"When I came to Boston, I felt alone and lost. CAWEL gave me the tools, community, and confidence to start a new life. Today, I’m learning English and working towards my nursing degree." Fatoumata, CAWEL participant
CAWEL & LAFCO advance health equity and education access across continents.
Based in Boston
Congolese-American Women Empowerment and Leadership (CAWEL) serves African immigrant and refugee women in the USA.
Roots in Kinshasa
Our sister organization Leadership et Autonomisation de la Femme Congolaise (LAFCO) serves Congolese girls and women in the DRC.
CAWEL & LAFCO Team
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Julie Kabukanyi RN, BSN, MA, PhD (Candidate)
Julie is a Registered Nurse, community leader, and President of CAWEL. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston, serves as Chair of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) US Advancing Human Rights Committee, and acts as the U.S. Representative on the WILPF International Advisory Board. Julie is deeply committed to empowering refugee and immigrant women and girls through health, education, leadership, and human rights advocacy.
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Xia Zhang BA
Xia is a Professional Writer, Fundraising Coordinator at CAWEL. She studied at Columbia University and Rutgers and graduated Sum Cum Laude in 2019. Xia works to advance CAWEL’s mission by leading community outreach, program development and fundraising efforts for initiatives that serve refugee and immigrant communities.
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Mayi Konde RN
Mayi is a Registered Nurse and serves as CAWEL's Youth Educator. She supports CAWEL's youth participants through mentorship, education, and community-centered programs that promote growth, wellbeing, and leadership.
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Gloria Lituase
Gloria is a Certified Nurse Assistant and Licensed Financial Professional. She serves as CAWEL's Women Support Group Coordinator. Gloria supports refugee and immigrant communities through compassionate care, financial education, and community empowerment.
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Aurelia Mboyo
Aurelia is a community leader, entrepreneur and serves as CAWEL’s Program Coordinator. As the owner of a restaurant and hair salon, she is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the community through leadership, service, and engagement.
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Marie-Thérèse Ngoya
A law graduate, Marie-Thérèse provides legal guidance and supports CAWEL’s mission with a strong commitment to justice, advocacy, and community empowerment.