Carine Rusaro is the Manager of the Natural History Museum. She is also formerly Miss National University of Rwanda and Miss Tourism Queen International. She spoke to The New Times’ Donah Mbabazi about her journey:

We have seen you in social circles but who is Carine?

My name is Carine Rusaro Utamuliza. I am 28 years old, engaged and the fourth child in a family of six children; I have three brothers and two sisters. I did a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and Conservation at the former National University of Rwanda; I also hold a Master’s Degree in Conservation and Tourism from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. I am currently managing the Natural History Museum.

What are some of the beauty contests that you participated in?

In 2007, I participated in Miss Campus for the National University of Rwanda. It was my first time to take part in contests, I was voted Miss Campus then. That same year I participated in Miss FESPAM in Congo Brazzaville and I was the first runner up, later in 2012 I went for Miss Tourism of the Millennium in Ethiopia and I won two titles, Miss Lovely and Miss Elegant; I went for another pageant in China called Miss Tourism Queen International where I got the title of Miss Elegant and Miss Africa. In 2009, I contested for Miss Rwanda and I emerged the first runner up.

Though I am still in the fashion world, I don’t go for competitions anymore. I cannot find time for contests due to the responsibilities that I have now. I am now more focused on developing my career.

Tell us about your journey from being a beauty queen to managing something as big as a museum.

In 2010, I started working with the ethnographic museum in Huye. It was a part-time job and I worked as a warden guide. In 2012, which was immediately after I graduated, there was a post for a manager, I applied and since I had the experience and also it being the field I majored in, I got the job.

Being the manager for such an institution is not an easy task, how do you manage the responsibilities that come with it?

Well, it’s not easy but if you have enough experience and love what you do, you can handle it. 

In the beginning, I would say that I wanted a job but after I started working, I fell in love with my job. Preserving our culture is not only something that I am passionate about but I also have pride in it. I love that I am part of the contribution to the development of museums in the country.

What are some of the challenges that come with your job?

Managing people. People are different and have different personalities. Handling them requires lots of techniques. The other challenge is that when you are the boss, you need to be aware of everything that is happening around you. Being a manager is really challenging but one learns a lot.

What is your take about the level of gender equality in Rwanda?

It is a very good thing and I thank our government for that. Women most of the time don’t have self-confidence but with empowerment women get to believe in themselves, in their abilities. Our government does empower us women, it has given us the opportunity, now we know that we are capable and I hope that it continues, but in the meantime we should grab the opportunity and make the most of it.

What are your plans for the next two or three years?

I want to concentrate more on my career and work towards taking museums to another level. I want to work hard to see that people know what we do because some don’t. I had a chance to visit different museums in different countries like the United Kingdom and Belgium. In those countries, working in a museum is a privilege, which shows how much they are valued. I would like to see us on that level. Then, of course, I plan on starting my own family.

What can you say was your turning point in life?

The moment I became Miss Campus in 2007, it opened doors for me. It changed me in a lot of ways and it helped build my self-confidence. I was actually a shy person, I didn’t even think that I would stand in front of fifty people and give a speech, but right now, it’s totally different. I actually realised more of my abilities and that I was capable of contributing towards my family, myself and my country.

What is that one thing that people don’t know about you?

I like seeing people happy. I don’t want to be the reason someone is sad or angry. I think doing good for others helps both sides.

Who do you look up to?

My father and our President. When I look back at the situation our country was in and then compare to how it is now, I can’t help but renew my respect for our President. I think the way he has rebuilt Rwanda and reunited all her people is really humbling.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw