Nicole Irakoze

Nicole Umuhire Irakoze is an International Economics student at Georgetown University in Qatar and a Community Development Advisor at Qatar Foundation. She is deeply passionate about embedding human values—such as empathy, equity, and integrity—at the core of education, leadership, and economic development. Through her work, she strives to empower women and youth by creating sustainable, community-centered pathways to opportunity.

At PwC ME, Nicole explored how consulting and strategic problem-solving can drive organizational transformation and inclusive economic growth. She also co-founded Smartel, an agritech startup leveraging IoT technology to enhance agricultural productivity and combat food insecurity in Rwanda. These experiences strengthened her belief that innovation guided by human values and data-driven strategy can create long-term social impact.

With a passion for shaping global business strategy, Nicole aspires to build a career in consulting, bridging economic insight, policy, and sustainable development. Her academic and professional background has equipped her with analytical and leadership skills to transform complex ideas into practical strategies that foster equitable growth.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole serves as a mentor in Georgetown’s First-Year Experience program, fostering belonging, collaboration, and personal growth among students. She believes that education should not only transfer knowledge but also nurture empathy and social responsibility in learners.

Representing Georgetown at the WISE 12 Conference, Nicole hopes to contribute to discussions on how education rooted in compassion and innovation can prepare the next generation of ethical leaders who balance purpose with performance in driving global change.