Dear Dr. Sebahizi,
Thank you for your life story presentation at our Annual Board of Director’s meeting held April 17, 2025. I received so many wonderful comments of your amazing journey of survival, immigration to the US, and accomplishments! Forty-five minutes is really not enough time to tell the full experience of your life.

Some of the comments received: “Thank you for finding him and having Fidele as our Keynote Speaker. His story was amazing, sad, and inspiring to hear.”
“The best keynote speaker thus far SPCAA has provided.”
“How did you find him?”
“His story is what we are all about at SPCAA. Helping People. Changing Lives.”

It was evident that you made an impact on many of our board members, and Judges in attendance. I am sure your story resonated with many of our staff as well, and showed them that what they do on a daily basis in helping the various people in their respective communities makes a difference!

I am grateful for the taking the time on that faithful morning of March 9th, when I saw your story on the CBS Morning News to stop and listen. Something in me just said, stop and listen to this story! If I had not listen to my inner voice, I would not have ever met you or reached out to the Abilene Police Department in finding you.

I truly believe it was meant to be, not only for myself, but for the people who witnessed your story being told.

Again, thank you so much for coming down and sharing your time, love and journey with us all!
All my best!

Adolfo Perez — Executive Assistant, South Plains Community Action Association.

We have many students who came from the area where Dr. Sebahizi was from. They know the story and the struggles. We also have many students who come from other areas and are struggling in school and learning English while trying to do well with many life obstacles before them. Dr. Sebahizi, speaking to them, gave them a tangible hope that anything is possible. The students empathized while hearing about his journey and seeing the images of what he has overcome.

Weeks after his talk, students could reference his stories or relate them to something we were discussing in class. When someone is struggling and it looks like their future may be lost, a reference is made to his story. Every one of these students has a special story. Many students, even those from other places, were able to take something positive away with them

I appreciate you taking the time to come and visit with us, I hope you will be able to return!

Sara Garza — Emergent Bilingual (EB) Teacher, Abilene High School.

We were deeply honored to welcome Dr. Fidele Sebahizi to Abilene Christian University, where his powerful testimony left a lasting imprint on our campus community. With grace, wisdom, and humility, Dr. Sebahizi shared his life journey—one marked by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to justice and human dignity.

His words challenged us not only to dream boldly, but to pursue those dreams with relentless intensity. Through his story, we were reminded that success is not merely for personal gain, but a tool to uplift others and give back to society. Dr. Sebahizi’smessage called us to action urging students, faculty, and staff alike to lean into their calling, serve with compassion, and never forget the roots that shaped them.

He spoke not just to our minds, but to our hearts. In a time where many are searching for meaning and direction, Dr. Sebahizi reminded us that remembering where you come from is essential in becoming who you're meant to be.

We are immensely grateful for the inspiration he provided, and we carry his words forward as we seek to create impact both on campus and beyond.

Ryan L. Bowman — Director of Multicultural Student Engagement, Abilene Christian University

Thanks to Fidele Sebahizi for Speaking March 4, 2025 to the students in the Department of Government & Criminal Justice at Abilene Christian University. He spoke during their monthly department chapel event.

Dr. Sebahizi told the story of his life, explaining the difficulties surrounding his escape from his homeland and the challenges of moving to another country and starting a new life. Our students were attentive and listened to the effects of such a move on not just individuals but the family, and how society and the education system and law enforcement are all involved. Dr. Sebahizi also included scripture in his talk, which helped cement his motivations and aims in his journey.

We thank Fidele for speaking to our group of about 35 students.

Neal Coates, J.D., Ph.D. — Chair, Professor, Department of Government & Criminal Justice, Abilene Christian University

Dr. Fidele is a living testimony, a role model, and a source of motivation and inspiration who ignites the confidence and optimism needed to face the impossible.

He spoke to members of our community—the Banyamulenge Community of Maine—in February 2025, lighting the path for many immigrants by sharing how to navigate the U.S. system. Through his own story, he inspired and motivated our community to pursue the American dream and reach our full potential.

Marcel Ntagora — Co-founder, Banyamulenge Community of Maine (BCM)

Listening to Fidele was truly a turning point for many of us. His powerful story of resilience and determination gave us hope in the face of adversity. He reminded us that no matter our background or the struggles we've faced, we each have the power to rise above our limitations.

His words encouraged us to believe in ourselves, to dream bigger, and to take bold steps toward building a brighter future—not just for ourselves, but for our entire community.

Rushimisha Dieudonne — Member, Isooko Youth Association

Fidele volunteered his time to come and speak to our 5th grade students. He shared about his journey to becoming a police officer and answer questions our students had.

He was an inspiration to the 5th graders at Thomas Elementary!

Allison Walker — 5th Grade Teacher, Thomas Elementary.