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MEET THE TEAM
Mabel Nagujja
Mabel Nagujja is the visionary founder of Ugandan Link Inc (UG Link), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the bonds within the Ugandan community and empowering individuals to thrive. With a mission to foster unity and belonging, UG Link champions the economic and social well-being of the Ugandan diaspora through readily accessible resources and meaningful engagement. Driven by a passion for community building, Mabel established UG Link with a vision to cultivate a resilient and vibrant community by focusing on six core pillars: business education, culture, health, law, financial literacy, and lifestyle.
Mabel is a seasoned Human Resource Professional with a Masters in Human Resource Management. Mabel specializes in Employee Relations, Recruitment and Talent Management, Organizational Development, and Corporate Training. Mabel has held various leadership roles including Human Resource Generalist, Human Resource Manager, Senior Business Partner and currently an Employee Relations Business Partner in Higher Education.
Mabel’s commitment to service and empowerment has earned her recognition as a leader and advocate for the Ugandan community. Through her tireless dedication and unwavering vision, she continues to inspire positive change and transformation, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. Connect with Mabel and learn more about UG Link’s initiatives to strengthen the Ugandan community and promote prosperity for all.
Lynette Kizito
Lynette serves as the Vice President of the Ugandan Link, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the team. With a background in the legal industry, Lynette is passionate about advancing the organization’s mission to empower the Ugandan community by fostering unity, belonging, and prosperity.
Lynette demonstrates the leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration essential for steering the organization toward its goals. Committed to community impact, she partners closely with the President and board to create initiatives driving meaningful change. Lynette’s expertise and vision significantly enhance the organization’s success and growth, inspiring others to get involved.
Lynette’s desire to assist others motivated her educational pursuits and ultimately directed her toward a legal career with a boutique law firm in Maryland. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Science in intelligence management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Lynette is the second of four children. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1999. For 25 years, she has resided in Silver Spring, Maryland, cultivating deep connections within the local Ugandan community.
Lynette boasts a widely eclectic taste in music, a love for reading, a burgeoning passion for DIY projects such as homemade soaps and candles, and a zest for travel, showcasing a vibrant array of hobbies and interests. However, if asked about her favorite pastime, it undoubtedly involves spending time with her beloved Schnauzer/Lab mix, Raven.
Irene Bwewusa Isaacs
As the Secretary of The Ugandan Link, Irene plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning and organizational efficiency of the nonprofit. Drawing upon her extensive background in healthcare and business ownership, she brings a unique perspective and skill set to her role.
With a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Master's degree in Nursing, Irene possesses a keen understanding of interpersonal dynamics and healthcare principles serving to fortify bonds within the Ugandan community.
Irene is a committed Labor and Delivery Nurse and a licensed esthetician. Her dedication to health and well-being transcends beyond the delivery room as she endeavors to heighten awareness and advocate for wellness within her community.
As the visionary behind Skinfuluxe, a successful skincare business, Irene not only provides skincare solutions but also empowers individuals to embrace self-care as a vital component of overall well-being.
Rooted in her love for family, Irene cherishes her role as the eldest of five children, a nurturing mother, and a dedicated wife. She holds dear the memory of her late mother and deeply values the guidance of her devoted father.
With a blend of cultural pride, academic achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and profound familial love, Irene exemplifies the spirit of service and empowerment. She stands as a beacon of inspiration, bridging worlds and making a tangible difference in the lives of those she touches.
Naomi Obutu Rouse
As treasurer, Naomi is responsible for our organization's financial stability and transparency. She is critical in managing financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and supporting the organization's mission and goals through effective financial leadership and stewardship.
Naomi is a dedicated Senior Internal Revenue Agent with a wealth of experience spanning 18 years with the IRS. In addition to her role with the IRS, She is an NC Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent. Naomi has operated her Mobile Loan Signing Services business, since 2018.
Born in Silver Spring, MD, Naomi is the 2nd of 5 children in the Obutu Family. Currently, she resides in Raleigh, NC. Naomi is also a loving wife and a devoted mother of two beautiful daughters.
