About Shima Charles

My Story

My journey began in Rwanda, where I grew up surrounded by both the beauty of culture and the pain of conflict. As a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I learned early the power of resilience, identity, and the importance of storytelling. Years later, after relocating to Canada and building a successful career as a financial analyst in government, I found myself drawn back to my roots — not just geographically, but spiritually.

In 2019, I returned to Rwanda after 24 years. That emotional journey sparked the idea for my first startup, ZaNiheza, a travel company dedicated to sharing immersive African experiences with the world. What began as a passion project evolved into a larger vision — one that connects culture, technology, and community in meaningful ways.

In 2023, I rebranded and launched Tourifique, an AI-powered platform designed to help Black travelers discover curated tours, events, and authentic things to do — starting with North America, and expanding globally. From Afrocentric food tours to cultural festivals, Tourifique helps travelers find connection and purpose in every destination.

My commitment to innovation in travel has been recognized on global stages. I was honored to receive the Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship — awarded to trailblazers shaping the future of travel and technology. That recognition affirmed my belief that travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you become.

Today, I’m not just building platforms — I’m building bridges. Through Tourifique and Fundee Me (a cross-border AI budgeting and payment app for underserved students), I’m on a mission to make travel and opportunity more accessible, equitable, and transformative.