Cynthia Keza Birikundavyi 🔊
Strategist. Storyteller. Advocate. Unapologetic Changemaker.
I work where bold ideas meet practical solutions, ensuring that impact isn’t just talked about; it’s made. For over a decade, I’ve worked across global systems to design strategies, support communities in shaping their futures, and tackle challenges using both creativity and rigour. I believe in progress that is grounded in purpose, inclusion, collaboration, and a refusal to accept the status quo.
About Me
"Building equity-driven solutions in a world that’s anything but equitable."
I’m an experimenter by nature, a strategist by trade, and an advocate by necessity. For more than a decade, I’ve led and advised in high-stakes environments—whether responding to humanitarian crises, guiding global strategies, or designing evaluation frameworks that drive accountability and long-term impact.
I speak French, English and Spanish fluently, Portuguese (B1),
Mandarin Chinese (HSK 3) and Arabic (A1).
My work has spanned diverse contexts and disciplines, but at its core, it’s about creating systems and solutions that work for people and communities. I blend creativity and precision, focusing on responses that don’t just meet the moment but also build the foundation for sustainable change. Whether crafting people-centered programs or navigating multi-stakeholder challenges, I thrive at the intersection of evidence, equity, and action.
The Work I Do. The Stories I Tell.
I work across disciplines and sectors to bring clarity, alignment, and impact to organizations and initiatives. Whether you’re navigating a complex challenge, aligning your team’s vision, or designing strategies that deliver real-world results, I bring a collaborative and human-centered approach to help you achieve your goals.
Strategist
With you and your community, I design strategies that are actionable, measurable, and customized to your unique needs and goals. By building systems that drive sustainable growth, I translate ambitious ideas into practical solutions. I blend data-driven insights with a nuanced understanding of human behaviour to create strategies that are both effective and achievable.
Adviser
From international NGOs to tech firms and grassroots collectives, I collaborate with organizations to create tools, frameworks, guidelines, and initiatives that align with their values and advance their goals. Through program evaluation, systems alignment, and strategic support, I help clients navigate complexity and achieve clarity.
Connector
I help foster collaboration and accompany leaders through processes that align ways of working, build trust, and create systems for effective communication, especially in cross-cultural settings. This includes strategic goal-setting, structured work sessions, and solutions designed to meet immediate needs and long-term vision.
Advocate
Equity is the common thread in all my projects. I help organizations center the voices of those they serve, dismantle inequitable systems, and create solutions that are people-centered. I equip clients with tools to monitor progress, foster accountability, and continuously improve, fostering self-reliance, community and culture. Discomfort is likely part of the journey, but I am convinced that's where meaningful change happens.
With over a decade of expertise in leadership, strategy, and impact, my experience spans humanitarian crises, global strategy, and inclusive frameworks.
You can access my full resume here to learn more details about my background and credentials.
Speaking & Storytelling
Big ideas deserve to be more than just talked about; they should inspire action. Whether I’m addressing an audience, facilitating meaningful discussions, or exploring new ideas on a podcast, I bring curiosity, clarity, and a passion for sparking meaningful change. Grounded in real-world experience, my talks challenge assumptions, ignite fresh perspectives, and leave audiences ready to take action.
Keynotes and Moderation
Moderator : Projet Montréal Leadership Race Event
Keynote Speaker: Girl Up Global Leadership Summit
(European Leg)Keynote Speaker: Opening Address, International MBA Program, EmLyon Business School
Keynote Speaker : Closing Address, Model UN, Institut Le Rosey
Moderator: Diverse Careers Within Security Risk Management (GISF at HNPW)
Moderator: Spotlighting Copenhagen Lived Experiences
(UN City, Black History Month)
Podcasts and Features
Podcast Host: UNHCR Podcast on Anti-Racism
Guest Appearance: The BIPOC Manager Podcast
Phil Labs - Repenser la redevabilité (part 1 & 2) : Canadian Philanthropy Research Network
Workshops and Lectures
Panelist: London School of Economics and Political Science
Guest Lecturer: Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Guest Lecturer : Women's Leadership for Peace Programme, UNITAR
Guest Speaker : Nanjing University
Panelist : The Black Humanitarian Roundtable
Other Initiatives and Recognitions
I founded Theatre for a Cause Geneva as a space to merge art, collective thought, and activism. Our hope is to harness the power of storytelling to bring communities together and foster dialogue on both social issues and our overlapping lived experiences. Discover our two original plays by clicking the links below.
My Mental Health Matters is an award-winning organization based in Montreal, dedicated to educating and raising awareness about mental health among youth from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The New Humanitarian is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that delivers trusted journalism on humanitarian crises and the policies and systems that shape them, amplifying underreported stories from affected communities around the world.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing contest for young people, encouraging them to explore global challenges and share their perspectives through creative writing. As a judge, I assessed submissions from across the Commonwealth, amplifying young voices and celebrating stories that reflect the diversity and aspirations of our global community.
Collaborated on grant review processes, ensuring equitable distribution of resources to Black-led and Black-serving initiatives across Canada. This project aimed to empower grassroots organizations addressing systemic inequities and fostering community resilience.
- 2006, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Award
- 2011, #5, UK Top 100 Future Leaders
- 2010, Peace Conference of Youth Representative to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
- Since 2013, Associate Fellow (Queen's Young Leaders), Royal Commonwealth Society
Get In Touch
Collaboration starts with a conversation. Whether you’re exploring new ideas, looking for a speaker who delivers both substance and heart, or seeking a partner to drive impactful change, let’s connect !