By Desange Kuenihira
Desange Kuenihira is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who now calls Salt Lake City, Utah, home. In 2020, Desange founded unDEfeated, a non-profit organization that provides educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for girls and women with extreme financial hardship in Uganda. She is the author of Undefeated Woman, a book chronicling her refugee journey from the daily struggles of life in a refugee camp in Uganda to resettling in the United States. Desange is USA for UNHCR’s 2025 Refugee Storyteller Celebration winner and World Refugee Day featured storyteller.
Leaving my homeland was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It meant leaving behind everything I knew—family, friends, my community and the familiar rhythms of daily life. The initial challenges were overwhelming: the uncertainty of a new environment, the language barriers and the loss of identity. But in the face of all this, I discovered a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed. I realized that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in spite of the obstacles, about finding hope in even the darkest moments.
Adapting to a new life was not easy. The differences in culture, customs and even day-to-day expectations were daunting. But each challenge taught me something valuable. It taught me how to be resourceful, how to be patient, and how to stay hopeful in the face of adversity. I learned that true strength comes from the ability to adapt, to keep pushing forward even when things seem impossible. Every step forward, no matter how small, was a victory, and every setback became an opportunity to learn and grow.
My refugee experience also showed me the incredible power of human connection. In a new country, far from home, the kindness of strangers became my lifeline. The support I received from my community and the solidarity I felt with other refugees helped me heal and rebuild my life. I learned that no matter where we come from, we share a common humanity, and it is through compassion and connection that we truly thrive. It was through these relationships that I found hope and strength to keep moving forward.
The journey has also given me a deeper appreciation for the small blessings in life. When you’ve lost everything, you learn to cherish what you have. The simple moments—a warm meal, a kind word, or a safe place to call home—become treasures. These small joys, which might have seemed insignificant before, now feel like the greatest gifts.
Looking back, I see how far I’ve come, and I realize that my refugee experience didn’t break me—it built me. It taught me to be strong, to be resilient, and to appreciate the beauty of life in all its forms.
What motivates me to share my story is the belief that our experiences, especially the most challenging ones, have the power to inspire and connect us. I’ve lived through hardships that have shaped me in profound ways, and by sharing my journey, I hope to offer hope, resilience, and a sense of solidarity to others who may be facing similar struggles.
When I reflect on my journey as a refugee, I realize how much strength and growth came from moments of uncertainty and pain. While it was a difficult path, it gave me a deeper understanding of the human experience—of the fragility and beauty of life. I want to share this understanding with others to show that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope, there is always a way forward. We are not defined by our struggles, but by our ability to overcome them and keep moving forward.
I’ve learned that adversity doesn’t have to break us; it can teach us resilience, compassion, and the importance of community. The kindness and support I received from strangers during my journey gave me the courage to keep going. I want to share that part of my story to remind others that even in the darkest times, there are people who care and who can help light the way. In a world that sometimes feels divided, my story is a testament to the power of human connection and empathy.
Another motivation to share my story is to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about refugees. Often, refugees are seen solely through the lens of victimhood, but we are much more than that. We are survivors, dreamers and people with untold potential. I hope to shed light on the strengths and resilience within all refugees, showing the world that we are capable of rebuilding our lives, contributing to society and finding success despite the odds.
Sharing my story is also a way of honoring those who helped me along the way—those who took the time to listen, to offer a kind word and to help when they didn’t have to. It is a reminder of the power of empathy and the impact small acts of kindness can have on someone’s life.
I share my story because I want others to know that they are not alone. Whether they are refugees, immigrants, or anyone facing challenges, we all have the capacity to rise above adversity. Through sharing our stories, we create a sense of unity and understanding, reminding ourselves and others that we are all connected by the shared human experience of struggle, resilience and growth.
How to Help
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, supports refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.