As a board member of UG Link, Naomi is looking forward to personal growth, social impact, and community engagement. She is proud to collaborate with others who share her values and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Naomi's passion for supporting others and fostering growth exemplifies her dedication to both her professional field and the well-being of those around her.
With a strong work ethic and a heart for service, Naomi continues to inspire and empower those she encounters, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and compassion in all areas of her life.
Rhoda Wasswas
Rhoda Wasswas, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a dynamic CEO and founder of Manjeri Skincare. With a rich background spanning 20 years in the tech industry, she's an innovative leader known for her ability to build and scale global teams. Rhoda's entrepreneurial journey showcases her talent for rapidly scaling businesses, evident in Manjeri Skincare's impressive achievement of yielding $100K in revenue within its first year in operation.
As a bestselling author, she's recognized for her insightful publications, which bridge the realms of technology and beauty. She serves as the head of the Education pillar for the Ugandan Link nonprofit organization, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission and vision for the community.
Rhoda champions economic and social well-being through readily accessible resources and meaningful engagement centered around core pillars of community.
Rhoda's values of cultural preservation, advocacy, philanthropy, health and financial literacy, community empowerment, and diversity and inclusion perfectly complement Ugandan Link's ethos, making her an invaluable asset to the organization's endeavors.
Samantha Magoba
Samantha Magoba assumes the role of Committee Chair, providing leadership and guidance to the Board and Pillar Leads. Tasked with overseeing project planning and execution, Samantha sets goals, develops strategies, and coordinates activities to achieve organizational objectives. Acting as a liaison between Board members and external stakeholders, she ensures transparency and effective communication, crucial for organizational success.
As the lead of the Lifestyle Pillar, Samantha is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community centered on well-being, quality of life, and social connection. Through organizing engaging events, promoting sustainable living, and providing accessible resources, she aims to inspire active participation, cultivate relationships, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lifestyles. By championing volunteerism and community service, Samantha envisions a thriving and inclusive community where everyone can flourish.
Joining The Ugandan Link aligns with Samantha's belief in empowering communities and making a positive impact. Her passion for curating experiences and fostering connections drives her role on the board and as the head of the Lifestyle Pillar, where she leverages her experience in event curation and community engagement to enhance member well-being and quality of life. Committed to fostering inclusivity and belonging, Samantha strives to create a vibrant and inclusive community that her two daughters can be proud of.
Samantha's experience spans from working with underserved communities to collaborating with the esteemed royalty of the Buganda Kingdom. This diverse background enriches her understanding of community dynamics and cultural nuances, guiding her holistic approach to her roles.
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Samantha pursued a major in criminal justice at Trinity University and St. John's University in New York. However, her true passion for communications and community engagement led her to create her own media platform, LIT Beyond DMV, and assume roles with nationally recognized media outlets, including her current position at Audacy, specifically WPGC 95.5.
Additionally, Samantha serves as an Event Manager at esteemed venues such as THEARC Theater. Drawing from her ingrained passion for curating experiences and hosting diverse events, Samantha has become known as a go-to figure in the community for enjoyment.
Winnie Nwanety
With a personal mission to help others improve their quality of life, Winnie leads The Ugandan Link's Health Pillar and serves as Commissioner. Winnie brings over 18 years of experience to her role, in addition to a Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice and Policy, a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health, and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Global Health.
Winnie's leadership spans across the healthcare industry, where she has led teams and initiatives to address health related challenges for national and global organizations. Her extensive experience includes roles as Consultant, Project Manager, Nutritionist, and Clinical Staff in physician practices.
Deeply committed to the Ugandan community, Winnie champions their economic and social well-being through accessible resources and engagement. She is dedicated to fostering unity and belonging while empowering individuals to lead prosperous lives.
Originally from Washington D.C., Winnie was raised in Silver Spring, MD. She currently resides in the DMV area with her husband and three amazing children.