The Leadership Dance: Ep. 22 – "A Refugee Can Be Anything" with Chantal Zuzi
In the twenty-second episode of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch engages in a deeply moving and inspiring conversation with Chantal Zuzi, a remarkable young leader whose journey from tragedy to triumph exemplifies resilience and the power of advocacy. This episode delves into Chantal’s experiences as a refugee, her struggles with albinism, and her unwavering commitment to empowering other refugee girls through her organization, Refugee Can Be.
Introduction
Alissa Hsu Lynch sets the stage by introducing Chantal Zuzi, highlighting her early life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the loss of her parents in a village massacre, and her subsequent role as the primary caregiver for her siblings in a refugee settlement in Uganda. Chantal's remarkable academic achievements, culminating in her graduation from Wellesley College, and her advocacy work for refugees and individuals with albinism are also emphasized.
Notable Introduction Quote:
“Chantal is a powerful speaker whose work has been featured by organizations including the Memorial Foundation for the Blind, Amnesty International, and Harper's Bazaar.” – [02:24] Alissa
Early Life and Upbringing in the DRC
Chantal recounts her childhood in a large household with ten siblings, emphasizing the responsibilities she observed her mother shouldering. Despite the cultural norms that often curtailed girls' education in her village, Chantal’s parents prioritized her schooling, instilling in her a profound appreciation for education.
Key Points:
- Born with albinism, which subjected her to discrimination and danger.
- Describes her desire to emulate her father and appreciation for her mother’s efforts.
- Acknowledges the privilege of receiving an education in a setting where many girls were married off at puberty.
Notable Quote:
“I wanted to be more like my dad... I quickly understood how privileged I was to be able to attend school.” – [03:27] Chantal
Challenges of Albinism
Chantal delves into the severe challenges she faced due to her albinism, including societal fears and misconceptions that led to threats against her life. She discusses the physical and social hurdles, such as limited vision and exclusion from peers, which significantly impacted her self-esteem and daily life.
Key Points:
- Albinism made her a target for violence and superstition.
- Faced discrimination in school due to her appearance and disabilities.
- Relied heavily on her siblings for support and companionship.
Notable Quote:
“When I was born, people wanted to kill me because of my skin color. They believed that I was a curse...” – [06:11] Chantal
The Massacre and Becoming a Refugee
At the age of thirteen, Chantal endured the horrific massacre that claimed her parents' lives, forcing her and her siblings to flee to a refugee settlement in Uganda. This abrupt transition thrust her into the role of caregiver, responsible for the well-being of her younger siblings under dire circumstances.
Key Points:
- The massacre occurred on her birthday, marking a day of profound loss and change.
- Transitioned from a secure home to a refugee camp fraught with scarcity and insecurity.
- Developed a strong sense of responsibility and resilience amid extreme adversity.
Notable Quote:
“In the morning, everything just changed. We lost our home, we lost our parents, we lost our village.” – [09:00] Chantal
Life in the Refugee Camp
Life in the Ugandan refugee camp was harsh, with limited access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare. Chantal describes her efforts to keep her siblings safe and fed, using storytelling as a means to comfort them during times of scarcity and uncertainty.
Key Points:
- Managed limited resources, often ensuring only one meal a day.
- Advocated for the rights of individuals with albinism and women in the camp.
- Maintained hope and resilience through daydreaming about a better future and supporting others.
Notable Quote:
“What kept me going was the hopes and dreams I had for myself and for so many other people within the camp.” – [14:38] Chantal
Journey to the United States
Chantal’s advocacy in the refugee camp eventually put her at risk, compelling her to relocate to Kenya for safety. Her journey to the United States involved a lengthy resettlement process, culminating in her being reunited with her siblings a year after arriving in the U.S.
Key Points:
- Faced significant challenges during the resettlement process, which took five years.
- Albinism was a key factor in her eligibility for resettlement, highlighting the intersection of personal identity and broader geopolitical issues.
- Reunited with her nine siblings in Worcester, Massachusetts, overcoming the emotional strain of leaving them behind initially.
Notable Quote:
“It was dangerous to live with albinism in the Congo and some parts of Africa... So I was given resettlement because of my albinism.” – [25:07] Chantal
Establishment of Refugee Can Be
Inspired by her own experiences and the support she received, Chantal founded Refugee Can Be to empower refugee girls through education and support. The organization aims to provide tools and opportunities for young refugees to achieve their dreams, reflecting Chantal’s belief in the potential of every refugee.
Key Points:
- Mission to empower refugee girls with education and wraparound support.
- Focuses on creating safe environments and providing access to secondary education for girls in refugee camps.
- Encourages community support and involvement through donations, volunteering, and joining the board of directors.
Notable Quote:
“Refugee Can Be is both a declaration and an aspiration that a refugee can be anything that she dreams to be.” – [25:28] Chantal
Graduation and Future Plans
Chantal celebrates her graduation from Wellesley College, underscoring the significance of this achievement as a fulfillment of her mother’s hopes and dreams. She discusses her decision to lead Refugee Can Be as an executive director, with plans to continue her advocacy work, pursue graduate studies, and write a book to further amplify refugee stories.
Key Points:
- Graduated with honors on a full scholarship, symbolizing her hard-earned success.
- Committed to dedicating her career to Refugee Can Be and supporting young refugee girls.
- Envisions expanding her impact through education, writing, and continued advocacy.
Notable Quote:
“I graduated Wellesley College with zero loan, with a full ride... Now I'm looking at what's next... stepping into the executive director position with Refugee Can Be.” – [31:42] Chantal
Advice and Reflections on Life and Leadership
Drawing from her extensive life experiences, Chantal offers profound advice on the fragility of democracy, the importance of cherishing every moment, and the power of personal choice in overcoming adversity. She emphasizes that anyone can become a refugee and the critical role of resilience and positive action in shaping one’s destiny.
Key Points:
- Democracy is fragile and a key factor in displacement and refugee crises.
- Importance of enjoying moments with loved ones and valuing basic needs.
- Encourages individuals to choose how they respond to challenges, transforming adversity into opportunities to help others.
Notable Quote:
“What is the most important thing that I have learned is how you respond to what happens to you is what is the most important thing.” – [33:52] Chantal
Conclusion
Alissa Hsu Lynch praises Chantal for her bravery and leadership, acknowledging her as an inspirational role model. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to support Refugee Can Be, furthering Chantal’s mission to empower and uplift refugee girls worldwide.
Final Remarks:
“Chantal, it is an honor just to know you, to have this conversation with you. You're a true change maker. You're an inspiration for all of us.” – [36:35] Alissa
Support Refugee Can Be
Chantal invites listeners to contribute to Refugee Can Be through donations, volunteering, and joining the organization’s board. The initiative aims to launch programs that provide safe homes, education, and essential support to refugee girls in Uganda.
How to Help:
- Launch Funds: Support the initial phase of bringing refugee girls to safe homes in Kampala.
- Join the Board: Become part of the leadership team to guide the organization’s mission.
- Volunteer: Offer time and skills to assist in various organizational needs.
- Donate: Provide financial support to sustain and expand Refugee Can Be’s programs.
For more information and to support Refugee Can Be, visit their website (URL provided in the show notes).
Chantal Zuzi’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Her leadership dance continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of refugees and changemakers.