Photo Credit: Tsinat Studio

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the flame of Meri reignited as Meri Alumni organized their reunion and launched the Meri Alumni Network. With the passionate support of Hana Melese, AWiB’s Program Coordinator, the event came to life. It was a celebration of leadership, legacy, and community. Sponsored by U-Report of UNICEF, the event was held at Saphire Hotel and welcomed alumni, mentors, trainers, and new supporters for an unforgettable afternoon of reflection and recommitment.

Launched in 2019 by Earuyan Solutions and implemented by AWiB since 2022, the Meri Leadership Program has graduated over 300 young women, with not just career readiness skills but also bold leadership in all aspects of life. The Meri Alumni Network is a union to stay connected, share the impact, and ultimately contribute towards the reinstatement of the Meri program. While the program was discontinued to a lack of adequate funding, the initiative by Meri Alumni builds hope towards its future reinstatement.

The event began with a heartfelt welcome and inspiring remarks from Siham Ayele, AWiB 2023 Board Member, Hiwot Gebeyehu, Social Policy Officer representing U Report and Samrawit Moges, CEO of Travel Ethiopia and FCBC member, who reminded the graduates that leadership grounded in values and community is the key to sustainable impact.

A compelling testimony by Miheret Ayele, a graduate of the fourth cohort who campaigns for climate education, revealed the depth of personal transformation Meri had inspired in her. “Meri made leadership real,” she shared, reaffirming the essence of the program’s impact.

The panel discussion brought the spotlight to alumni now contributing to their respective industries; Milki Dejene, Training Lead at R&D, Angatu Eshetu, Tax Associate at Deloitte and Solome Tadele, Marketing and Communication Officer at 0101 Tech. The discussion was moderated by Yodit Gidey, CEO of Gidey Enterprise. They spoke of Meri as a launchpad, mirror, and mentor, crediting it with building the confidence and clarity that now define their professional journeys.

The reunion not only shared stories of Meri’s impact but also ignited action. A vibrant fundraising session, led by Yodit, saw alumni and guests pledging resources, time, and talent to support the next generation of young female leaders. Contributions were not only financial but deeply personal, reaffirming Meri as a community sustained by shared purpose.

With closing remarks from Mesfin Asfaw, Managing Partner at Paradigm Consultancy and mentor in the Meri program, the event ended not in conclusion, but with rising momentum. 

The Meri Alumni Network is now officially launched, a space where past, present, and future leaders can unite to enact bold change within their industries and communities.

Read the full recap of the event.

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