Ousmane Kabré (BBA ’15, MAcc ’16) is the inaugural recipient of the WSB BOLD Award.
This award recognizes Badgers of the last decade (BOLD) who have achieved outstanding and significant professional accomplishments in their chosen field since graduation. Business Badgers who received their undergraduate or graduate degrees within the last 10 years are eligible for this award.
Kabré, a native of Burkina Faso, is recognized for his vision and efforts to transform lives through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. As an accounting student at the Wisconsin School of Business, he founded Leading Change Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to changing lives in Africa through education, literacy, mentorship, and job opportunities. Since launching the initiative, over 1,600 scholars have been enrolled in Leading Change programs throughout Africa and the U.S.
Kabré also founded Yam Education in 2021, an edtech company providing access to associate degrees, diplomas, and certifications through partnerships with U.S. community colleges. He serves as CEO for both Leading Change Africa and Yam Education, and is also the founder and CEO of enterprise software company Intro Group. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Kabré has also held accounting positions at American Family Insurance and EY.
“Ousmane is one of the most determined and driven individuals I have ever met with a seemingly endless supply of energy, positivity, and persistence,” says Kristen Fuhremann (BBA ’99, MAcc ’00), deputy chair of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at WSB. “He leads with heart and vision, setting aspirational goals for himself and his companies and then systematically putting the pieces in place to achieve those goals—all with a focus on empowering others through access to education. His entrepreneurial spirit is matched only by his deep commitment to giving back, and I have never met anybody so selfless with their time and resources.”
“Ousmane is one of the most determined
—Kristen Fuhremann (BBA ’99, MAcc ’00),
and driven individuals I have ever met.”
deputy chair, Department of Accounting
and Information Systems
In addition to his professional experiences and academic accolades, he is also an in-demand speaker, course instructor, and author of the book Underwriting Dreams: A Journey of Leadership and Hope.
He was also selected as an “8 to Watch” alum by WSB’s Update magazine in 2021.
“I cannot think of a more deserving alum for the inaugural BOLD award,” adds Fuhremann. “His success is no accident; it is the result of relentless effort, thoughtful mentorship, and an unwavering desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Read about the other 2025 WSB Alumni Award recipients.
From the Dean
“From the moment I first read about Ousmane’s story, I’ve been incredibly impressed with his ambition, tenacity, and desire to make the world a better place. The path he’s taken in his early career wasn’t the easy one, but the most impactful ones never are. I commend Ousmane for the amazing work he’s already done and can’t wait to see how he’ll continue to lead in the future.”