About Us
Our Story
Congolese people have always demonstrated tremendous potential. Our music has influenced the world, our Leopards have recently shown us the power of unity, and Congolese people around the world are succeeding in business, professions, science, the arts, sports, and many other fields. Many others have ideas, talent, and potential waiting to be developed.
Yet a lack of organization, collaboration, and resources often prevents us from turning that potential into opportunity, wealth, and influence. NotreLobby exists to help change that.
Our Vision
We want to build a more prosperous, organized, and influential Congolese diaspora, capable of turning individual potential into collective strength. We are inspired by diasporas such as the Jewish, Lebanese, Indian, and Chinese diasporas, which have successfully mobilized their talent and resources to create wealth, opportunity, and collective influence.
We believe we can do the same, in our own way.
Our Mission
NotreLobby is a for-profit organization focused on wealth creation and opportunity for Congolese people and our allies around the world. We create a platform to develop ideas, build businesses, invest, collaborate, access opportunities, and support initiatives that strengthen our communities and contribute to the development of the DRC.
We are non-partisan and will work with any government, institution, or organization that supports our mission.
Our Founder - Serving You
Charmant Kems
Charmant Kems is an experienced senior leader with a broad background in organizational leadership, strategy, operations, and people development. He has served as Senior Director, Business & Strategic Planning (Head of Staff & Operations) at CBC/Radio-Canada, and has also worked at Home Depot, Aon Hewitt, and other organizations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an MBA in Organizational Management, both earned in the United States.
His community engagement extends beyond his professional career. Charmant also leads FromYouToThem, a nonprofit organization, and has served as a volunteer immigration and court translator in the United States. He has also worked as a freelance journalist and hosted “Opinion” on the formerly popular Congolese website Congomikili, providing the Congolese diaspora, particularly in the United States and Canada, with a platform to voice their perspectives on social issues.
NotreLobby was born from this combination of experience, community engagement, and a belief that Congolese people can accomplish more when we organize and work together.