Juliet Busingye

In October 2009, Juliet Busingye was announced as ORI's Student of the Month. Juliet, who studies Information and Computer Technology at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), was selected due to the distinguished leadership and initiative she demonstrated by creating and successfully launching the WECAN Women's Network. Juliet created the Network after identifying the need for a safe and effective forum where young women in the ORI program could discuss and plan their personal and professional goals.

When asked why she created the network, Juliet answered, "I hoped to start an organization that served the women of my country... I [want to] motivate other young people to achieve their goals." Specifically, Juliet envisions WECAN empowering women to pursue degrees in science and engineering because "many women in our country are [currently] unfamiliar with the way technology is used in our society." With this vision in mind, she drew up a proposal for the organization and actively recruited an executive committee. With two successful meetings already under their belt, the WECAN Women's Network has plans for some exciting events in the next few months. ORI would like to congratulate Juliet on her vision and, most importantly, her perseverance, as she worked hard to make her dream a reality. The ORI team publicly recognized Juliet at an All-Student Meeting on November 21.