Image of Japhety Ngabireyimana.
Japhety Ngabireyimana is a sophomore at PSU studying marketing. He is currently an Outreach Specialist on Campus Rec’s Marketing Team, and is passionate about incorporating the values of inclusion and diversity into his work with Campus Rec and beyond. Japhety is a dedicated student, volunteer, and entrepreneur. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, weight lifting and listening to podcasts.
Born and raised in Kibondo, Tanzania, Japhety shares his journey of living in a refugee camp for nine years as a result of a civil war. After enduring this devastating and traumatic environment, Japhety’s family was fortunate enough to be granted asylum. Initially, his family lived in Beaverton, Oregon and later moved to North Portland. Although this was a difficult transition, impacted by discrimination and racism, Japhety has found a balance of adjusting to American culture while also staying true to his culture.
Japhety’s resilience and strength are inspired by his parents, who he says have sacrificed so much for him. His family values education, and their encouragement further motivates him to continue pursuing new educational and professional opportunities. Despite his experience as a target of bullying, Japhety has established a supportive community of family and friends, and continues to seek new opportunities for growth.
Japhety joined the Campus Rec Marketing Team in the winter of 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit. He was referred to the position by a friend, and was intrigued by the opportunity to pursue marketing while networking and engaging with the Campus Rec community. He has been a creative and inspiring addition to the team, and he has offered valuable perspective and ideas. In his role as an Outreach Specialist, Japhety promotes the values of community building and inclusion through virtual events, social media videos, and other outreach efforts. As a Campus Rec member, Japhety is excited to participate in Intramurals and drop-in sports again, and to continue engaging with and learning from others.
In addition to being a student and Campus Rec employee, Japhety helps run a family-owned business, the Happiness Family Farm, and manages the marketing for the farm. He shares that farming was the way of life in Africa, and his parents had a vision to cultivate this in their community. Their mission is to diversify the food system, actively combat food deserts, and increase access to fresh produce.
Japhety has expanded his marketing and inclusion work beyond Campus Rec as a co-founder of the bproud clothing brand. Japhety and his cousin created this brand with the mission to make a difference in the world and encourage every individual to be proud of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender identity.
“We are better than the worst thing that has ever happened to us,” Japhety says. He hopes to share this message with as many people as possible.
Japhety has a busy summer ahead that includes an internship, helping run the Happiness Family Farm, and working on the bproud clothing brand. To support and shop the bproud brand, check out their website. To learn more and support Happiness Family Farm, check out their Instagram (@happinessfamilyfarm).
Japhety, thank you for sharing your story! Campus Rec appreciates the hard work and inspiration that you bring to the team. Be sure to say hi to Japhety if you see him around!