OUR TEAM
Julie Ghrist
Director, Art of Conservation, (2006-to present)
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Julie is a life-long lover of art, animals, and nature. After finishing her undergraduate studies at Drake University, Julie pursued a career in art. While working in New York City, she illustrated the children's book series, Taelly's Counting Adventures, managed Gabrielle Sanchez Studio, and designed for Sleeping Partners, Inc. From there, she opened Julie Ghrist Studio. Throughout this time, Julie volunteered with different conservation organizations. In 2005 she decided to move to Africa to work in conservation full-time. Initially, she volunteered in Kenya for Earthwatch Institute, in Cameroon for the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund, in Zambia for Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, and in Rwanda for the International Gorilla Conservation Programme. In 2006, she decided to start her own organization in Rwanda that combined her passions - art and conservation - and so Art of Conservation was born.

Valerie AKUREDUSENGE
Executive Assistant, Part-time Teacher and Translator
(2006-to present)
Valerie grew up in the Gakenke District in the Northern Province of Rwanda. She finished her university-level training at the Institut d'Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri in the Department of Translation and Interpreting. She completed a two-month internship with the Rwandan Parliament, translating and interpreting speeches and government documents, and also conducted an independent study about the importance of proper training for guides who work in community-based tourism. Before coming to AoC, she worked as a translator and guide for Amahoro Tours, a community-based tourism company based in Musanze. Valerie assists Julie with administrative tasks and occasionally teaches and translates classroom lessons.

Eric MUTABAZI
Art Instructor (2006-to present)
Eric grew up in Musanze District, Northern Province, Rwanda. He attended secondary school at the School of Art Nyundo in Gisenyi, Rwanda, and has worked mostly as a graphic artist producing logos and signage for a variety of clients. He is one of the few well established, working artists in Rwanda. Eric enjoys working with all types of media, especially acrylics. He is well known for the papier mache animal masks he creates, particularly his mountain gorilla masks. He presently is AoC's head art instructor, leading students in lessons about drawing, painting, color theory, and other art topics.

Innocent UWIZEYE
Teacher and Translator (2009 to present)
Originally from Kabujenje in Rwanda's Western Province, Innocent attended the Institut d'Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri along with Valerie, also studying translation and interpreting. During his studies he completed an internship in the Translation Unit of the Prime Minister's Office. After receiving his degree Innocent worked as an English teacher at College Saint Wenceslas in Rubavu District. He joined the AoC team in May 2009 and since become a valuable member of the organization, translating and teaching in the classroom and assisting with AoC's daily administration.

Olivier Habimana
Staff Manager, Teacher and Translator (2010 to present)Olivier was born in Nyabihu District in the Western Province of Rwanda. He completed his university studies at the National University of Rwanda where he served as the student representative for the National University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. After graduating in 2008, he worked as a secondary school teacher and assisted in a nationwide effort to train primary and secondary school teachers in English Language Studies. He joined the AoC team in early 2010 and is now serving as AoC's staff manager and a teacher and translator in class.

Fahad NDANGIZA
Assistant Art Instructor (2007 - present)
Fahad grew up in Kisoro District in western Uganda but considers Rwanda his home country. After completing secondary school, Fahad attended Kakungulu Memorial School in Kampala, Uganda, for two years of advanced-level arts courses. He is presently enrolled in a three-year bachelor's degree program in art and industrial design at Kyamgobo University of Kampala. During his university breaks, Fahad comes to Musanze to work with AoC, primarily assisting Eric in teaching. AoC students and staff alike appreciate Fahad's enthusiasm for teaching and his skills as an artist.

AoC US Board
Julie Ghrist
Tracy Levine
Cheryl Stockton
Virginia Croskery
Mary Ghrist James
Quelly Turney
Mary Burns - advisory committee member

AoC Rwandan Steering Committee
Gabriel Ntirenganya
Donat Sebashyitsi
Emma-Marie Uhoracyeye