Meet Grace Twesigye! (she/her)

Location: Brooklyn, NY

• How long have you been a part of TCC? How did you get connected?
  I’ve been a part of TCC since January 2021. The story of how I got connected is quite lovely, actually. Once upon a time, way back when, I was a senior at Kenyon College and did interviews for the Office of Admissions. I met a wonderful person with whom I stayed connected, who, 15 or so years later, connected me with Nani Gishwanath, one of TCC’s early members since he knew we’d hit it off. Before connecting with Nani, I looked her up on LinkedIn and did some research on TCC because I found the company’s framework and vision so compelling. Nani introduced me to Daniel Oppong, TCC’s founder, and the rest is history!

 

• Share your why.  Why is DEI important to you?
  Whew! I could write a book, but let me try to keep it (relatively) short by saying this: DEI is important to me because it speaks to my identity and experiences as a Black woman in the United States, a Ugandan-American with a bicultural identity, child of political refugees, mother, and advocate for positive change. It is a value that I hold dear and drives me to work towards creating a more just, equitable, and loving world.

 

• Share one identity that is important to you right now
  
  • Mama.

 

• What superlative would you win?
  • Most likely to make a new best friend in line at the bodega. 

 

• Best trip you’ve taken?
  • I visited Uganda for the first time as a teenager, along with my three sisters and mom. That six-week trip was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my life, shaping who I am today. Amidst laughter, love, and introspection, I discovered new perspectives and insights that have stayed with me ever since.

 

• What’s a quote or mantra that you live by?
  • Rest is resistance (see Tricia Hersey, the Nap Minister)

 

• What are you currently reading?
  • The Memory Librarian (Janelle Monae), Caste (Isabel Wilkerson) & Book of Delights (Ross Gay)

 

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Stay tuned for more opportunities to get to know the entire Courage Collective team!