On September 13, Friends Career Center brought together 31 EmpowerHer alumni and current cohort members for a networking session focused on experience-sharing, personal growth, and self-discipline.
The gathering brought together women at different stages of the EmpowerHer journey. Alumni who had previously trained in Culinary Arts and Hairdressing returned to share their experiences, and current fellows pursuing training in the same two areas. Some of the alumni have also received seed funding to start small businesses through Friends Career Center SheCreates fellowship. The event also included new students who were preparing to start school in September.
The gathering created an opportunity for alumni and current fellows to connect, build relationships, and learn from one another. Alumni shared their experiences after completing the EmpowerHer program, highlighting how the skills, knowledge, and support they received have continued to shape their careers, businesses, and personal growth. For current fellows, hearing directly from women who had gone through a similar journey provided practical insights and encouragement as they prepare for life and opportunities beyond the program.
Learning from Alumni Experiences
Deborah Irumva, an EmpowerHer alumna trained in Culinary Arts, shared how she turned her training into an entrepreneurial opportunity. After completing her studies, she decided to use her skills to start a business making chapati, samosas, mandazi, cakes, and bread. Starting with basic equipment, Deborah is working toward growing her business and investing in better equipment to expand her production.
“I was fortunate to have my studies supported by Friends Career Center, where I trained in Culinary Arts, a field I truly enjoyed. After completing my training, I decided to use the skills I gained to start my own business. I began with basic equipment and now make different snacks such as chapati, samosas, mandazi, cakes, and bread. I have a goal to keep working hard, grow my business, and eventually invest in better equipment and expand what I can produce.” Deborah Irumva, EmpowerHer alumna
Nadia Umwari also shared how she has continued building on the skills gained through EmpowerHer. After training in Culinary Arts, she progressed into a managerial role and has continued developing her professional experience. She has also expanded her skills by learning barista skills and is currently receiving additional training in this area. Looking ahead, Nadia plans to use her experience and skills to build her own business.
“I am grateful for the skills and knowledge I gained through EmpowerHer. After training in Culinary Arts, I progressed into a managerial role, where I continue to gain experience. I have also started developing my barista skills, and I plan to use everything I have learned to build my own business in the future.” Nadia Umwari, EmpowerHer alumna
The alumni stories showed current fellows that the EmpowerHer journey can extend beyond training by creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, continued learning, and personal growth. For current fellows studying Culinary Arts and Hairdressing, the alumni experiences offered a practical picture of how the skills they are developing today can be applied in the future.
The Power of Self-Discipline
A key part of the session was “The Power of Self-Discipline,” led by guest speaker Francine Muhawenimana. The session encouraged participants to remain committed to their studies and training, set clear goals, and develop the discipline needed to achieve them.
Francine emphasized resilience, commitment, and the importance of never giving up. Her message reinforced the lessons shared by the alumni, reminding current fellows that achieving long-term goals requires clear direction, consistent effort, and a willingness to keep moving forward despite challenges.
Beyond the learning sessions, participants had time to ask questions, exchange ideas, and share experiences. Bringing alumni and current fellows together strengthened the EmpowerHer network and created a space where women could learn from those who had already walked a similar journey.
The session demonstrated the value of strong networks and shared experiences. It also highlighted the broader impact of the EmpowerHer program: the journey does not end when training is completed. Through skills development, mentorship, seed funding, employment, entrepreneurship, continued learning, and connections with other women, participants can continue building their futures and contributing to their communities.
For current fellows, the alumni served as a reminder that the skills they are gaining in Culinary Arts and Hairdressing can become a foundation for future opportunities. For alumni, the gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect, share their progress, and encourage the next generation of EmpowerHer fellows.
