One Girls success is never hers alone
“I am one story among many. There are countless girls walking through Gashora’s gates right now — dreaming, learning, growing. With continued support, they, too, will rise to change their communities and the world. Because when you invest in a girl, you don’t just change her life. You change generations.”
Every success story at Gashora begins with YOU- someone who believed in the power of girls’ education.
For Flora, that belief became the foundation for a life of purpose — a life dedicated to using technology to make the world fairer, smarter, and more inclusive. Enjoy Flora’s story!
I grew up in Musanze, the youngest of four siblings, surrounded by a family that taught me to value education. When I joined Gashora Girls Academy, I found more than just a school — I found a community that taught me to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.
At Gashora, I was encouraged to ask questions, to lead, and to explore who I wanted to become. I was already raised to work hard, but Gashora provided me with the environment and resources to grow. It challenged me intellectually and surrounded me with friends who believed in each other’s potential. That experience planted the seeds of confidence that have shaped every decision I’ve made since.
When I arrived in the United States to study Computer Science at Wellesley College, I carried Gashora with me — in the way I learned, the way I led, and the way I sought support within a community. The transition wasn’t easy. There were moments of loneliness as I navigated a new culture and academic system. But I remembered what Gashora had taught me: to seek help, to find my people, and to lean on others while offering support in return. That mindset helped me build connections and find a sense of belonging far from home.
At Wellesley, I discovered how my interests in technology and economics could intersect — how technology can be used to promote equity and ethical access, and how financial systems can drive social change. I became fascinated by how innovation can be used to improve lives, especially in communities like the one I come from.
My time in college opened doors to incredible experiences — from working in a Human-Computer Interaction lab to developing products through internships, to collaborating with organizations like the Black Venture Capital Consortium, which promotes diversity in tech. Each step reminded me that the opportunities I’ve been given were made possible by people who believed in me long before I believed fully in myself.
That belief began at Gashora. It is unique in challenging girls to become the best version of themselves, while also teaching them to dream big, not just for themselves, but for their communities. It’s where I learned that leadership isn’t just about personal success — it’s about using your voice and your skills to lift others up. The emphasis on whole-girl education — balancing academics, mental well-being, and social growth — taught me to lead with purpose and compassion.
As I look ahead, I envision myself pursuing a career in technology — in product management, consulting, or software engineering — where I can develop solutions that embody innovation and have a meaningful impact. In five years, I hope to return to graduate school to study Human Systems Engineering, deepening my understanding of how people and technology can work together to create meaningful change.
My lived experience armed me with a dedication to learn and challenge myself. From Gashora to Wellesley, I have gained the personal and professional experience I need, including the ability to think critically and collaborate effectively, through technical schools.
Everything I’ve achieved — from graduating with honors in Computer Science to stepping into the next chapter of my career — traces back to the foundation Gashora gave me. It’s not just a school; it’s a place that transforms young women into confident, capable leaders who see themselves as part of something bigger.
I am one story among many. There are countless girls walking through Gashora’s gates right now — dreaming, learning, growing. With continued support, they, too, will rise to change their communities and the world.
Because when you invest in a girl, you don’t just change her life. You change generations.
