Claude Rwaganje
Founder and Executive Director
Claude Rwaganje is the Founder and Executive Director of ProsperityME. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Claude learned through his own immigration experience that financial stability is essential to building a new life in the United States. It was his vision to create a non-profit organization where New Mainers can go for free financial education and support.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities at ProsperityME, Claude currently serves on the board of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Community Foundation, United Way of Southern Maine, the InterCultural Community Center and was elected to the Westbrook City Council, serving as a city councilor At-Large since 2019. He was previously appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Community Development Advisory Council in the Spring of 2017 for a three-year term. Previously, he served a three-year term as a member of Portland’s Community Development Block Grant Committee.
Claude has received numerous awards for his service to the community, including Bowdoin College’s Spirit of Service Award (2012), Bates College Harward Center’s Community Partner Award for Outstanding New Initiative (2013), Portland Press Herald’s “10 Mainers to be Thankful For” (2012) and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce award for Public Sector Leadership (2017). Claude holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is a certified coach and housing counselor through NeighborWorks America.