Portia UwasePortia Uwase, from Kigali, Rwanda, is a freshman at Lewis & Clark College where she studies economics. On campus, she’s an office assistant for the Alumni and Parents Programs where she helps with event preparations and encourages alumni and parents to participate in events. In January 2018, she won a full scholarship to participate in Winterim, an intensive entrepreneurship program hosted by the John E. and Susan S. Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership at Lewis & Clark. The eye-opening experience provided her with ideas on how to help expand her mother’s business in Rwanda, and how to bring in more women and create additional employment opportunities. She believes her mother’s strength and relentless support have greatly contributed to who she is today. Portia is also a regular contributor on a local creative art and culture website called Mellowviews.com, where her team recently released a digital magazine – a feat she is very proud of. Additionally, Portia collected books for Love the Kids Foundation, because she believes reading helps people grow in tremendous ways. Before joining SHE-CAN and coming to the U.S., Portia was fortunate to attend Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology. She graduated in 2015 and excelled in the Rwanda National Exam. Outside the classroom, she was the chief editor of the school magazine, the leader of a drama club, and ran community service projects. Inspired by her mother, Portia now has a clear passion to help other women become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. Portia also hopes to aid in the development of Rwanda’s economy by being directly involved in the creation of economic policies.
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Attending
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Academic MajorEconomics
Class of 2021 |
Mentor TeamHolly Constant
Caroline Donahue Terry Dwyer Hurley, John Hancock Beezie Handy, John Hancock Jennifer Lewis Nicole Lytle |