United States Board of Directors

Dan Frigard - Chairman of the Board 🇺🇸

Dan Frigard brings over 15 years of leadership experience as President of Ironwood Village HOA, managing a community of 706 homes. His professional journey includes a successful career with Northern Telecom, Network Systems, where he collaborated with the NSA. Later, Dan transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding Caioti Fine Wine and Spirits, a beverage wholesale company. Under his leadership, the business grew from a single employee to 20 before being sold to a large multi-state wholesaler.

Following his retirement from the corporate world, Dan devoted the past 19 years to serving the Kingdom of God. His passion for empowering and redeeming the lost daughters of Rwanda aligns perfectly with the Kyro Foundation’s mission. Dan’s blend of business expertise, strategic insight, and faith-driven leadership plays a pivotal role in guiding the foundation toward meaningful and sustainable impact.

Joseph Rochel - Director of Media & Public Relations 🇺🇸

With extensive experience in media and communications, Joseph Rochel brings a dynamic approach to storytelling and brand representation as the Media Director for the Kyro Foundation. His journey in media began during his service in the U.S. Army, where he first discovered his passion for photography while stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. Over the years, he has refined his skills in photography, videography, and public relations, working across various industries, including fashion, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.

Joseph’s expertise in media production and storytelling, combined with his dedication to impactful communication, makes him a valuable asset to the Kyro Foundation. Known for his ability to capture meaningful moments and craft compelling narratives, Joseph is passionate about using media to highlight the foundation’s mission and amplify its efforts to create lasting change.

Joseph’s background in humanitarian work, including collaborations with Iraqi clinics to protect women and children during his military service, aligns perfectly with the Kyro Foundation’s goals. As Media Director, Joseph is committed to sharing powerful stories that connect, inspire, and raise awareness of the foundation’s vital initiatives.

Rwanda Team

John Africa - Founder 🇷🇼

John Africa, founder & CEO of the Kyro Foundation, was born and raised in a refugee camp in Uganda, where his parents sought refuge after escaping the first Tutsi genocide in Rwanda in 1959. His educational journey took him through Uganda, where he completed his undergraduate studies, and to Kenya, where he earned a master's degree in Education Planning and Management.

Driven by a passion to rebuild Rwanda following the 1994 Tutsi genocide, John returned to his homeland to serve as a school principal and later joined the Ministry of Education. In his role as a curriculum designer, he helped transition the education system from French to English, developing curricula and training teachers to meet new standards.

Witnessing the deep poverty affecting education access, especially after COVID-19, John started a sponsorship initiative with friends, dedicating 20% of their monthly earnings to support vulnerable youth. Their efforts enabled 30 unwed young mothers to complete vocational training, equipping them with skills in tailoring and hairdressing. Inspired by the transformative impact, John founded Kingdom Youth Redemption Organization, committed to empowering young mothers through long-term technical programs, promoting self-reliance, and breaking cycles of poverty.

Pastor Nkurikiyinka Elie - Discipleship Program Director 🇷🇼

Pastor Elie Nkurikiyinka serves as KYRO's full-time pastor, overseeing our discipleship program for sponsored students. With over twelve years of pastoral experience under Redeemed Ministries Rwanda, Pastor Elie brings a wealth of expertise in discipleship and evangelism. He is a passionate servant of God, dedicated to nurturing believers and leading others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As an ordained minister, his heart for ministry is reflected in his commitment to guiding students in their spiritual growth and fostering a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Uwishema Garturde - Student Counselor 🇷🇼

Gertrude Uwishema is a survivor of the 1994 Tutsi genocide, during which she tragically lost her entire family, except for her younger brother. Despite these immense hardships, she pursued her education with support from the Genocide Survivor Support and Assistance Fund (FARG), earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Christian counseling.

For over a decade, Gertrude has served as a counselor with IBUKA, an organization dedicated to supporting genocide survivors. She brings invaluable experience in counseling, having walked through her own journey of healing and resilience. Passionate about her profession, Gertrude views her work as a God-given ministry, committed to helping others overcome pain and find hope.