Small Town News

Rwandan women visit Sedona to learn about area business

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Two come to study how small businesses work in United States

Two women from the other side the world visited the Verde Valley recently to receive hands-on knowledge from two local businesswomen.

Honorine Mugorewase and Chantal Zirimwabagabo arrived in the Sedona and Verde Valley area June 12 as part of the international program Peace through Business through the nonprofit Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women based in Oklahoma. Mugorewase owns a 12-unit apartment, and Zirimwabagabo owns a restaurant. Both businesses are in Kigali, the capitol of Rwanda, in central Africa.

After taking two months of classes in Rwanda and classes at Northwood University in Dallas, learning about American business practices and leadership training, Sedona resident and business owner Mary Schnack arranged for Mugorewase and Zirimwabagabo to spend one week living and working with mentors Bobbie Surber, from Sedona, and Nanci Burnett, of Clarkdale, who own similar businesses.

Schnack has worked with the Peace through Business program for two years and did some marketing training for the women in Dallas.

"The program is very helpful. We learned marketing and finance in our own country, and here we are doing practical training with our mentors, " Mugorewase said. "To me it is about marketing and customer service. I have learned so much from Nanci that will help me in my business."

Zirimwabagabo heard about the program through a friend who came to the United States last year and forwarded her the e-mail about this year's program.

"I've learned to do something you love, have passion for what you do, and do it well. I have a lot of knowledge to tell other women in Rwanda, " Zirimwabagabo said. "I will 'pay it forward.'"

Schnack took Mugorewase and Zirimwabagabo to Taste of Sedona, and Zirimwabagabo said she is going to see about creating a Taste of Kigali. Another find she may incorporate into her restaurant's menu -- tacos.

"Tacos are delicious. I like them, " Zirimwabagabo said and grinned. "Another thing we're taking home is the spirit of mentorship."

During their stay with mentors food was an adventure for both women. Burnett said when Mugorewase tried blueberry French toast she found it had the same ingredients she'd have at home but in a different form.

"We, our family, has enjoyed having Honorine live with us. We've learned a lot about Rwanda, and I've gained a new friend, " Burnett said. "Our blessings have been increased."

Surber said she has gotten a lot out of the process that will enhance her life.

"It is enriching to have another woman business owner from across the world and to share our similarities. This has been an exciting experience for our whole family, " Surber said. "It was fantastic to work with Chantal and get to know her. She's given me many tips."

Mugorewase and Zirimwabagabo said they feel fortunate to be in the program. The original group in Rwanda consisted of 100 women, which were narrowed down to 30, then 15 were chosen to come to the United States.

Peace through Business, implemented in the spring of 2007, is based on the idea that women are the emerging leaders in the business world and the key to bolstering the future global economy. The program's mission is to empower women around the globe economically, socially and politically to create a more peaceful world.

The women involved in Peace through Business train women entrepreneurs and business owners from Rwanda and Afghanistan in business and leadership both in their own country and in the United States. In turn, the women take what they learned and pass their knowledge along to other women entrepreneurs in their country.

Since the program's creation, more than 100 women have been directly educated and trained. Those 100 women will reach many more women by paying forward the knowledge they received.

Mugorewase, and Zirimwabagabo are both married and each has three children. Their husbands have careers of their own and are very supportive of their wives.

"As long as you talk about it first and not surprise them, " Zirimwabagabo said, which elicited laughs from the other women in the room.

Not only did Mugorewase and Zirimwabagabo work with Surber and Burnett while they visited, they also met other business owners in Sedona, took a ride on the RoadRunner, toured by Jeep, visited the Airport vortex and traveled to the Grand Canyon.

"I love the spirit around here, and the shopping. Everybody knew Bobbie, " Zirimwabagabo said and looked at Surber.

"That's life in a small town, " Schnack said.

Lu Stitt can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122, or e-mail lu@larsonnewspapers.com



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© 2011 Sedona Red Rock News Sedona, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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