Tresa Knight and Carmen Kapanga

Carmen Kapanga's life is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of God. Born in Congo and later moving to South Africa with her family at the age of two, during a time of great change, Carmen’s journey has shaped a unique perspective on endurance, community, and the strength found in faith. She sees her later move to the U.S. as God drawing her closer to Him, particularly after growing up in a Catholic household but not truly discovering a personal relationship with God until studying the Bible in 2014. It was then, through scripture, that Carmen began to find her purpose and a deeper sense of connection to God.

Carmen was born with sickle cell anemia, and after undergoing two bone marrow transplants—the first at age 10 which her body rejected, and the second at 16—she was finally freed from the illness. But the journey wasn't easy. Experiencing years of physical pain, Carmen has known the depths of suffering, not only physically but emotionally as well. Tragedy struck again when her youngest brother passed away from the same genetic illness that she was cured from at just 17, one year after losing her oldest brother to suicide. Having endured these immense losses, Carmen understands both physical and emotional pain in a way few can comprehend. Yet, despite everything, she constantly finds strength not in herself, but in her faith, knowing that God has been with her through it all.

Currently, Carmen serves as a Compliance Data Analyst at LifeMoves, a nonprofit in the Bay Area that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness—a cause that touches her deeply. After immigrating to the U.S. at 22 by herself, Carmen faced housing instability as a student, and not wanting to trouble her family back home who she felt were dealing with their own grief, the kindness of sisters in her church let her couch surf . During that challenging time, she prayed a small but sincere prayer: that one day, when she was stable, she would be able to help others facing homelessness. Over time, that prayer faded from her mind, but it was recently fulfilled in a way she hadn't expected when she found herself working in the housing sector. It was only after she started at LifeMoves that she realized God had answered that forgotten prayer.

Carmen is passionate about showing up for others, and ensuring they feel seen, valued, and understood. The loss of her older brother to suicide profoundly shifted her perspective on the importance of mental health, particularly for young men. Growing up in a household where emotions were rarely discussed, Carmen learned firsthand the damage that can come from unspoken struggles. This experience fuels her commitment to meeting people where they are, just as God meets us where we are. As Psalm 34:4-5 (MSG) says, “God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him.”

Carmen’s heart is rooted in helping others, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. Her life experiences, from enduring physical illness to losing loved ones, have made her passionate about creating meaningful change. Outside of work, she’s actively involved in her church’s professional ministry, helping with teen studies and being in children's ministry, and cherishing the moments when she can connect with others through dancing, traveling, and learning new languages. Fluent in six languages and currently learning Spanish and ASL. Carmen’s passion for connection and understanding knows no bounds. Through it all, she fights to remain grounded in her faith and is driven by the hope of making the world a kinder, more compassionate place.