Joanna Nsenga (‘17)
"My time at CBU is foundational to everything I do today. The program gave me both the technical discipline and the deep sense of purpose that guide my work."
Quick Facts
Program: Architecture, BA
Graduation Year: 2017
Hometown: Rwanda
Achievements
Since graduating from CBU, I've built a career centered on humanitarian architecture, sustainable development and elevating design in underserved communities. I've had the opportunity to work across East Africa, the U.S. and Southeast Asia, leading projects that range from community centers and schools to medical facilities and resilience hubs. Today, I serve as the Head of the JI Africa Office and Senior Project Manager for Journeyman International (JI), where I guide multidisciplinary teams through the design of social-impact projects across Africa and support our JI Asia location. I also represent Rwanda through several professional bodies, including my service as the RIA Representative on the East African Institute of Architects Board of Practice & Ethics, and my recent appointment to the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanization Steering Committee.
The Impact
My time at CBU is foundational to everything I do today. The program gave me both the technical discipline and the deep sense of purpose that guide my work. CBU's focus on service, global responsibility and design rooted in empathy shaped the lens through which I approach every project - not just as buildings, but as tools for healing, dignity and long term impact.
What is a fond memory that you have of your time at CBU?
One of the most valuable lessons I carried from my time at CBU, and one I now share often with the aspiring architecture students we mentor at JI, came from a professor who encouraged us not to limit ourselves after graduation. She reminded us to explore widely: try small, medium and large firms; immerse yourself in different environments; absorb everything; and allow those experiences to reveal your strengths and your niche. Following that advice shape my entire trajectory. By exposing myself to diverse scales, cultures and practice models, I discovered not only what worked for me, but where my heart truly lies in this profession.