A refugee’s journey from survival to belonging | Clement Nsenga Kigugu | TEDxPortsmouth
In this raw, moving talk, Clement Nsenga Kigugu, a Rwandan refugee turned U.S. community leader, takes us on his unforgettable journey from war zones to snowy New Hampshire. He shares the trauma of leaving his family behind, the shock of adjusting to a new culture and climate, and the profound loneliness of starting over in silence. Through humor, heartbreak, and hope, Clement gives a voice to millions of refugees—and challenges us to meet them not with judgment, but with empathy. Watch this if you’ve ever wondered: How would I survive if I had to begin again… alone?
Clement, a former refugee from Rwanda, is the founder and executive director of Overcomers Refugee Services, which he established in 2013. His organization assists settled refugees in helping newcomers become successful, contributing members of American society. Clement also serves as the Senior Pastor of The Overcomers Church of God. A father of six and grandfather of four, he speaks five languages and holds a degree in Management from the Université Libre de Kigali. Additionally, Clement is a trained and certified medical interpreter. He is also the recipient of NH’s Top 40 Influential Business Leaders and Business Leader of the Year 2025 award from the Chamber of Commerce.
Clement, a former refugee from Rwanda, is the founder and executive director of Overcomers Refugee Services, established in 2013. His organization helps settled refugees assist newcomers in adapting to their new lives, enabling them to heal and thrive as active citizens. With extensive experience supporting refugees, immigrants, and families in need, Clement also serves as Senior Pastor of The Overcomers Church of God. A father of six and grandfather of four, he speaks five languages and holds a degree in Management from the Université Libre de Kigali. Clement is also a trained and certified medical interpreter. He is also the recipient of NH’s Top 40 Influential Business Leaders. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 17:39The Digital Drug : Why Social Media needs Safety labels | Nishtha Jain | TEDxAndoverNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of technology and mental health which remains an ongoing field of study. Comparisons to drug addiction lack scientific support and may be alienating to some viewers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a world wired for constant connection, what is it costing us to always be online? In this talk, Nishtha Jain unpacks the hidden dangers of social media addiction and how it is hijacking our attention, and changing how we live, connect, and feel. Drawing from personal experiences this talk proposes a revolutionary idea of having the Digital Safety Labels. It's time to pause, reclaim presence, and choose a more mindful relationship with technology. Nishtha Jain is a highly esteemed strategic thought leader and executive with over 15 years of global experience in information technology. She specializes in steering digital technology transformations, developing digital products, and formulating and implementing digital innovation strategies. Nishtha possesses significant expertise across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, with an in-depth understanding of the entire value chain. Her fervent interest lies in harnessing emerging digital technologies, such as AI, to improve patients' healthcare experiences and journeys. In her current position as Head of Innovation & Digital Technology, R&D Quality at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, she spearheads digital and data initiatives from ideation to execution, applying emerging technologies and design principles for transformative outcomes. Her prior experience includes positions at GSK, Biogen, Thomson Reuters, Dr.First, Accenture. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:01How Quiet Nudges Can Lead to a Life of Purpose and Impact | Pam Rosener | TEDxPlanoNOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWe're all looking for clear direction to tell us what's next. But what if the biggest signs come through small whispers? Pam Rosener is the President and Founder of Young Men’s Service League. Pam loves mentoring young men to develop their hearts for service. She also delights in seeing moms deepen their relationships with their sons while growing personally through their leadership roles in YMSL. She’s on a mission to bring the YMSL experience to as many communities as possible to provide YMSL’s unique service, learning and leadership opportunities to young men and their moms across the country and around the world. Currently, there are over 100 chapters in 15 states. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
