Richard Tusabe is a Ugandan-born social innovator, author, and philanthropist whose life story embodies resilience, vision, and an unshakable commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities. Raised as an orphan in the remote Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria, Kalangala, Richard grew up in the grip of abject poverty. These early experiences shaped his determination to break cycles of hardship, not only for himself but for countless others facing similar struggles. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the global stage, Richard's journey reflects both personal triumph and a deep-rooted mission to empower the underserved.

Today, Richard is the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Startup Fund (YSF), an international funding agency providing seed grants, mentorship, and capacity-building support to youth-led nonprofit organizations and social ventures across the globe. Through YSF, Richard is catalyzing a movement that recognizes young people aged 16-35 as the innovators and leaders their communities need now—not someday. Youth Startup Fund backs grassroots youth founders at the earliest, most critical stage of their journey, when traditional philanthropy often overlooks them. By applying startup investment principles to social change work, YSF is redefining how the world supports young changemakers tackling poverty, climate change, inequality, and other pressing challenges in their communities.

Richard's founding of Youth Startup Fund builds on over a decade of leadership creating transformative opportunities for marginalized populations. He established SAPE Foundation (Sustainable Actions for Poverty Eradication) in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing people's lives through education, livelihood support, health, environmental stewardship, and digital inclusion. Drawing on his lived experiences, he has co-created impactful initiatives that bridge environmental literacy with entrepreneurship, helping youth build sustainable livelihoods while confronting the urgent challenges of poverty and climate change.

As the author of Mental Toughness, available on Amazon, Richard shares powerful strategies for overcoming adversity, cultivating entrepreneurial resilience, and navigating life's toughest challenges—lessons deeply rooted in his personal journey from orphan to global changemaker. Through his writing, he extends his mission of empowerment beyond his organizations, offering readers worldwide a roadmap for transforming hardship into strength and possibility.

Richard holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Management from Makerere University, Uganda's premier institution of higher learning, where he also pursued graduate studies in Climate Change and Development. His academic foundation in environmental science and climate resilience directly informs his approach to youth empowerment and sustainable development. Beyond formal education, Richard is a certified web developer and graphic designer, and an AI engineering enthusiast who leverages emerging technologies to amplify social impact.

As an entrepreneur, Richard founded Tsabex, a multifaceted enterprise spanning global IT systems, branding, and digital marketing, where he helps organizations and individuals build their digital presence and reach. He is also invested in ventures that deal in home care, medical courier services, and medical staffing, demonstrating his ability to identify community needs and build businesses that address them while creating employment opportunities.

Professionally, Richard works in the United States healthcare sector as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and caregiver, serving individuals with developmental disabilities and the elderly. His leadership has earned him recognition within international networks, including his engagement with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) through the CEE-Change Fellowship program, where he contributes to global conversations on climate resilience and education for sustainability.

Now based in the United States, Richard maintains a strong attachment to Africa and is committed to amplifying the voices of communities in the Global South. Through Youth Startup Fund, SAPE Foundation, his writing, and his advocacy work, Richard stands as a bridge between communities of resilience in Africa and global networks of solidarity. His journey embodies the transformation he seeks to create—from vulnerability to agency, from survival to leadership, proving that where you start does not determine where you can go.