OUR TEAM

Mukundwa Safi

Safi is the co-founder, namesake, and inspiration behind Safi Life, and currently serves as Safi Life’s County Director. She is a shining example of what women can achieve even amidst incredible hardship and difficulty. A survivor of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, Safi put herself through secondary school, was awarded funding for her university education and later completed her Master’s degree in Business Administration. She is dedicated to making a difference in Rwanda, and believes all women deserve equal access to an education.

Devon Ogden

Devon is the co-founder and Executive Director of Safi Life. While completing her university thesis during a summer in Rwanda, Devon met Safi and they formed a lifelong friendship. Together, they founded the organization and continue to build it through shared vision.

Devon’s commitment to philanthropy extends also to her work in California real estate. She donates 10% of her proceeds from each transaction to charity, allowing her clients to support causes close to their hearts. Devon is committed to Love above all, female empowerment, and generational change.

Jean-Pierre Nkuranga

Jean-Pierre (J.P.) is one of the pioneers of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village and served for 5 years as the Director of the Informal Education which helps 500 orphans from all regions of Rwanda and graduates 125 of them every year.

J.P. has worked with the Rwandan government on many projects enhancing the life conditions of vulnerable people. He is the co-founder of AERG (Genocide Survivors Student Association) which helps genocide survivors cope with post-genocide’s challenges. He is passionate about restoring the rhythm of life to vulnerable orphans of genocide, HIV/AIDS heads of household, and women in need.

ADVISORY BOARD

Kanyesigye Merarry Kabarisa

Merarry currently serves as a Senior Tourism Consultant at Songa Africa, a luxury tourism company in Rwanda. Prior to that, he was a reservation officer at Governors’ Camp Rwanda. He is passionate about tourism in Rwanda and has been in the industry for the past seven years. He is also passionate about conservation and sustainability. Merarry has hosted and networked with high profile clientele and celebrities, and is honored to be part of Safi Life’s program to help heal Rwanda through individual empowerment and education.

Ian Alvarez

Ian Alvarez is a financial advisor under the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. His team specializes in helping professional athletes and entertainment professionals achieve "work-optional" lifestyles. By integrating risk-adjusted investment strategies with tax mitigation planning, his team guides highly compensated individuals with short income timelines toward financial freedom.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ian is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and career paths. In his spare time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball, spending time with family, and traveling with his fiancé.

Jennifer Carter

Jennifer is a dedicated visionary on a mission to make an impact through her philanthropic endeavors and foundation. She is committed to co-creating impactful fundraising events and raising awareness for charities in need, both locally and globally. Her philanthropic scope includes United Way, Home Front, Parachutes for Pets, The Drop in Center, The Women's Emergency Center, Glenbow Museum, Make a Wish, and many more. Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors for Motion Ball Special Olympics, Fur-Ever Homes, and Fashion Forward. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and philanthropy defines her journey as a visionary leader committed to shaping a brighter future for all.