Dr. Adiel Uzabakiriho was born and grew up in Rwanda.  In 1988, he came to the United States to study Music as an undergraduate student with the intention of returning to Rwanda to teach music at the university level. Shortly following migration to the United States, his country experienced a civil war which later resulted in the genocide of 1994. This horrible genocide took more than 800,000 lives and Adiel lost many relatives and loved ones.

With the enduring agony of loss, Adiel remained in the United States as a refugee, intending to go to medical school after completing a BS in Nursing. Ultimately this dream was changed when, despite medical effort and multiple surgeries, he gradually went blind. Adiel refused to let the loss of eyesight to prevent him from fulfilling his dreams. He used assistive technology and changed to the behavioral sciences, where he ultimately achieved his doctorate. But it is his ability to find joy and hope, even after tremendous loss, that makes him an inspiration to those who meet him.