Benita Manzengo

Career Specialist

Benita is a passionate advocate for community wellbeing. She graduated from Augustana University with a bachelor's degree in Government/International Affairs and Arts (drawing, ceramics, photography and sculpture). She is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and speaks French, English, and Lingala.

A leader in her campus community, Benita served as the president of the African Students Union and the Augustana International Club. In this capacity, she advocated for students’ mental health, curriculum changes, as well as fostered community for individuals adjusting to life in the United States.

Benita also served as an ambassador for the Panzi Hospital and Foundation office in Washington DC, raising awareness and funds to support work advocating for women who have experience conflict related sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Benita wanted to work at the RIC because she remembers needing a lot of help moving from the DRC to the US and wants to give back to the community in the same way. For fun, she enjoys learning through reading.