Desange and her siblings younger than 18 years old were placed in different foster homes until her oldest brother and aunt were able to take classes to become their legal guardians. After only six months, the family was reunited.

Desange started high school and immediately fell in love with it. It was almost too easy because she was earning straight As her first semester without even knowing the language. She began searching for a more challenging learning environment and found Itineris Early College High School in West Jordan. She said, “Itineris Early College High School gave me a head start and challenged me to grow as a student and a person. If I had to choose it again, I would and I would not change anything about it. I am so grateful to have been a part of the Itineris Early College High School community!”

She laughed when she considered the reaction to her accomplishments from those in the refugee camp who told her, “You’re meaningless, girl. Your life has no meaning. You’ll never even get your high school diploma.” Not only did she graduate high school and earn an associate degree at the same time, she earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah. She holds a Bachelor of Science in criminology and a Bachelor of Science in health, society, and policy, with a minor in entrepreneurship and pre-business.

She said that much of her success came from her supportive family, and she now considers the school’s staff and student body part of that as well. The charter school gave her a job, and the staff supported her when she entered a scholarship pageant, along with other things. She was named Miss Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2019 Miss Africa Utah pageant and Miss Juneteenth in 2018.

Despite the fortunate opportunity to move to the U.S., many girls in Uganda do not have that same chance. Desange said, “With the increased poverty in Uganda, single parents, especially women, struggle to make ends meet. Women often face more hardship as men abandon their families, leaving them to support themselves and their children with very little.” The girls and women left behind are always in her heart and on her mind, and she wanted to do something to give them the same chance at an incredible life where they can determine their own future. That’s why Desange founded unDEfeated.

The foundation supports single mothers and youth in developing entrepreneurial skills so that they can start successful businesses to support their families. Desange believes education is the key to success and works to further educational endeavors for underprivileged youth and support single mothers in operating their businesses. The goal of unDEfeated is to help Uganda move past being a poor country with an emerging economy and significant educational disparity between men and women. Just like Desange had those who believed in and supported her, she wants to support others and let them know someone does value them. To find out more, visit speakundefeated.org.