Bugondo “Blaise” Ntibonera is an expert in refugee services with eight years of experience, including seven in the United States and one in Uganda. As a refugee himself, Blaise brings a deep understanding of refugee needs to his work. He received the Refugee Arrivals Award (2020) and currently serves as a Supervisor for Refugee Services at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, providing strategic leadership across operations, compliance, partnerships, and quality assurance to ensure refugees achieve safety, stability, and long-term integration. Vice-President of Le Journal Africa, a leading media organization in Burundi amplifying African perspectives, and Co-founder and Secretary of the Board at Tumaini for Refugee Women, a refugee-led nonprofit in Uganda empowering displaced women and girls through education, leadership, and resilience. A 2025–2026 member of the Minnesota International NGO Fellowship and panel member for the Minnesota Refugee Resettlement Program, contributing to equitable and effective refugee policies. A dedicated servant of God and church leader at Golgotha Grace Pentecostal Church in the United States, Blaise is passionate about advocacy, travel, cultural exchange, and amplifying refugee voices to inspire lasting change and community empowerment.