Where did you grow up, and what first got you interested in studying theology and ministry?
I grew up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and one of the key influences that drew me to theology and ministry was my father. In Tanzania, pastors typically live on the church compound, so the church was always a central part of my life, we had access to it at any time, and it felt like an extension of home. I vividly remember telling my father, “When I grow up, I want to be a pastor just like you, and become the first female bishop in Tanzania.” At the time, women weren’t being ordained in the church, but even as a child, I felt called to serve and to break barriers. That early dream planted a deep sense of purpose in me, one that has continued to grow and evolve through my theological journey.

What did you study as an undergraduate?
I earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam.

What led you to pursuing theological education here at Luther Seminary?
It’s a long story. My journey to Luther Seminary was the result of a long-standing call to ministry, one I wrestled with for over ten years. For a long time, I wasn’t sure how or when to respond to it. But in 2022, I finally decided to take a step of faith and applied to Luther Seminary through the ELCA candidacy program.

What degree program are you in at Luther Seminary, and what are you hoping to do with your seminary education?
I’m currently pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree on a part-time basis. My hope for the future is to be ordained and serve as a pastor. I’m not sure yet where that will be, but what matters most to me is being present, walking alongside others in faith, learning together, and helping to shape and strengthen one another on the journey.

What do you do when you’re not studying?
I am a distributed learner, currently balancing two jobs. I work at the Center for Victims of Torture as both an Office Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. I also serve as a Shelter Advocate at Union Gospel Mission.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
One thing most people don’t know about me is that my name is Omega, and I’m the youngest in my family. I also have a brother named Alpha.