Science in health, society, and policy, with a minor in entrepreneurship and pre-business. She said that much of her success came from her supportive family, and she now considers the school’s staff and student body part of that as well. The charter school gave her a job, and the staff supported her when she entered a scholarship pageant, along with other things. She was named Miss Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2019 Miss Africa Utah pageant and Miss Juneteenth in 2018. Despite the fortunate opportunity to move to the U.S., many girls in Uganda do not have that same chance. Desange said, “With the increased poverty in Uganda, single parents, especially women, struggle to make ends meet. Women often face more hardship as men abandon their families, leaving them to support themselves and their children with very little.” The girls and women left behind are always in her heart and on her mind, and she wanted to do something to give them the same chance at an incredible life where they can determine their own future. That’s why Desange founded unDEfeated. The foundation supports single mothers and youth in developing entrepreneurial skills so that they can start successful businesses to support their families. Desange believes education is the key to success and works to further educational endeavors for underprivileged youth and support single mothers in operating their businesses. The goal of unDEfeated is to help Uganda move past being a poor country with an emerging economy and significant educational disparity between men and women. Just like Desange had those who believed in and supported her, she wants to support others and let them know someone does value them. To find out more, visit speakundefeated.org. Connect with unDEfeated: @undefeated_ug or @speakundefeated Desange Kuenihira 14
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