The Founder of Saint Charles Lwanga America Center: Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa

As far as public health and public service are concerned, Tom has led TB elimination drives in the DC/Maryland/Virginia Area and successfully connected 1,000 persons who had a positive TB diagnosis to care. Further to that, Tom has organized over 230 physical meetings at community level where he was able to present health talks to audiences of different age-groups.  This has been possible through networking with other persons and groups. It has not been a one-man show. 

Tom's work has ranged from serving in the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa. The roles are indeed a drum-roll of activities such as implementing, reviewing, monitoring and evaluating activities to mentorship. Most of Tom's work intersects between Clinical,  Public Health and Development Work.

Tom finds time to teach, as this is another of his heart's desires.  Tom has taught at several After-school centers.  Tom has managed care wards as a Long Term Care Giver in a 80-100 bed Long Term Care facility in Los Angeles; been a health navigator reaching out to over 20,000 refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers in San Francisco; worked with Seniors living with chronic illnesses in  Greater Boston Area at 5 units;  founded a health promotion organization enhancing attendance at health facilities for folks enrolled under smoking cessation, diabetes care, kidney care and other chronic care needs including HIV, TB and sickle cell anemia; and worked with the Virginia Education System to promote class retention for students with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Tom's work included grant writing, recruitment of beneficiaries in Clinical Trial calls, motivated beneficiaries to maintain adherence to care, has been pivotal in making referrals, follow up, ensuring retention in care, connected community groups to health care services and participating in increasing awareness of practices promoting health, preventing diseases and prolonging life such as nutrition advice, securing housing, community clean up campaigns and establishing schedules fostering active life.  This has been an example translating medical and public health knowledge into what works for communities.  Tom is skilled in making the connection between public health and public service which in turn has enabled him to strengthen the public and private synergy and continuity which is an under current existing and necessary as far as optimizing health outcomes are concerned. 

Tom has been able to use the same approach to service models in the USA and internationally.  In doing this kind of work, Tom has been able to identify population level needs, iterate community-based approaches, embed planetary health goals and empower community members to own knowledge and skills catalyzing robust and vibrant life enhancing practices. Tom can confidently say he has served since 2000-to present time.  In that period, Tom has also held C-suite managerial tasks per year and ably executed all assigned duties.

Tom is a fast learner too and it does not take him long to acclimatize or adjust. He is trainable, flexible, passionate and he has a high level of attention to details.  These skills have enabled Tom to be a team player and effective problem-solver.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional communication skills including content development, effective writing and presentation skills
• Knowledge of iteration, piloting and project management best practices.
• Knowledge of grant formulation and writing requirements, including local international and federal guidelines.
• Skills in reading the room, establishing and maintaining effective and collaborative relationships with persons, groups, and organizations across spectra of disciplines.
• Skills in research, community organizing, project, financial, and grant management.
• Ability to read and follow instructions, organize and work independently on time-sensitive projects.
• Ability to solve a variety of complex problems in the absence of technical guidelines and when creative thinking is required.

 

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

• Understanding of organizational mission.
• Understanding of and applying ethics and public good; and aligning with public trust.
• Demonstrated respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

Collaboration

• Contribute to and amplify an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission.
• Demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.
• Collaborate with others to improve quality and address needs.
• Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treat others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Behave in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.
• Assess and recognize own strengths and gaps.
• Use sound judgment.
• Self-motivated and an ability to step aside when the need arises.
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.
• Awareness of when to engage in self-care, seek guidance and share work related reports on time.

Communication:

-An ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.

-Ability to write in the Arts and Science.

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