Why choose Karibu?
There are many great reasons to work with our talented team. We are not only highly qualified but have a heart to give back to the community. We have staff who were refugees themselves to others that were the first to graduate college in their families. Our interpreters and staff have a great work ethic and a heart to serve that shows in every appointment. When you choose Karibu Services you are not just supporting a local business and ensuring jobs, but choosing the most qualified and hard-working staff there are. We live here, we work here, and we want to give back!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you!
Our Team
Serges Hakizimana - Founder and CEO
Leaving Burundi at age seventeen in 1997, Serges Hakizimana found himself in a refugee camp in Tanzania. He was fluent in French and Kirundi, but he had also learned Swahili as a young boy. There were millions of refugees and many needed medical care. Serges was found to be an aid to many and was quickly recognized as one that could translate and interpret for those around him. He was put to work as a full-time/unpaid interpreter in the camp taking refugees to hospitals and helping where needed. Serges attended University majoring in psycho-pedagogy while in Tanzania. After he completed his studies, he taught in high school and also worked coordinating high school and preschool teachers from 2005-2007.
In 2007, Serges arrived in Seattle, Washington as a refugee. Upon arrival, he was identified as one that assisted others. His ability to translate multiple languages was of great value to his community. The Red Cross soon asked him to assist and interpret as a volunteer in the court, medical setting, and for social services. He was able to attend Seattle Central Community College for Medical Terminology Certification in 2008. He also attended Highland Community College while living in Seattle to continue his education in the United States.
Serges continues to advocate for his community and serve tirelessly. His efforts did not go without notice. In 2010, Serges was awarded the Red Cross Community Commitment Hero Award from Boeing.
In 2013, Serges arrived in Amarillo, Texas. He was able to complete his Bachelor of Science at Wayland Baptist University in Human Sciences in 2017. He also completed certification as Court Interpreter in 2019. Serges is an active member of the Amarillo community. He currently serves as the pastor for New Covenant International Christian Church. He has also assisted in more than ten church plants in seven states over the past decade. He is currently serving with the Amarillo Area Foundation Equity Fund, with Region 16 as a translator, and has taught at Amarillo Independent School District as a French teacher.
Serges can speak English, French, Kirundi, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kinyawisha, and Kinyamulenge.
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Grace Nyabenda - Kentucky Branch Manager
Grace was born in Tanzania and moved to Seattle Washington in 2007. She was fluent in Kirundi and Swahili. After arriving in this country, it was very difficult for her to communicate with other people because of the language barrier. After a few days of arrival, she decided to join ESL classes at Seattle central community college. Grace completed all required courses and was certified as an ESL graduate in June 2010.
Grace was able to attend Seattle Central Community College for Medical Terminology Certification in 2008 and a Nursing Assistant in 2010. She also attended Highline Community College while living in Seattle to continue her education in the United States.
In 2014 Grace Arrived in Bowling Green Kentucky. There were many people in her community who were struggling with communication and Grace was able to help most of them. Her ability to translate multiple languages is an excellent value to the community.
Grace continues to advocate for her community and serve tirelessly. Her efforts did not go without notice. During her volunteer time, the school was happy to meet her and decided to take her as their interpreter. Later, she was blessed to work with the International Center of Kentucky, a refugee agency.
Grace enjoys doing this work because she understands how hard it is when you need to say something, but can’t because of the language barrier.
Grace speaks English, Kirundi, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kinyawisha, and Kinyamulenge.
Konstance Walton - Operations Manager
Konstance has spent many years as a missionary in different countries and now uses her business degree to continue to meet the needs across the United States by managing translation services, managing the employment program, managing social services, and marketing for the expansion of Karibu Services.