Deogratias “Deo” Byakisaka’s life story reflects extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and leadership shaped by lived experience.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Deo was forced to flee his home due to conflict and instability. He and his family spent 11 years in a refugee camp in Uganda, where he navigated the daily realities of displacement while continuing to serve others through volunteer leadership, mediation, and counseling. Even amid profound uncertainty, Deo provided mentorship and encouragement to fellow refugees, reinforcing hope and resilience during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

In 2014, Deo arrived in the United States with his wife and three children after a long journey. Upon arriving in Bridgeport, they were welcomed by the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI). That moment—being received and supported by an organization despite having no prior connections—left a lasting impression. At the same time, the transition required humility and courage, as Deo adjusted to navigating unfamiliar systems and rebuilding his life from the ground up.

Deo transformed those early challenges into purpose. Shortly after his arrival, he joined CIRI and has dedicated more than nine years to advancing refugee services in Connecticut. He progressed through multiple leadership roles—from Case Manager to Chief Program Officer (CPO)—demonstrating a deep commitment to service and excellence.

Today, as CPO, Deo oversees refugee and immigrant services statewide. He leads and mentors a diverse team of 47 professionals from 13 countries—many of whom are refugees or immigrants themselves—and supports programming that serves over 1,500 individuals from more than 20 countries each year. His work integrates case management, workforce development, youth programming, and community navigation to help families achieve long-term stability and success. He is also leading efforts to expand services to provide comprehensive, wraparound support for immigrant communities across Connecticut.

From surviving displacement to leading the very organization that once welcomed his family, Deo’s journey embodies the promise of opportunity, integration, and contribution. His story is not only one of overcoming adversity, but of transforming lived experience into leadership that strengthens communities across our state.