Meet our dedicated team working to end rape in war

The Panzi team is made up of 750+ Congolese doctors, nurses, psychologists, lawyers, and management professionals who are dedicated to the holistic care of survivors of sexual violence in DRC and around the world.

OUR FOUNDER AND LEADERSHIP

Dr. Denis Mukwege

Dr. Denis Mukwege is the Founder of Panzi Hospital and Foundation. For over 20 years, he has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and against sexual and gender-based violence. He has spoken in front of the United Nations, the European Parliament, the G7 Gender Equality Council, and around the world. In 2018, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end rape as a weapon of war.

Christine Schuler DESCHRYVER

Christine Schuler Deschryver is the Vice President of Panzi Foundation, and one of the organization’s most influential and inspiring leaders. In addition to her management responsibilities at Panzi, she is also the Co-Founder and Director of City of Joy, a transformational leadership community for women survivors of violence in Bukavu. You can learn more about “Mama Christine” and her inspiring work in the Netflix documentary City of Joy.

VANESSA GOSCINNY

Vanessa joined Panzi Foundation as the Executive Secretary in 2023. At Panzi, Vanessa is responsible for the implementation of our holistic healing model both in the DRC and abroad and manages a team of over 300 professionals. She has more than twenty years of experience in project management, international tender procedures, sustainable organizational development.

Dr. Neema Rukunghu, Medical Doctor & Holistic Care Expert, SVS Unit

Crispin Kashale, DRC Communications

Bertin Rutega,
Director of Programs

Nicole Bautumike, Project Manager, Jewelry Project

Ghislain Barholere, Assistant, Cabinet

Yves Shangalume, Director of Finance and Administration

Emily Warne, Executive Director, US Office

Hilaire Mirango, Coordinator, Maison Dorcas

Lubula Igomokelo, Assistant,
Cabinet 

Etienne Chikuru, Deputy Director of Programs

Marissa Pledger,
Deputy Director, US Office

Vital Barholere, Chief of Staff,
Cabinet

Robert Nyangala, Assistant,
Cabinet

Our Board

Dr. Denis Mukwege
President & Founder

Christine Schuler Deschryver
Vice President

Dr. Christine Amisi
DRC Board Member

Maître Thérèse Kulungu
DRC Board Member

Fred Kramer
US Board Treasurer

Stephanie March
US Board Director

Herman Mukwege
DRC Board Member

Dr. Reine Muluzinyere
DRC Board Member

Dr. Neema Rukunghu
Vice President

Ed Sullivan
US Board Chair