Meet Rose
Meet Rose Mapendo
Mrs. Rose Mapendo (Born 1963) is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary story. In the early 1990s, ethnic violence consumed the Democratic Republic of Congo, changing the lives of Rose and her family forever. In 1998, she fell victim to ethnic genocide that originated four years earlier with the intent of exterminating the Tutsi tribe. Victim of unimaginable violence, Rose understands the struggle to remain hopeful. Through a spiritual and incredible journey, she transformed from a victim into an inspiring testimony that what seems impossible is possible.
 After spending 16 months in a horrifying and torturous death camp, her triumph over evil is a transcendent symbol of strength, hope, and happiness. Mrs. Rose Mapendo, is the Chairperson of Rose Mapendo Foundation (RMF), a foundation formed in 2012. She draws on her traumatic life to help others. As the Chairperson of the foundation, she is able to fulfill her passion and mission to help the most vulnerable in Africa and abroad. The Widows and their children became outcast, forgotten and isolated from society.
Acting as a voice for the voiceless, she is working to create a better future for her people, and the world.
Mrs Rose Mapendo has delivered keynote speeches at national and international fora on various themes including: Refugees, peace and forgiveness, health, children’s welfare and women’s empowerment, among others.
Mrs. Rose Mapendo personaifies an active, relentless and passionate devotion to uplifting the lives of vulnerable populations in Great Lakes region in Africa: particularly those of widows, orphans of the genocide and wars to disadvantaged families.
 Today Rose works as Human rights global activitist who works for peace among people and empowerment of women and girls in east Africa and beyond. Rose’s hope nad her life’s work has been defined to take a stance against violence that advances a woman’s place in society and instills a sense of value in her life.Â
She is a role model and an inspiration for many women who have experienced violence and genocide and who aspire to achieve their dreams and goals.
AWARDS
2006
County of Los Angeles Award
2007
Rose Mapendo was honored by the White House
2007
VELVO names African refugee and mother of Ten America's greatest Hometown hero
2008
Honored by CNN
2009
Named Humanitarian of the Year by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
2015
Earned The Muhammad Ali humanitarian award for Gender Equality
2016
Award
2017
Earned an award
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