Next: Claudette Ndayininahaze helps immigrants create a ‘presence’ in Maine, economy
File photo / Tim Greenway
Claudette Ndayininahaze, center, is executive director and co-founder of In Her Presence, a Portland nonprofit.
Claudette Ndayininahaze is executive director of In Her Presence, a Portland nonprofit working to ensure that Maine’s economic future includes the aspirations and needs of immigrant women in communities across the state. In addition, she works as the intercultural program manager for the Center for Grieving Children. A native of Burundi, she co-founded In Her Presence five years ago with Abusana Micky Bondo, who had come to Maine from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ndayininahaze holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Burundi, and worked as a national sales manager for Heineken and as president of the Burundi Girl Scouts Association before immigrating to the U.S.
Mainebiz: How did you come from Burundi to Maine, and from your work in business to starting and leading In Her Presence?
Claudette Ndayininahaze: I came to the United States in 2011 because of political reasons back home. I used to volunteer with a nonprofit that was protecting human rights and helping detainees, and I was in danger, so my husband encouraged me to leave for my safety. It made a real difference having these influences, and it helped me to know how to connect and navigate the system when I got here.
In Her Presence started with a yoga class, designed specifically for women from greater Portland’s immigrant communities. The idea was to offer yoga as a way for women to feel strong and learn new ways to cope with stress. But we quickly realized how the need for language transcended everything else.
Today in Her Presence is working directly with 90 women from 16 countries, and helping a total of more than 300 people. We partner with over 30 organizations and have 46 volunteers.
MB: What was the biggest difference you discovered after coming to Maine?
CN: It was so hard to leave my family and everything behind. I will never forget it. Arriving in the U.S., I was like a stranger swimming in the sea without any direction. And of course there is a misperception. Immigrants can feel relief with the promise of safety, but they also face isolation and the uncertainty of tomorrow. The main concern is how to find and navigate a path from “what was” — the place you once called home — to “what will be.”
MB: IHP has faced extra challenges because of the pandemic. How have you and your members adapted to the crisis?
CN: In Her Presence, with volunteers and partners, has helped mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on women, seniors, children and families. The needs are tremendous — like food, unemployment filing, emotional and social help — but language remains the key barrier. IHP programming has transitioned from weekly classes to a variety of virtual supports, and we’re making homes safer with health education. In addition, we’re providing survival products such as supplemental child care and phone cards so that women can participate remotely.
MB: How is IHP helping immigrants deal with what seems to be increasing social and political hostility toward them?
CN: There’s a suspicion in Maine about people “from away,” meaning those not born here. This cultural barrier increases exponentially for people of color from other countries. The issue does not have roots in mean-spiritedness; it is a matter of not participating enough in meaningful interaction and conversation, so as to gain a better understanding of others’ culture and develop trustful relationships. Outreach to enhance communication between the immigrant community and employers is critical to reduce fear and bias.
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Claudette, you are a powerhouse and such a role model, for anyone from away or not! Robbie
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