Ornella Umubyeyi

Class of 2013: Motivational Speaker, Preacher, Lecturer

Education was the pathway to empowerment for Ornella Umubyeyi, and she now uses that empowerment to help others discover purpose, hope, and community.

At Ripon College, she majored in religion with a minor in leadership studies. She was involved as a phonathon caller, WRPN radio show host, member of the martial arts club and Black Student Union, president of the Cultural Diversity Club, and president of Campus Christian Fellowship.

While still a student, she began initiatives supporting vulnerable communities in Rwanda and Burundi, including founding an orphanage/school for girls. She believes deeply in the transformative power of education: “It’s better to give someone an education than money. Then they can create their own opportunities. Ignorance is expensive,” she said.

“My sociology and leadership classes taught me how to approach people and communities with understanding, strategy, and compassion,” Umubyeyi said.” My religion courses expanded my worldview and helped me see the shared values across different faiths. They taught me that religious acceptance — not just tolerance — is essential for harmony.

“Ripon also showed me the importance of diversity and representation. I needed to see it then, and now I strive to offer it to others and the spaces I create. I’m grateful for the education and mentorship I found at Ripon.”

She also holds a Master of Arts in pastoral care and counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral care and counseling from Gardner-Webb University. She currently is studying for a Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Black crisis and black trauma.

Her work has included serving as a hospital, World Relief chaplain, certified life coach, and global speaker. She leads wellness and empowerment retreats and programs for multicultural youth and women, and she continues to write, teach, speak and/or preach across the world.

She is the author of “Life Beyond Sight: Existing, Not Living,” “100 Daily Affirmations: Affirming Words for Christians,” and “The Unreachable Soul: God’s Pursuit of the Avoidant” (2025). She is currently working on a sci-fi novel set to release in 2026.

Among her many honors, she received the Spiritual Leadership Award (2025) from the National Youth Shakers for young achievers in leadership, the Myrtle Saylor Speer
Award (2015) for her contribution to the expansion of the vision of women in ministry, a theological scholarship from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary; and the CYRWA Award (2011) from the first lady of Rwanda for philanthropy work.

Ripon honored her with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2019.

Now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, Umubyeyi serves as director of Children’s and Youth Ministries and director of Technology and Music Ministries at C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church. She also writes and performs poetry.

“I believe my purpose is to help people discover their purpose,” Umubyeyi said. “My work is about bringing awareness to the idea that our lives are meant for more than a paycheck, a title, or individual achievement. We are created for community.

“Motivation and encouragement remind people that they are seen, valued, and capable. When someone believes in you, it can change the trajectory of your life. I know this personally. Encouragement strengthens communities, restores dignity, and helps people reach their potential. It creates a ripple effect — one empowered person can empower many others.”

She added, “Encouragement matters because it builds people up. Your words can become a protective force in someone’s life. People — especially communities — thrive when they are supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. In a time when many are experiencing emotional and mental fatigue, despair and loneliness, hope is needed now more than ever. I want my life to be a source of that hope.”