Akilah’s Class of 2019: Claudine Is a Successful Manager and Capable Leader

Claudine Umulisa is a Sample Manager for ADC, a supplier of luxury artisanal products in Masoro, Rwanda. Now she’ll take her career to the next level by pursuing a Diploma in Information Systems through Akilah’s Evening and Weekend Program.

Editor’s note: Claudine’s story was originally published in “A Social Enterprise Link in a Global Value Chain: Performance and Potential of a New Supplier Model,” a new report by Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Download the full report here.

Sample-making straddles the line between an artistic vision and the realities of manufacturing. Sample makers have to anticipate every step of the production process and every possible difficulty that might arise. Their work has a direct impact on material usage and the efficiency of production runs. As the manager of ADC’s team of eight sample makers, Claudine Umulisa is well aware of the stakes and feels the pressure. But you would never know it from her demeanor. Claudine is a poised and measured leader — essential attributes for someone managing the heart of ADC’s operation.

Claudine is a poised and measured leader — essential attributes for someone managing the heart of ADC’s operation.

Prior to joining ADC, Claudine owned a shop in Kigali where she designed, produced, and sold beaded jewelry. She thrived on the creativity but became frustrated by the constant struggle to obtain materials and locate customers. She was considering alternatives but could not have anticipated the one that came her way. Claudine’s craftsmanship came to the attention of a Kigali-based consultant who was helping launch ADC. In July of 2013, Claudine was hired to train artisans to bead handbag panels and jewelry.

With her skills once again on display, it wasn’t long before Claudine was being trained to make samples. She took to it immediately. “I like to look at pictures and make things,” she said. Claudine assumed leadership of the sample team in October of 2014. In that capacity she routinely interfaces with Kate Spade & Company designers. Claudine is alert to minor design changes that translate into significant savings in production time and material usage. But they can only be made if approved by designers. So they talk it through or exchange emails. Several Kate Spade & Company designers have visited Claudine in Masoro; and in October of 2015, she spent a week with them in New York City.

Claudine was recently accepted into a weekend program at the Akilah Institute. She plans to study information technology, a field that will be increasingly important as ADC expands.

Claudine has made impressive career strides but she is not resting on her accomplishments. To the contrary she is gearing up to pursue a college education. Claudine was recently accepted into a weekend program at the Akilah Institute. She plans to study information technology, a field that will be increasingly important as ADC expands. Where she finds the time is anyone’s guess. Then again, anyone who spends much time with Claudine Umulisa would bet heavily on her success.

Claudine expresses a sense of astonishment as she reflects on ADC. She is at a loss to explain the presence of a prominent fashion brand in Masoro. In Claudine’s words, “It’s a miracle that Kate Spade came to Africa and chose Rwanda. I do not really understand why, but it is so great to have them here. The lives of so many people are so much better.”