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Bijou Mushengezi

Founder & Board President

Bijou was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Economics and worked for Bank of America. She was a stay-at-home mom when she discovered her passion for education and decided to become a preschool teacher. She has volunteered at Women for Women International, a non-profit organization that supports the most marginalized women in countries affected by conflict and war. She works with Beatil/ALT a non-profit partner with Panzi Foundation DRC, which rehabilitates and reintegrates victims of sexual violence and mutilation during armed conflicts in the DRC. She also runs a ministry called From Naomi to Ruth, a ministry that mentors young Christian girls to live a fulfilled life in Christ. Bijou's overall passion is to advance the Kingdom of God through numerous opportunities to serve others. She is a wife to an incredible husband and mother to five wonderful children.

 
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Christelle Awa

Board Secretary

Young HR Generalist professional, currently full-time employed in an international Cloud Company while pursuing her degree at NOVA.

Christelle believes that Education brings Understanding, Understanding brings Patience, Patience brings Love and Love brings Unity. That is why she believes in Moseka and its mission to help Empower women and Educate children as they are the Future of the Congo and Africa.


 

Caitlin Sturgis

Vice President

Caitlin is from Northern Virginia and learned about issues in the DRC as a young girl. In college, she focused her studies on Social Inequalities and Responses, researching many facets of the DRC from the use of water, to rule of law, to rape as a weapon of war. Caitlin has over a decade of experience working for nonprofits in staff, volunteer and board member roles. Her primary background is in fundraising and donor relations.
She is passionate about Moseka’s mission to address the social justice issues women and children in the DRC face through tangible assistance and educational empowerment. As Vice President, she works to support and empower Moseka’s incredible team, strengthens relationships with our partners, and engages and mobilizes our community for good in the DRC.
Caitlin holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs from George Mason University and a Financial Success for Nonprofits Certificate from Cornell University. She is currently pursuing her master’s of Social Work at the University of Denver.

 

ClaireNootens

Board Treasurer

Claire was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and relocated to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) at a young age. Motivated by her commitment to personal growth and her role as a mother, she returned to school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Finance in 2014. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management.

Claire brings over 19 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, with a strong emphasis on nonprofit financial operations and compliance. Her expertise spans budget development, financial reporting, internal controls, and strategic financial planning. She has held leadership roles in several community-based organizations, including her previous tenure as Vice President of a DMV-area nonprofit focused on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Since joining Moseka in early 2021, Claire has served as Treasurer, providing financial oversight and ensuring the organization’s fiscal integrity. Her work reflects a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and the sustainable advancement of Moseka’s mission.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Claire is a dedicated advocate for equitable access to education and spiritual development for underprivileged and orphaned children. Her personal values are deeply rooted in the belief that education and faith are foundational to long-term success. She is the proud mother of Jordan and credits him as the inspiration behind her academic and professional journey.

Claire continues to leverage her skills and experience to support initiatives that empower women and children in the DRC and the broader global community.

 

Open Position

Social Media Ambassador

 

Open Position

Administrative & Communications Assistant

To volunteer with Moseka Action Project, email mosekaactionproject@gmail.com!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

To volunteer with Moseka Action Project, email mosekaactionproject@gmail.com!