about hope springs afrca
Developing leaders.
Expanding opportunity.
Strengthening communities.
Hope Springs Africa is a faith-based nonprofit developing emerging leaders across Rwanda through education, leadership development, mentorship, and community-based initiatives.
We believe lasting transformation begins with people—local leaders who are equipped, trusted, and empowered to create pathways to opportunity where they live.
our story
One yes became something so much bigger.
Hope Springs Africa began long before there was a Rwandan leadership team or a portfolio of community programs.
It began with a relationship.
Founder Rhonda G. Mincey and her husband, Doug, traveled to Rwanda and met families living without access to basic necessities—education, adequate bedding, health coverage, clean water, and menstrual health support.
They could have returned home, moved by what they had seen. Instead, they felt called to respond.
The first steps were small: school uniforms. Mattresses. Health insurance. Practical needs met for individual families.
But those early acts of compassion began teaching us something that would eventually shape the entire philosophy of Hope Springs Africa:
Meeting a need can change a moment. Developing people can help change what comes next.
Doug and Rhonda Mincey, Rwanda, Africa, 2022
Doug and Rhonda Mincey, Rwanda, Africa, 2026
What began as helping individual families grew into relationships with local leaders, young adults, churches, schools, and communities.
We listened. We learned. We walked.
Sometimes literally—miles through rural communities to teach entrepreneurship, pray with families, and better understand the lives of the people we had come to know.
And year after year, the vision became clearer.
The greatest resource in a community isn't something we bring from America.
It's the people already there.
Today, Hope Springs Africa develops emerging leaders in Rwanda's villages and cities, creating pathways to education, meaningful work, entrepreneurship, service, and leadership.
Our methods have grown.
Our team has grown.
Our understanding has grown.
But the heart remains the same:
See people. Believe in their potential. Walk alongside them. And create room for them to lead.
tHE STORY THAT SPARKED IT ALL
Her name is Sifa.
Some stories change the direction of a mission.
This is one of ours.
When we first met Sifa, she was a young girl living with her family in rural Rwanda. She and her siblings were out of school, sleeping without adequate bedding, and living without many of the basic resources most of us rarely have to consider.
Our meeting became more than an opportunity to help.
It became a relationship.
Supporting Sifa and her family was among the earliest expressions of what would eventually become Hope Springs Africa. But as the years passed, something even more important happened.
We watched her grow.
The little girl we first encountered was never simply someone in need.
She had potential.
She had gifts.
She had a future.
And her journey helped teach us one of HSA's most important lessons:
People are more than the circumstances in which we met them.
That's why dignity matters.
That's why opportunity matters.
And that's why today we don't simply ask, "What does this person need?"
We also ask:
"Who can this person become?"
Sifa's story continues.
So does ours.
who we are
Hope Springs Africa is a faith-based nonprofit developing emerging leaders who create pathways to opportunity and strengthen communities across Rwanda.
We believe lasting change begins with people—people who are equipped, trusted, and given room to lead.
OUR MISSION
Hope Springs Africa develops emerging leaders who create pathways to opportunity and strengthen communities across Rwanda through dignity, partnership, and practical development.
OUR VISION
We envision a Rwanda where equipped local leaders create thriving communities, expand opportunity, and inspire future generations to lead with dignity and purpose.
Our heartbeat
We believe people are more than their circumstances.
We believe local leaders should help shape and carry the work in their own communities.
That opportunity can change the trajectory of someone's life when paired with responsibility, dignity, and support.
And we believe hope becomes sustainable when people are equipped to carry it forward.
from compassion to development
What we learned along the way.
Our earliest work often began with immediate needs.
Those needs still matter.
A child needs a uniform today.
A family may need health insurance now.
A woman deserves access to menstrual health supplies.
A student may need help remaining in school.
Compassion responds.
But experience has taught us to ask another question:
What creates lasting change after the immediate need has been met?
Again and again, the answer has been people.
Local leaders. Teachers. Mentors. Young professionals. Entrepreneurs. Community advocates.
People who know their communities and are prepared to help others move forward.
That realization has shaped who Hope Springs Africa is today:
A leadership development organization expressed through community development.
We still respond to immediate needs.
But increasingly, we invest in the people who will be there long after a project ends.
Because hope isn't sustainable when it depends on us.
Hope becomes sustainable when local leaders carry it forward.
our faith
Faith is where our service begins.
Hope Springs Africa was born of obedience and remains guided by Christian faith.
We believe God created every person with inherent dignity, value, and purpose.
Our faith calls us to love our neighbors, steward resources responsibly, pursue excellence, develop people, and serve with humility.
It also reminds us that we are not the answer.
We are called to show up faithfully, walk alongside others, and use what
we've been entrusted with well.
Our programs welcome people from all backgrounds, and
every person we encounter deserves dignity, respect, and love.
our values
Faith
We seek God's direction and allow our faith to shape how we lead, serve, and steward what has been entrusted to us.
Dignity
We see people for their potential, not simply their circumstances. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and treated with respect.
Leadership
We develop leaders who serve with character, courage, responsibility, and a commitment to helping others grow.
Love
We believe leadership is relational. We lead with compassion, truth, encouragement, accountability, and genuine care for people.
Stewardship
We handle relationships, opportunities, resources, and responsibility with care—always considering what will create sustainable impact beyond today.
Partnership
We don't believe in doing for people what we can build with them. We listen, learn, collaborate, and value local leadership.
Excellence
Good intentions are not enough. We pursue professionalism, accountability, continual learning, and quality in the way we serve.
