From Surviving Genocide to Leading with Grace with Denise Akayezu

In this powerful episode of Resiliency, host Jenn Quader and Dr. Kelly Culver speak with Denise Akayezu, a survivor from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Denise shares her harrowing experiences, reflecting on her childhood, the fear and violence she witnessed, and the resilience she found in the aftermath. The conversation delves into themes of forgiveness, the impact of propaganda, and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. Denise's journey from survival to thriving in a new country serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation.

Takeaways:
-Denise Akayezu's story highlights the importance of sharing difficult narratives.
-Resilience is not just about survival; it's about thriving and helping others.
-The impact of propaganda can lead to devastating consequences in society.
-Forgiveness is a crucial step in moving forward from trauma.
-Community support plays a vital role in healing and resilience.
-Denise emphasizes the need to focus on the positive aspects of life.
-The journey of resilience often involves helping others who are struggling.
-Denise's transformation showcases the power of education and opportunity.
-It's essential to recognize the influence of colonial history on ethnic tensions.
-Denise's story is a reminder that healing is a continuous process.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience and the Podcast's Mission
03:41 Denise Akayezu: An Everyday Hero's Journey
04:36 Understanding Resilience: Definitions and Perspectives
09:37 Life Before the Genocide: A Childhood in Rwanda
13:36 The Onset of Genocide: A Personal Account
20:23 The Role of Propaganda in the Genocide
35:16 Global Perspectives: Lessons from Rwanda
40:15 The Aftermath of Trauma
43:16 Rwanda's Remarkable Transformation
46:19 Personal Resilience and Growth
52:05 The Power of Forgiveness
56:47 Choosing to Move Forward
01:00:34 Finding Light in Darkness
01:15:50 VIDEO Intro 169 Resiliency The Podcast (Mobile Video).mp4
01:15:54 RTP Intro Slide.mp4

Find RTP online!
- https://resiliencythepodcast.com
- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562977084612
- https://www.instagram.com/resiliencythepodcast/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/resiliency-the-podcast
- https://www.youtube.com/@UCWIsz69OfL3Sy7IVBs8rx4g 

Find Denise Akayezu Online:
-LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-a-95351b122/

Contact Jenn Quader:
- Jenn Quader’s Website: http://jennquader.com 
- Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennquader/
- Jenn Quader’s Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yKMeo3GW2k

Contact Dr. Kelly Culver:
- Culver Group Website: https://new.culvergroup.ca/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Website: http://drkellyculver.com
- Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-culver/
- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/0FNU95LH-f8?si=8uamb7cs7RiUWxRV

DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS EXPRESSED DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT OR REPRESENT THOSE OF THE HOSTS OR RESILIENCY THE PODCAST; SUCH VIEWS ARE MERELY OPINIONS EXPRESSED. THE INFORMATION IN THIS EPISODE IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY AND GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES. RESILIENCY THE PODCAST CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF ANY STATEMENTS FROM GUESTS OR THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION.