Gaston Penemagu

Executive Director, Co-Founder, and Entrepreneur
Innovation Talent Academy (ITA)

About Gaston

Gaston Penemagu is a dedicated leader, visionary, and entrepreneur who has turned his lived experience as a refugee into a driving force for empowering marginalized communities. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Innovation Talent Academy (ITA), Gaston has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for refugees and disadvantaged youth since ITA’s inception in 2020.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by displaced individuals, Gaston leads ITA with a mission to foster self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience. Under his stewardship, ITA has trained over 184 individuals in practical skills such as tailoring, handcraft, and languages (English, Swahili, and French). These programs have not only improved livelihoods but also built a foundation of hope and opportunity for participants.

Leadership and Achievements

• Empowering Refugees:
  As a refugee himself, Gaston uses his personal experiences to guide ITA’s programs, ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique needs of refugee communities.

• Building Partnerships:
  Gaston has spearheaded collaborations with organizations like YIDA and OXFAM, which have strengthened ITA’s ability to provide vocational training and support services.

• Entrepreneurial Vision:
  Gaston’s entrepreneurial mindset has enabled ITA to develop innovative programs that foster economic independence, leadership skills, and self-sufficiency among its beneficiaries.