Opportunity
We help create pathways for people to learn, lead, work, earn, serve, and use their gifts to strengthen the communities around them.
meet our team
Local leadership. Shared vision.
People in Rwanda and the United States carry forward Hope Springs Africa's
commitment to developing leaders and strengthening communities.
Our Rwanda team brings local knowledge, relationships, professional skills, and leadership to the work every day.
Our U.S. team helps provide strategy, partnerships, resources, training, and global connections.
We don't believe one side leads while the other follows.
We lead together.
Rhonda G. Mincey M. Ed.
Chief Executive Officer
Rhonda is a visionary servant leader, author, speaker, global missionary, and award-winning mentor with more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and women’s empowerment. Through Hope Springs Africa and Prosper on Purpose, Rhonda helps individuals and communities grow through education, opportunity, faith, and service. Her leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful relationships, leading with purpose, and helping others rise. Driven by compassion and a heart for impact, Rhonda is passionate about creating lasting change—one life, one village, and one opportunity at a time. Read more.
Doug Mincey
Operations Director
Doug brings decades of leadership experience from both the military and corporate sectors. He oversees planning, systems, logistics, and organizational structure to help ensure the work is carried out with excellence and integrity. Known for his steady leadership and practical wisdom, Doug helps create the structure and accountability needed for sustainable growth while keeping the people we serve at the center of the mission. He is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships, developing leaders, and helping create opportunities that lead to long-term impact.
LeElla Cross
Cultural & Community Ambassador
LeElla helps people feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the heart of the mission through encouragement, relationship-building, and genuine care for others. A strong supporter and advocate for the work, LeElla enjoys sharing the mission with others because she truly believes in the impact being made in Rwanda. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with people help bring the work to life in meaningful and personal ways. She has a heart for serving others and helping people feel seen, appreciated, and included. Through her support and encouragement, she helps strengthen the sense of community that is central to Hope Springs Africa’s mission.
Cynthia Keza
Rwanda Operations Manager
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, Cynthia oversees programs and operations in Rwanda, ensuring activities are carried out with structure, clarity, and excellence through strong planning, clear communication, and consistent follow-through. Working with local partners, community members, visiting teams, and international contacts, Cynthia also supports partnership development and outreach efforts that connect churches, organizations, and groups abroad to mission and cultural experiences in Rwanda. Driven by her faith, Cynthia is passionate about bringing hope to those often overlooked.
Enock Junior
Rwanda Communities Director
Based in Kigali, Enock helps connect the different parts of HSA’s work across Rwanda. He moves easily between the city and village, coordinating logistics, keeping communication moving, and helping people stay connected to what needs to happen next. His responsibilities range from overseeing the Ibyiringiro Scholars Fund at the University of Kigali to supporting meetings, programs, and relationships in rural communities. As the Pastor of Life Camp, Enock brings a servant’s heart to the way he leads and cares for people. His ability to connect with others is one of his greatest gifts.
Gilbert Niyotwizera
Rwanda Renewal Hub™ Manager
Based in Muhunga, Rwanda, Gilbert helps coordinate programs that create opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement. He oversees digital skills training, nutrition programs, English-language classes, and youth development initiatives. With a heart for service and a strong connection to the local community, Gilbert helps ensure programs are organized, effective, and responsive to community needs. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to creating opportunity continue to support Hope Springs Africa's mission and long-term vision in Rwanda.
board of directors
Stewarding the mission for generations to come.
Hope Springs Africa is guided by a Board of Directors committed to protecting its mission, strengthening governance, expanding organizational capacity, and preparing HSA for sustainable leadership beyond its founders.
Our board brings together people who believe deeply in the mission and are prepared to steward its future with wisdom, accountability, faith, and care.
advisors
Guiding voices. Global perspectives.
Our Advisors consist of seasoned professionals, faith leaders, and changemakers who provide spiritual covering, specialized insight, and encouragement as we expand HSA’s reach and deepen our impact.
Kaleigh
Creative Impact Advisor
Kayleigh is a bright and compassionate advocate for change. Her volunteer work with Great Youth Inc. showcased her creativity and heart as she helped create and distribute notes to citizens with enthusiasm and care. Kayleigh is also well-versed in global issues, particularly in Africa, and is driven to raise awareness about these causes. Her innovation, research, and communication strengths make her an invaluable asset to Hope Springs Africa, as she brings a fresh yet informed perspective to projects and contributes meaningfully to the organization's mission.
GiGi Brown
Senior Justice and Advocacy Advisor
Gigi Brown brings over two decades of investigative expertise to Hope Springs Africa’s advisory board. Her career spans roles with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI, where she specialized in prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault offenders, as well as handling national security and crisis negotiation. Currently, she assists with high-profile class action lawsuits on behalf of abused minors. With a passion for justice and advocacy, Gigi is committed to leveraging her experience to support Hope Springs Africa’s mission of protecting vulnerable populations and driving positive, lasting change.
Inshuti Divine
Discipleship and Ministry Advisor
Inshuti Divine is a a Rwandan advisor to Hope Springs Africa, blending her passion for ministry with seven years of experience in sustainable tourism. As a Sustainable and Responsible Travel Coordinator at Kingfisher Journeys, her dedication to ethical travel aligns with Hope Springs Africa’s mission to protect communities. Inshuti’s faith began in high school, where she embraced Jesus and later served as a pastor. Now focused on discipleship and Gospel ministry, she inspires others. With a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Inshuti brings a heart for adventure, community, and positive impact to her role.