This award is given in memory of Christine Ntagengwa, former Senior Program Director at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. Christine, who came to the United States as an immigrant from Rwanda, lived a life of service, leadership, and love. The award is given each year to an immigrant or refugee or child of immigrants or refugees who lives and works in Massachusetts and who has demonstrated a commitment to these same values in service to the immigrant community.
The inaugural Christine Ntagengwa Leadership Award will be presented at 5pm as part of the MIRA Coalition’s Spring Conference on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.
Nominations for this award will be open until Wednesday, February 12, and can be made through this form. Nominations can be made for an immigrant or refugee, or child of immigrants or refugees who lives and works in Massachusetts and who has demonstrated a commitment to the values of service, leadership and love towards the immigrant community.
About Christine:
Christine came to the U.S. in 2000 on a visa for the spouses of international students, joining her husband who was on a student visa at that time, as a Master of Divinity student at Harvard Divinity School. The family then changed to Special Religious Immigrant Visa through the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, after which they became legal permanent residents and then U.S. citizens. A woman of devout faith, and totally giving of herself, Christine dedicated her life to the service of others in many ways, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, class, nationality, or immigration status. She always looked to help those less privileged and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
As an immigrant herself, Christine was committed to supporting the journeys of other newcomers to this country, beginning with her work as a case manager at Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM). During her career with RIM, she assisted countless families by helping them to resettle in the U.S. and begin a new life. In recognition of this work, Christine received in 2008 the Unsung Hero Award from the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants.
Christine began her work at MIRA as the Director of the New Americans Integration Program (NAIP). In this role, Christine trained and guided scores of AmeriCorps members working at immigrant and refugee service organizations in Greater Boston and beyond. Working closely not just with members and MIRA colleagues but program leaders at NAIP host sites, she provided a model of creative and inclusive leadership and community building. Christine spearheaded MIRA’s anti-racist task force, and taking on the role of Senior Program Director was charged with building alignment among MIRA’s many programs for immigrants and refugees.
Christine was a trained social worker, with academic achievements in Rwanda, Kenya, and the United States. After graduating in 1999 from St. Paul’s University, in Limuru, Kenya, with a Bachelor of Divinity, she came to the U.S. in 2000, later earning a Master of Social Work from Boston University in 2012 from BU’s BRIDGE Program for immigrants and refugees. As the Director of NAIP, she also championed the educational and professional development of her diverse AmeriCorps cohorts.
Christine was also part of Umunara, Inc., not only as a member but also as one of its founders and a member of its board of directors. She reached out to many people in need through her leadership in Umunara, Inc.
As a global citizen who worked around the world, the beloved center of an extended family and friend network, Christine’s warmth, openness, and deep emotional intelligence were a source of support and inspiration to everyone who worked with her. No one’s problem was too small for her to care about, no colleague or client unimportant. Her presence could light up a room. Christine’s joy and positivity were matched by her shrewd, down-to-earth practicality and keen sense of humor. The energy and creativity she brought to her work, her love of God and people, also showed itself in her dedication to the arts and her passion for singing. Her obituary can be found here.
Christine’s family, colleagues, and friends hope that this award will help others carry forward her example and her shining spirit in their life and work.