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The journey of Soutongo Régina Bandé/Tiensbandé is fascinating in more ways than one. A woman whose life is a true example of resilience and success. Born in Ouagadougou in 1975, Régina grew up in a family where education and values were paramount, thus shaping her spirit of determination and professional commitment. From his childhood in Saiwa, Côte d’Ivoire, to his current position as Information Manager at the West African Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA), his journey has yielded an impressive array of achievements. This involves the fields of communication, coaching and project management. In this portrait, you will discover an inspiring story where faith, perseverance and a keen sense of justice have combined to create an extraordinary career. Regina has been able to turn challenges into opportunities and continues to work towards the development of communities in Africa and beyond.
Born on August 28, 1975 in the Yenenga maternity ward in Ouagadougou, Soutongo Régina Bandé/Tiensbandé grew up in a world where education and African values were at the core of family life. Her parents were teachers in Saiwa, in the central-western part of Côte d’Ivoire, and they instilled in her a love of learning and the principles of integrity, discipline and solidarity from an early age. In just four decades, Régina has become an iconic figure in the fields of communication and project management, a journey filled with overcoming challenges, achieving impressive successes and a deep commitment to the development and well-being of others.
A childhood enriched with values
In addition to Savoy, Regine spent her childhood in the towns of Daloa and Isia, both in the central-western part of the country of the late Felix Houphouet-Boigny, where her parents worked as teachers. In these cities, she felt the warmth and generosity of a large African family. His parents’ home was the center for all members of the extended family, as well as the many students, uncles and cousins who stayed there for long periods of time for the purpose of studying. Family life was a vivid example of solidarity and mutual assistance, values that shaped his character.
Regina’s school years were marked by a strong commitment to academics and extracurricular activities. She grew up participating in Catholic sports, Young Christian Students (JEC) activities, and was influenced by the strict teachings of her parents. His mother, a CP1 and CP2 teacher in Daloa, and his father, a CM1 and CM2 teacher, created a stimulating and demanding learning environment. Regina has great respect and admiration for this learning atmosphere.
Regina’s education was not limited to academic subjects. His parents taught him the values of rigor, good work and solidarity from an early age. Her mother particularly stressed the importance of self-reliance. Young girls in the family quickly began to do chores, and Regina remembers preparing her first meal in CE2. While it seemed like just another task in a child’s daily life, she now understands the wisdom in it: “A child must know how to appreciate and be content with everything his parents give him,” his mother said, a phrase that has stayed with her throughout her life.
Régina presented in Cotonou the role and mission of GIABA in training journalists on money laundering and terrorist financing
Family Inspiration
Regine’s journey was deeply influenced by her father’s tenacity, whose determination and strength of character became her strongest source of inspiration. In 1963, her father became blind due to illness. Despite the bleak prognosis, he continued to live and work with inexhaustible energy, living up to the expectations of others. He worked as a teacher during the day and continued his studies at night, obtaining a bachelor’s degree and then attending the University of Abidjan to obtain a degree in modern literature. His commitment to secondary education and his role as a promoter of education in France showed extraordinary perseverance.
For Regina, this journey is an example of strength. She remembers her father’s words: “Wanting is power.” This mantra, which ties into President Barack Obama’s famous slogan, “Yes, we can,” has become a personal credo that pushes her to push past her limits.
Academic and career
Regine’s academic career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Ouagadougou (now Joseph Kizebo University), she obtained a postgraduate diploma in Communication Studies from the AGITEL-FORMATION Engineering School in Abidjan in 2001. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further studies in several complementary fields.
In 2010, Régina completed a Master’s degree in Administration and Market Management at the National School of Financial Management (ENAREF) in Ouagadougou, in partnership with Laval University in Canada, followed by a Professional Master’s degree in Management and Project Management at KLD College in 2015. In 2021, she obtained a Master’s degree in Coaching at the International Coach Institute (ICI) in Geneva, Switzerland, consolidating her expertise in coaching and project management.
His career reflects a diverse and dynamic career. Régina has held several key positions, including as Communications Director for the Millennium Challenge Account in Burkina Faso (MCA-BF), overseeing projects that had a tangible impact on the country’s infrastructure and living conditions. His role in the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) in particular highlighted his expertise in communication in complex and multicultural contexts.
Challenges and resilience
Regina’s career has been full of challenges, but also strengthened her resilience and determination. She has encountered obstacles such as integration as an intern, exploitation of new graduates in the private sector, and discrimination related to her gender. Her experiences in the private sector (where she faced unfair working conditions) and in the business world (where unethical behavior was sometimes the norm) have shaped her understanding of the professional world.
“Our mother’s philosophy is to make us truly independent and able to act”
One of the most striking experiences was the Veterans in Service Complex. During her thesis internship in 2000, she faced hostility from seniors who viewed the younger interns as a threat to their positions. Despite this adversity, Regina maintained the integrity and professionalism and values that her parents instilled in her.
As a woman living in an environment dominated by gender stereotypes, Regina has sometimes had to deal with discriminatory attitudes. She has also faced jealousy and obstacles associated with the practice of political lobbying, but her perseverance and commitment to ethics have been the backbone of her career.
Professional commitment and achievements
Regina’s contribution to large-scale projects is notable. Within CILSS, she played a crucial role in communications for the Regional Project in Support of Livestock in the Sahel (PRAPS), ensuring regional coordination for her position and implementing an effective communication strategy. Her work not only strengthened project results, but also improved the living conditions of beneficiaries in an often neglected area of the Sahel.
Directing communications for the Millennium Challenge Account in Burkina Faso was also a career highlight. Under his leadership, the project brought significant improvements to rural infrastructure, agriculture, girls’ education, and land security. The practical results of these projects are a direct reflection of his commitment and expertise in communications.
Régina is also proud of his contribution as a certified Livestock Emergency Assistance Standards and Guidelines (LEGS) trainer and a certified coach of the International Coach Institute (ICI) in Geneva. These roles allow him to put his skills into practice and contribute to the development of individual and organizational capabilities.
“I invite young people to dream and tell themselves that nothing is impossible for them”
Values and inspiration
The values that guide Regina’s professional and personal life are deeply rooted in her faith, family, and commitment to others. God and spirituality are a constant source of inspiration. Regina finds strength in her faith to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in pursuit of her goals. She also participates in service activities at church and in prayer groups, offering support and expertise.
His family plays an important role in his life. Regina values time spent with those close to her and strives to maintain a balance between professional and family life despite her demanding career. Her parents, husband, children and friends provide invaluable support in her efforts to maintain this balance.
Inspiring figures in Regina’s life include her father, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Paul Kagame and Kofi Annan. Each of them embodied values of resilience, leadership and justice that resonated deeply with their own beliefs and aspirations.
Outside of her professional life, Regina is passionate about walking, which she considers a way to refocus and find energy. The moments of solitude during a walk provide valuable opportunities for reflection and personal growth. She also enjoys dancing, traveling and discovering new things, finding these activities a source of joy and inspiration.
Hamid Nanema
Lefaso.com
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