Meet Adeline

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adeline and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adeline, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For a long time, I thought risk was something to avoid since I am all about plans and certainty. Over time, my perspective has changed. I have realized that some of the most meaningful opportunities in life don’t come with guarantees. They simply ask whether you’re willing to grow. I don’t think taking risks means acting impulsively or ignoring fear. For me, it’s about making thoughtful decisions even when I can’t predict the outcome cause If I wait until I have complete certainty, I’ll probably never move. Looking back, the moments that have shaped me the most were the ones that required me to step beyond what felt familiar. Those decisions stretched me, and helped me discover strengths and passions I didn’t know I had. They also taught me that growth rarely happens inside the boundaries of comfort.

Today, I don’t ask myself, “What’s the safest choice?” I ask, “Which choice aligns with who I want to become?” That question has changed the way I approach both life and my career, and it continues to remind me that. Because I have found that the decisions that ask the most of us often have the greatest potential to shape us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional drone pilot, working in a field that is still young and constantly evolving. One thing that makes my journey unique is that I am the only woman in my flight operations department, which has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Being the only woman in the room can sometimes make you feel the need to prove yourself, but I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who have supported my growth and reminded me that I belong there. Drone operations is not a career where every day looks the same. Some days you are dealing with technical challenges, other days you are hiking mountains, working in difficult environments, or learning from unexpected situations. There are moments when you go home covered in mud, moments when things don’t go according to plan, and moments that test your confidence.

What has helped me overcome those challenges is remembering that someone believed in me enough to give me this opportunity, and that belief taught me to believe in myself. Earlier in my career, I was a perfectionist. I often felt pressure to always perform and get everything right. But this journey has changed my mindset. I have learned to approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn, understanding that mistakes are part of growth when we take responsibility and learn from them. The biggest lesson I have gained is that it is okay to try something new, to be different in your environment, and to step outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when we allow ourselves to be stretched, challenged, and transformed by the experiences we choose to embrace.

I hope my story reminds people that you don’t have to fit the traditional image of a career to belong in it. Sometimes, the opportunity that challenges you the most is the one that reveals what you are truly capable of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Kigali for a week, I would want them to experience the city the way I see it—with its beautiful balance of nature, culture, and community.

I would start with Nyandungu Eco-Park, where we could walk, ride bikes, or explore the peaceful green spaces while enjoying a different side of the city. Kigali has many beautiful outdoor spaces, and one of the things I love about it is how nature is always within reach. I would also take them to some of my favorite viewpoints around the city to appreciate Kigali’s hills, beautiful landscapes, and the unique way the city blends with its surroundings.

Of course, food would be an important part of the experience. I would introduce them to some of my favorite cuisines, including Korean food, which is one of my personal favorites. I would also make sure they try traditional Rwandan dishes like isombe, as well as local favorites such as brochettes and sambusa.

To truly experience the heart of Kigali, I would take them through local markets where they could interact with people, discover local products, and experience the creativity and warmth of the community.

For me, the best way to experience Kigali is not just by visiting places, but by connecting with the people and the landscapes. It is a place where you can slow down, explore, and find beauty in unexpected places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and communities who have shaped my journey that it’s impossible to credit just one.

First, I’m deeply grateful to my current employer for seeing potential in me before I had experience in the field. That belief gave me an opportunity that changed the direction of my life and taught me the value of investing in people for who they can become, not just for what they already know.

I’m also incredibly thankful to the Unleash Innovation Lab. It was more than a learning experience—it helped me build confidence, appreciate the power of community, and gave me the courage to pursue Development Studies, a decision that continues to shape my purpose.

To my family and friends, thank you for believing in me, encouraging me through uncertainty, and reminding me to keep going even when I questioned myself.

Finally, I’m grateful to the readers of my blog. Every message, comment, and shared story reminds me that being honest about my own journey can encourage someone else. They continue to inspire me to pursue what truly matters to my heart.

None of us grows in isolation. Every opportunity I have embraced has been made richer because someone chose to believe in me, encourage me, or walk alongside me, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Website: https://delorasdiary.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @lorna_mic

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/adelinuwizeye/

Image Credits
Inezapictures