Sylvie Dufitimana

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

My biggest contribution to the TechWomen mentorship will be my daily commitment and active participation. As a young architect, I can share my experience in mentorship and how I help women grow in architecture through Rwandan Ladies in Architecture. I also bring my skills in design, teamwork and problem-solving to the group. I want to help others understand the importance of space and how good design can change communities. I'm excited to learn from mentors and share my ideas, so we can all grow and support each other.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Learn fundamentals of designing and leading impactful mentorship programs.
2. Strengthen leadership and communication skills.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of community-driven design and urban development strategies.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Present my current work to professionals in my industry
• Expand on a project that I’m working on in my current role at home
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor works in a medium or large design organization that focuses on social impact and fairness. I want a place that encourages teamwork between architecture, education and community work. The culture should support women leaders and include open learning and mentorship. I hope my mentor is skilled in design but also shares knowledge through teaching and community projects. They should focus not only on making great architectural designs but also on helping people grow in other important ways. I want a mentor who believes in fairness, empowerment and creativity like my own work.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Hardworking
2. Supportive
3. Friendly

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

I know what I want to achieve but need guidance on how to get there. I co-founded and lead Rwandan Ladies in Architecture, which supports women by offering learning, mentorship and design projects that help communities. Even though I mentor others, I need a mentor myself to learn how to build strong relationships and create lasting programs. This experience will help me develop leadership and communication skills. I'm also preparing for a Master's in Urban Design and hope a mentor can guide me through this journey and help me become a strong leader.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

After joining TechWomen, I will use what I learn to grow Rwandan Ladies in Architecture, the group I co-founded. I want to train more women, build better mentorship programs, and lead design projects that help local communities. This experience will help me make partnerships, organize events, and share stories about African women in architecture. My big goal is to support hundreds of women across Africa and build a strong global network of creative leaders who inspire change through inclusive design. I also plan to stay connected with TechWomen and join the TechWomen alumni group in my country.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

3

Primary Professional Focus

• Architecture

Education History