Leonard Bagalwa

Leonard is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who resettled in the United States, specifically Utah, in 2004 after spending seven years in a refugee camp in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Leonard obtained a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and a bachelor’s degree in public and Community Health Education from Utah Valley University. Leonard has over 14 years of experience in working with refugees in Utah and has been a board member of several non-profit organizations.
Leonard is the founder and Executive Director of Utah Valley Refugees, an organization that provides support and services to refugees in the area. He is also the founder and former president of UVU African Club, a club that promoted a positive and accurate image of Africa among the local community and the state of Utah. Leonard is passionate about making a difference in the world and helping others.
Leonard received and was honored with several awards for his humanitarian work, such as Utah Business – Living Color and the Utah Freedom Festival award. Once kidnapped and used as a child soldier, Leonard escaped and found himself in the refugee camp in Malawi. With all what he went through, Leonard believes that his personal journey and his work can inspire and empower people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.