Mark Gato
2011 Arkansas Student Leadership Forum Alum
African Student Leaders
Mark Gato came to the U.S. from Rwanda upon receiving a scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, through an International Student scholarship offered by the university. He attended ASLF in 2011 and graduated from UALR in May 2012. Upon graduation, he moved back to Rwanda and is now contributing to the growth and development of his home country through the education sector.
Mark has served as Director of the Bridge2Rwanda Career Center in the capital city of Kigali for three years. In this role, he supports the Bridge2Rwanda Scholars Program, an intensive gap-year program which prepares the brightest scholars and leaders from Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi and Liberia to compete for admission and scholarships at top universities around the world. These scholars have earned over $21 million in full scholarships over the last 4 years.
As an administrator, Mark also helps manage B2R’s day-to-day operations and logistics in Kigali, nurtures strategic partnerships with public, private and non-profit institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Rwanda Development Board and Kaplan International.
Mark will be moving to Boston in September to earn his Master’s degree in International Business at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
“Today, more than ever before, Rwanda needs skilled and knowledgeable business leaders who will facilitate international business best practices and policies across Rwanda’s socio-economic spectrum,” said Mark. “Just like many other young aspiring leaders today, I look for opportunities to contribute positively to the global community, as well as to Rwanda’s inspiring journey to sustainable financial autonomy, political strength and economic vitality.”