Our Team
Joy N. Mukama - Founder & PR Director
Joy is the Founder and Public Relations Director of the UFHC Foundation, where she leads strategic communication and partnership-building initiatives to drive the foundation’s mission. With relevant experience in international development, she has worked with UNDP and UNICEF in Africa, focusing on HR and administrative roles, and served as Partner Relations Officer at an international NGO in Canada “Global Disciples Canada” strengthening global partnerships and donor networks.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Administration & Business, Joy is currently enrolled in the MBA in Nonprofit Organization Management at Trinity Western University Canada. Her expertise spans human resources, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development, contributing significantly to the foundation's growth and impact.
Outside of her professional work, Joy is passionate about mentoring emerging young minds to help them become the best versions of themselves, while staying engaged with global development trends to maximize her impact within the community she leads.
She is also happily married with three beautiful children, and finds joy in balancing family life with her commitment to social change.
Hypax Ndayizeye - Board President & Co-Founder
As a board member and the President of the United Family Haven Centre Foundation, I am deeply committed to making a lasting impact within our community. Having lived in Canada for over a decade, I have personally experienced the challenges that many immigrants face, especially when it comes to raising children who stay connected to their cultural roots. The demands of daily life often make it difficult for parents to pass down their traditions, leading many children to lose touch with their heritage.
Having held this vision for a long time, I was fortunate to meet a group of like-minded individuals who share the same passion and commitment. Together, we established the United Family Haven Centre Foundation, with a mission to support and empower the East African community—particularly those who speak Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili—while also extending a helping hand to other minority groups facing similar struggles. Through our initiatives, we aim to preserve cultural identity, provide essential support, and foster a strong sense of belonging across generations.
Beyond my passion for community work, I bring nearly 15 years of experience as a healthcare professional. This background has given me a deep understanding of human nature, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion. It has also shaped my perspective on life, teaching me humility, gratitude, and the value of treating every individual with dignity and kindness. Additionally, my experience in the healthcare field has strengthened my organizational skills and ability to work with people from all walks of life—qualities that directly benefit my commitment to serving the community.
By combining my personal experiences, professional expertise, and unwavering dedication, I strive to create a supportive environment where individuals and families can thrive, feel empowered, and remain connected to their cultural heritage.
Alexandre Mukama - Board Vice President
Alexandre is a passionate and compassionate leader with over 10 years of experience in community development and social services. He is deeply committed to improving the lives of families in need and has dedicated his career to poverty alleviation and family empowerment.
As a key member of UFHC, Alexandre brings a wealth of expertise and a genuine dedication to driving meaningful, lasting change. Throughout his career, Alexandre has demonstrated a strong belief in the power of community collaboration. He has worked alongside organizations such as Misteph, Women Foundation Ministries and local churches, working toward shared goals of social impact and support.
Alexandre is unwavering in his commitment to transparency, ensuring the foundation’s mission is carried out effectively and that its efforts lead to tangible outcomes for the families served. Outside of his professional life, Alexandre is an outspoken advocate for equity and sustainable development.
He firmly believes in the power of giving back to the community to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all. His philosophy is simple: Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment where every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Elodie Kabagema - Co-Founder, Board Member & Treasurer
Elodie brings a passion for serving the community and making a positive impact in people’s lives. Her many years of experience in healthcare and hospitality have equipped her with leadership and organizational skills, which, along with her compassion for people, make her a key contributor to accomplishing United Family Haven Center’s mission.
She is passionate about helping with the integration of immigrant youth and families by promoting and organizing various community-driven events, such as summer camps and many others.
Elodie looks forward to executing the vision set forth by UFHC and establishing it as a pillar for the East African community.
Dorine Kanteyineza - Co-Founder & Board Secretary
As a board member and secretary of the United Family Haven Centre Foundation, I bring firsthand experience of the challenges immigrants face. I moved to Belgium at 15 and, ten years ago, joined my husband in Canada, where I encountered similar hurdles. These experiences have fueled my passion for working with children, both professionally and within this foundation.
My love for children goes far beyond simply working with them—it is rooted in a deep understanding of how early experiences shape a person’s entire life. I firmly believe that when a child’s fundamental needs for identity, belonging, and self-worth are not met, the effects can last a lifetime. That is why I dedicate myself to ensuring that the children in our community grow up knowing who they are, feeling a strong sense of belonging, and developing the confidence to thrive.
Through my work with the United Family Haven Centre Foundation, I strive to create a supportive environment where children feel valued, empowered, and connected to their cultural roots. By nurturing their self-esteem and reinforcing their identity, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient generation.
Bruno Kabagema - Board Member & Advisor
Bruno brings a breadth of knowledge and experience in organizational management and Entrepreneurship. Since moving to Canada, he has volunteered for various organizations such as Power to Change and local churches, which deepened his desire to give back to the community and make a difference.
Bruno is passionate about reaching families, youth, and bridging the gap between younger and older generations, through activities such as sports, social gatherings and business workshops.