ACCEPTANCE SPEECH: PRESIDENT, U.S. EXCHANGE PROGRAM NETWORK
His Excellency William W. Popp, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda
The Delegation from the U.S. Mission in Uganda
District Governor Godfrey M. Kitakule
Vice Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Joe Nuwamanya
The Presidents of U.S. Exchange Programs
Our dedicated Regional Leaders
My unimaginable mom, my household, expensive associates, and the colourful Alumni Community
Good night.
Today, I stand earlier than you with deep gratitude and profound humility, as I tackle the function of President of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network in Uganda.
am totally conscious that this second isn’t a reward for particular person benefit, however a mirrored image of collective belief and shared objective.
To the outgoing management, thanks for the path you could have blazed. We step ahead not as a substitute, however as a continuation of your labor.
As a Ugandan proverb says: “A tree is known by its fruit, but it starts with the root.”
Today, I honor the roots.
Truly, management isn’t about figuring out all of it; it’s about displaying up for individuals, listening, and rising as you go. And I promise, I’ll develop loud, proud, and purposefully.
This isn’t a podium for celebration, it’s a development web site for collaboration. And on this web site, I see not spectators, however builders, we’re constructing for impression.
This is a name to each alumni throughout packages, areas, and generations to choose up your instruments. Whether your software is technique, analysis, creativity, neighborhood organizing, or compassion we’d like it.
We usually are not ready for excellent situations; we’re displaying up with what we’ve and beginning the place we’re.
The U.S. Exchange expertise gave us greater than publicity. It gave us accountability. It expanded our imaginative and prescient nevertheless it additionally pointed us again home.
President Obama mentioned:
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
That is what this community is: a motion of people that now not wait. We construct. We act. We serve.
Together, we’ll concentrate on:
Building Together: Strengthening collaboration throughout cohorts, areas, {and professional} backgrounds.
Creating Value: Mentorship, entrepreneurship, public service, and skill-building.
Shining Light: Amplifying alumni tales and displaying the true, measurable impression of our work.
A Rwandan proverb reminds us: “When the roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind.”
And our roots throughout nations, disciplines, and communities run deep.
Now, I do know when individuals hear “President,” they image somebody in an enormous workplace, carrying an even bigger swimsuit, Writing advice for Visa, But this Leadership guarantees to roll up the sleeves.
Expect voice notes like: “Hey team, anyone with this program idea?”
This presidency is not going to be managed from a distance; it will likely be lived shoulder to shoulder with you. From Gulu to Jinja, Arua to Kabale, each alumni has a spot right here.
Whether you’re simply beginning out otherwise you’re years into your management journey, your voice issues, your effort counts, and your presence is highly effective.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb
To the leaders earlier than us, thanks for laying the inspiration.
To these beside me now, let’s maintain constructing.
To these coming after, might they discover this home not simply constructed, however sturdy.
Let this be a season of service over highlight, of collaboration over competitors, and of legacy over labels.
May our work converse lengthy after we’re gone. And might we by no means cease constructing, collectively.
Thank you. And might God bless this motion of Possibilities.
