On May 8th, AWiB Connects @ the Hilton welcomed a vibrant gathering of professionals, leaders, and visionaries for an evening rooted in purpose and presence. By 5:30 PM, the space buzzed with laughter, hugs, and intentional exchange. From familiar faces to new handshakes, every interaction pulsed with meaning—a reminder that transformation often begins in such moments.

As the evening’s panel drew near, the crowd flowed into the hall, carrying with them an energy that was warm, open, and curious. AWiB’s Board President, Jemila Hamid, opened the session with gratitude to the evening’s sponsor, Enat Bank, and invited a representative to speak on stage. A representative from the bank took the stage to introduce Enat’s vision and services, which remain centered on uplifting women through financial access and empowerment.

Following tradition, AWiB spotlighted members who have turned passion into products and services. Members took the stage accordingly. Tinsae of Creative Candles, Leilina of Pixel Technologies, Semret of Tsehay Baltina, and Jemila of Nexus Physiotherapy, who also guided the room through a brief grounding session—using breath, stillness, and gentle movement to reset and refocus the collective energy.

Jemila then introduced the theme of the evening: The Butterfly Effect: Tiny Actions Igniting Freedom. She handed over the stage to the moderator of the night, Ruth Paulos—a seasoned wellness trainer and speaker whose wisdom has shaped institutions and individuals alike. Ruth welcomed the audience with warmth and an open mind. She began by demystifying the concept of the butterfly effect through a story. In the 1960s, a meteorologist introduced the idea that a butterfly’s flap could eventually cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. Though initially dismissed, the metaphor took root—first in science, then in society. “If a butterfly flaps its wings in Addis,” Ruth said, “that tiny action may redirect a hurricane in Japan. It might sound far-fetched, but if the thought that a butterfly may have such an impact is worth considering… imagine what a human being can do?”

To bring the concept to life, Ruth welcomed Shani Senbetta, founder and CEO of Kidame Mart. A short video introduced Ethiopia’s largest last-mile distribution network, empowering thousands of rural women to become micro-entrepreneurs. From solar lights to fortified foods, these women deliver vital goods to their communities while also building their own incomes.

When Shani took the stage, she shared her journey: born in the U.S., her first trip to Ethiopia at age 13 was a turning point. Seeing poverty first hand planted a lifelong sense of purpose. Fifteen years ago, she returned to Ethiopia with a commitment to build from within. “With all the privilege and education I’ve received,” she said, “I knew my greatest impact would be here.” What began with a few minivans is now a nationwide network spanning five regions, generating over 75 million ETB in profit for women sellers. Many are mothers and caregivers, using their earnings to support families, access healthcare, and invest in education. The ripple effect is visible in homes, schools, and communities. “Confidence is transformative,” Shani said. “One woman sees another succeed and says, ‘I want to do that too.’ That’s the butterfly effect.”

Next, Lensa Biyena stepped in—bold, grounded, and resolute. A lifelong advocate for gender equality and human rights, she shared how her journey began in school, organizing tutoring for peers who couldn’t afford private education. That spark of initiative grew into a powerful career. Serving as Executive Director of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), Lensa has led policy reform, shaped legal frameworks, and managed over 20 projects with global partners. “We all have dreams,” she said. “But the moment you begin—that’s when the shift happens.” Her leadership continues to influence gender equity and legal discourse in Ethiopia. “Small,” she reminded us, “doesn’t mean insignificant. Small is powerful.”

The session unfolded dynamically, inviting interaction and participation. Before opening the floor, Ruth offered a powerful reflection: “even an introverted person living quietly is expected to influence an estimated number of 10,000 people in an 80-year lifetime. Now imagine the ripple effect if you chose to act.”

With that, audience members shared various reflections. One spoke of how simply living with intention can be revolutionary, likening it to how prophets, through presence alone, have catalyzed change. Another asked why we hesitate to act, even when we know small steps matter. And could Kidame Mart expand into conflict-affected communities, especially among displaced women?

Lensa responded, society—and often our own inner voices—tells us we’re not enough. Too young. Too inexperienced. Especially in Ethiopia. But history tells a different story. The founders of EWLA were mocked and resisted. Still, they pressed on and changed laws, shifting the culture.

Shani added that inaction carries its own ripple effect—and simply recognizing that can bring a sense of clarity. She acknowledged a participant’s question, noting that it sparked new reflections on how their model could expand to serve refugee and internally displaced women. In response to further questions about Kidame Mart, she explained that the initiative focuses on regions with basic infrastructure and selects women agents based on need, literacy, and community trust. Shani also highlighted the importance of continued investment in confidence-building and skills training—an area she identified as both crucial and actively evolving.

From there, the room ignited. Participants shared personal grounding rituals: reflecting on wins during daily commutes, smiling more, or simply choosing presence at home. One woman called peace at home a revolutionary act. Another described transformation as a sacred, solitary process—like a cocooning that readies us for flight.

When asked how to explain the butterfly effect to those who believe outcomes are fixed, Shani offered a personal story. Despite growing up in the same household, she and her brother made entirely different life choices. “Life’s outcomes are not fixed,” she said. “Small decisions create different paths.”

Ruth then invited everyone to reflect on one small action they could take to shift Ethiopia’s paradigm. The responses were simple yet profound: mentor one person, create safe community spaces, choose not to argue at home. Every action held the potential to have a  ripple effect across generations.

The Q&A closed with reminders of the power in the small and consistent: smiling, breathing, choosing joy, and even drinking water first thing in the morning. And then, Ruth mentioned that AWiB itself is a perfect example of the Butterfly Effect. What began 15 years ago as a small circle of bold women meeting once a month has since rippled outward—reshaping how women lead, connect, and show up for themselves across the city. The room, full of women who now mentor, hire, build, and believe in each other, was living proof. Every weekend session. Every forum. Every quiet “yes” to growth. These are the ripple effects. AWiB is not just a platform—it’s a movement, born of intention, sustained by resilience, and carried forward by women who keep showing up, even when no one else sees the vision.

As the session neared its close, Ruth asked the panelists how they’d like to be remembered. Lensa said she hoped to be known for always doing what her country needed. Shani, for taking on hard things without fear. Ruth, for never giving up.

By the end, the room was no longer just listening—they were co-creating. The energy had shifted from passive to purposeful. Ruth reminded us all: each of us holds influence. What we choose to do with it defines our legacy.

Jemila then returned to the stage to wrap up the session. In a heartfelt gesture, she presented the panelists and moderator with gifts on behalf of AWiB—as tokens of gratitude for the ripple effects they’ve already set in motion.

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