Meri Alumni Network Launch and Reunion
The Meri Alumni Network Launch and Reunion organized by the Meri Alumni will be taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 5:40 PM.
Meri was first launched by Earuyan Solutions in 2019 and later implemented by AWiB in 2022. Over the course of the five years since its launch, it has successfully graduated over 300 participants who have secured employment within esteemed organizations such as AWiB, Huawei, Habesha Breweries, Heineken, First Consult, Chapa, Nokia, Flipper International School, and among others.
The Meri program is designed to empower final-year female university students through a transformative journey of purpose driven life, and career readiness, to provide a range of training, including self-discovery, self-confidence, time management, personal branding, effective communication, professional acumen, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, sales, and public speaking skills.
This event seeks to celebrate the program’s impact, showcase the achievements of Meri alumni launch Alumni Network, and reinstate the program by creating a platform to mobilize resources and networks.
The event is brought to you by U Report who have generously sponsored the venue.
What is the goal of the event?
- Establish the Meri Alumni Network: The Meri Alumni will form a network where they will be able to contribute towards the reinstatement of the Meri program.
- Celebrate Meri’s Impact: To showcase the transformative power of the Meri program through alumni testimonials and success stories.
- Reconnect and Re-engage: To provide a platform for Meri graduates, strengthen their bonds.
- Mobilize Resources: To raise funds and mobilize resources (financial, in-kind, and networks) for supporting the launch of the Meri Alumni Network which will ultimately be contributed towards the reinstatement of the Meri program.
- Inspire Action and Awareness: To inspire alumni and supporters to take an active role in the program’s future to ensure its sustainability and raise awareness on the program.
- Engage female youth leaders and participants: To learn more about U Report and become part of the program.
Who will be attending the event?
- All Cohort Graduates of the Meri Program
- Meri Program Mentors and Trainers
- Potential Donors and Sponsors
- Partners and Supporters
What activities will be happening during the event?
- Showcasing Success: Alumni testimonials, presentations, and video documentaries highlighting the impact of the Meri program on their lives and careers.
- Networking Sessions: Structured and informal opportunities for alumni to connect with each other, mentors, trainers, and potential donors.
- Fundraising Appeal: A compelling presentation outlining the need for funds and a clear call to action for donations and support.
- Panel Discussion: Meri graduates will talk about how the program impacted their lives
Program
To join the program, support Meri or get further information please contact +251 992 895 819 or +251 938 525 857
Keynote Speaker
Siham Ayele, AWiB 2023 Board Member and Director of Operations at Africa Jobs Network
Siham, as a political science and international relations scholar, found her passion in addressing the socio-economic problems related to youth unemployment. Siham finds comfort in books and keeping journals.
Her enthusiasm and desire led her to her current position to practice her love for knowledge-sharing. She believes the youth has untapped potential but no system to unlock their potential or dreams.
Keynote Speaker
Samrawit Moges, CEO of Travel Ethiopia, FCBC
Samrawit is the CEO of Travel Ethiopia, a prominent travel company. Samrawit is praised for the noticeable women-empowerment programs she launched and her “eco-friendly” approach toward tourism. After college, Samrawit joined National Tour Operation (NTO) for 10 years. In 1994 she founded Travel Ethiopia with her husband and business partner. With more than 25 years of experience, the company offers clients both established roots and tailor-made itineraries.
Samrawit is also involved in other business ventures: Village Ethiopia & Bilen Lodge in Afar (1998); Florensses Ethiopia (2004); and Freesia Ethiopia, a flower-growing business (2007). Samrawit is a founding member of the Alliance for Women Entrepreneurs Program (AWEP Ethiopia), the Addis-Africa International Convention & Exhibition Center (AAICEC), and the Association of Women in Boldness (AWiB).
