies, and information systems. His role ensures that PDI’s voice is heard widely, its programms are visible, and its technology infrastructure supports efficiency and growth.
For Olivier, communication and IT are not just tools, but bridges that connect communities, donors, and change-makers, ensuring that stories of resilience and empowerment reach the audiences who can support lasting change.