A testament to enduring courage and resilience, The Diversity Trust Builder, Drocella MugoreWera, is #1 International bestselling author, award winning speaker and Founder of the Diversity in Action movement, a global movement that coaches Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who are committed to championing Diversity in Action.
Raised on a farm in Rwanda, Africa, Drocella won a scholarship to study at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences in Kyiv, Ukraine. Already a leader at heart, she returned to Rwanda to work as the country’s Director of Agriculture and went on to hold several high-level government positions, making significant environmental changes, including a land reform system that gave women the right for the first time to inherit land. Becoming a member of Parliament brought new opportunities to promote the causes closest to her heart: human rights, environmental protection, and gender equality, and in time, Drocella started her own business consulting with both non-profits and corporations.
Sadly, this dynamic changemaker’s reputation for forthright, committed leadership eventually posed a threat to her personal safety, forcing her to leave the country without her family or financial resources. Battling the inevitable fear and loneliness, she ultimately resettled in Knoxville, Tennessee, where, relying on her determination and fighting spirit, she resolutely adapted to the unfamiliar surroundings, learning new skills and forging lasting relationships.
The ability to help people like herself recover from displacement trauma and rebuild their lives was a key factor in Drocella accepting her subsequent role as executive director of Bridge Refugee Services. Her dedication garnered her numerous accolades and widespread acclaim, including being recognized as one of Knoxville’s Difference Makers and achieving a finalist’s spot in the YWCA Tribute to Women. Drocella volunteers for different organizations including the Refugee Congress, East Tennessee Foundation and Knoxville Association of Women Executives.
As an international speaker and business coach, Drocella enhances virtual and live events with her personal story of perseverance and bravely optimizing adversity. A formidable role model for the refugees and immigrants she empowers, Drocella herself is representative of the incredible contributions these newcomers bring to our communities.
Now reunited with her beloved family, Drocella continues to thrive, a firm believer that mindset and attitude can create miracles in this joyous, abundant world we’ve been gifted
The only thing keeping you from living that ideal life you’ve imagined is you!
Seeing diversity in action in all sectors of industry including speaking and coaching
Teaching people and reminding them how resilient they are
Talking about how embracing change creates miracles
I also speak about self-worth and the treasures within
Women empowerment and leadership
Refugees and immigrants 'integration
More than 100 miles
I need my expenses covered - travel, hotel, meals, etc.
Overcoming adversity of being a refugee and starting from scratch in a new country/culture without money and a family member or a friend to rely on. I attribute my success to believing in myself, self-determination, personal development and building relationships.
Many people are now dealing with a lot of challenges and can be inspired by my story and the steps I took to overcome fear and thrive in an unfamiliar environment. Even though I was separated from my children for almost 2 years, I remained hopeful. We are stronger than any circumstance we are facing in life.
I came to the USA as a refugee in 2009. Even though, I was a highly educated woman and served as a member of parliament and government in Rwanda, my experience and skills were not transferable. My first job at Goodwill Industries was for $6.55/hour. I was shocked, but also motivated to be my own rescuer. I started to learn about my community, reading books, networking and investing in myself. My defining moment was when I met my mentor Rick Gutman who taught me that attitude and mindset are everything. In 2015 I became the Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services, a resettlement agency that welcomed me in 2009. We made it a vibrant and financially stable organization. In June of 2022, I felt a call to do bigger things and resigned from that position to become an independent consultant, speaker, coach and trainer. I am the founder of Diversity in Action Global Movement. Becoming #1 best-selling author of the book" Leaders With A Heart" is one of my biggest accomplishments I am proud of during my startup phase.