MCs
Mercy Habte, UI/UX designer
Mercy is a UI/UX designer and software engineering graduate who is passionate about creating user-centered digital solutions. Being part of the Meri Leadership Program has been a beautiful and transformative experience that shaped not only my leadership but also my mindset. Meri taught me to lead with empathy, embrace emotional intelligence and use my voice with confidence. It helped me realize that true impact happens when creativity is driven by purpose a lesson I carry into every design I create and every team I collaborate with.
Niyat Alem, Clinical Pharmacist
Niyat is a clinical pharmacist whose impact extends beyond the clinic into healthcare transformation and systems improvement. With expertise in strategy, quality improvement, and data-informed decision-making, she designs tools and processes that make healthcare safer and more responsive. A creative at heart, Niyat is also a writer, photographer, and visual storyteller, using multimedia to educate, influence, and inspire change. Rooted in service and driven by purpose, she thrives where systems need rethinking and ideas demand action. As a proud MERI alumna, she brings structured, solution-oriented leadership into every space—with clarity, creativity, and a powerful can-do spirit.
Panelists
Milki Dejene, Meri Leadership Program’s First Cohort Alumni
Milki is a passionate HR and L&D professional dedicated to youth empowerment and leadership development. Currently Training Lead at R&D, she excels in recruitment, performance management, and designing impactful training programs. At Dereja, she coordinated nationwide youth initiatives and led the selection process for three cohorts of the Meri Leadership Program.
A proud Meri alumna, Milki champions AWiB’s mission to empower women and actively engages in advocacy for children’s rights and environmental protection. With a BSc in Environmental Engineering and an MA in Project Management, she inspires change through talent development and inclusive leadership.
Angatu Eshetu, Meri Leadership Program’s Third Cohort Alumni
Angatu is a Tax Associate at Deloitte Ethiopia, where she also serves as the office’s Sustainability Representative. With a background in Accounting and Finance, she brings both technical expertise and a passion for driving impact through corporate sustainability initiatives.
As a proud alumna of the 3rd cohort of the Meri Leadership and Mentorship Program, she continues to apply her leadership skills to promote youth development and environmental responsibility in the workplace and beyond.
Solome Tadele, Marketing and Communication Officer
Solome is the Marketing and Communication Officer at Zero One Zero One Tech & Entrepreneurship PLC. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing Management and Clinical Pharmacy and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Relations and Strategic Communication.
With additional certification in News and Journalism, Solome brings a solid background in content creation, project facilitation, and marketing strategy. As an AWiB alumni, Solome remains committed to continuous learning, impactful communication, and empowering women through leadership and innovation.
Moderator
Yodit Gidey, COO of Gidey Gebrehiwot Enterprise
Yodit is the Chief Operating Officer for Gidey Gebrehiwot Enterprise. Prior to leading the GG Team, Yodit was Project Manager with AWiB and office manager for The Dental Suite in Washington D.C. Born in Addis, Yodit grew up in Colorado where she cultivated her passion for photography, studied and worked as a photojournalist. One of the highlights of Yodit’s career is covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver (2008) for The Durango Herald.
Yodit has numerous awards from the AP and Society of Professional Journalists. Through YOYO PHOTO, Yodit has provided her photography services. She has been part of solo and group exhibitions in Colorado and D.C. Since 2019, Yodit has sharpened her Master of Ceremonies skills through AWiB including involvement in Women of Excellence (2023) and Meri Medrek (2022, 2024).
Testimonial
Mihret Ayele, Meri Leadership Program’s Forth Cohort Alumni
Mihret Ayele is a health care professional who is pursuing her MPH degree and holds an undergraduate degree in Clinical Oriented Pharmacy. Mihret has a work profile in public health , climate education and possess the passion of leaving and living through the world better than how she had first found it .
An ardent lover of shaping communities, Mihret believes that Meri is the perfect stop for any young girl who is looking for a space to connect with like minded fellow changer makers to dissect leadership. As a member of Meri’s fourth cohort, she claims her experience has been one which she’d always feel grateful and privilege to delve in.
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