Seleni Spotlight: Niquese Kelly Gwaneza, Summer Intern

July 2023 - We are thrilled to welcome Niquese Kelly Gwaneza as our summer intern through the Libra Group Internship Program. We sat down with Niquese for a Q&A.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Niquese!

I am from Rwanda and currently pursuing a Global Challenges degree, almost graduating! I would describe myself as a curious, thoughtful, and detail-oriented person with a strong passion for mental health and wellbeing. I have significant marketing and communications experience in the corporate, real estate, and healthcare sectors. As a problem solver, I have created solutions for different problems in my community and see my purpose and future in the nonprofit sector. I co-founded SYD, a youth-led group that supports vulnerable children with education and basic needs, which has grown to a 100-member team. Currently, I am focused on building a career in the Mental Health sector, in line with my mission to use visual narratives and leverage technology to solve mental health issues among teenagers. In all, I value kindness and humility more than anything else in life.

What excites you most about being part of the Seleni family?

During my undergraduate studies, I researched about teenage mental health, and learnt about the strong influence that parents' mental well-being has on their children, particularly teenagers. That's why I'm excited to be part of an environment where I can continue learning and simultaneously enhance my creative skills in marketing, design and communication. I am also very happy to be making a positive contribution towards Seleni’s mission.

What is your favorite podcast, movie, book, or magazine related to the field of mental health?

My favorite mental health-related movie is “Silver Linings Playbook” because it was the first movie that I watched about mental health and saw the struggles of individuals with mental health issues, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the efforts made by their families to try to help them.

How do you practice self-care?

I practice self-care by journaling, through which I get to learn more about myself and be more mindful. I also enjoy movies, upbeat music, and some video games. I also find relaxation and happiness in just sitting in bed while doing nothing.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, you can find me watching comedy movies, singing random songs, checking out new places, or talking to people; It's my way of unwinding and I also believe that shared stories are what make life truly meaningful.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Kindness and Hard-work will never fail you.”

What’s a quote that you carry with you to uplift yourself?

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A. A. Milne