About Me
Jackline Kamanzi is a leadership and governance coach, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) expert, and keynote speaker. She previously served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry in Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Executive Secretary of the National Women’s Council (NWC), and Board Secretary and Board Member of the Rwanda Chapter Secretariat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN). Her professional experience spans leadership in public service and civil society, including founding the United Nations Association of Rwanda (UNA–Rwanda).
Jackline is currently the founder and CEO of Linkera Inc. A company that links people, business opportunities, and technologies between Canada and Africa. She is a daughter, wife, and mother of three. She enjoys socializing, meditation, journaling, and fitness activities.
My Story
Jackline Kamanzi’s life is a powerful story of turning hard times into a great purpose. Born in a bushland and raised in a refugee camp in Uganda, her early years were full of uncertainty. Despite these difficult beginnings, she became the top-performing girl in Rwanda and grew into a leader who has made an impact on a national and global level.
In her book, “Unfolding,” Jackline shares her journey of leading in Rwanda as the country rebuilt itself after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her story is about her family’s strength, her parents’ hope, and her deep faith. It shows how “intentional leadership” can turn challenges into a clear mission in life.
With more than 18 years of experience in senior leadership across Africa and North America, Jackline does more than just give advice—she builds the systems that help inclusive and successful teams grow. She has held high-level roles in the Rwandan government, serving as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and the Executive Secretary of the National Women’s Council. In these roles, she led national programs that helped women and families succeed.
She also founded the United Nations Association of Rwanda, creating a way for young people and women to get involved in international work. As an expert in gender equality and social inclusion, she has spent her career making sure that everyone has a fair chance to lead and succeed.
Today, Jackline is the Founder and CEO of Linkera Inc. Her company acts as a bridge, connecting people, business opportunities, and technology between Canada and Africa. Since moving to Canada, she has also worked to help newcomer women in Ottawa find their footing and take on leadership roles in the Canadian job market.
Outside of her professional work, Jackline is a daughter, a wife, and a mother of three. She is a keynote speaker and coach who stays grounded through meditation, journaling, and staying fit. Her life is a continuous journey of building bridges between markets, cultures, and people.
Key Impact & Accomplishments
National Governance & Policy (Rwanda)
As Executive Secretary of the National Women’s Council, I led the strategic oversight of national empowerment programs for nearly a decade. My work facilitated multi-sector policy coordination and cross-border economic projects that directly advanced women’s leadership and garnered national recognition.
Civil Society Innovation
Founded the United Nations Association in Rwanda, creating a bridge for youth and women to engage with global diplomatic and developmental frameworks.
Empowering Newcomers (Canada)
In Ottawa, I partnered with World Skills Employment Centre and Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) to facilitate workshops for the “Empowering Racialized Newcomer Women” program. I successfully equipped newcomer women with the mindset and tools to navigate the Canadian labour market and claim their space in professional leadership.
Public Service Excellence
Drove institutional strengthening and governance initiatives within the National Public Service Commission of Rwanda, ensuring meritocracy and equity in public administration.
"My journey from a refugee camp to the boardroom taught me one thing: with faith and intentionality, any adversity can be transformed into a lifelong purpose."
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