Today marks my 1st year anniversary at AWiB – just ten days before May Forum! (If only I could celebrate it by raising more funds 😉)

This year has been unlike any other—one of deep self-awareness and conscious growth. Both professionally and personally, I’ve come face-to-face with my strengths, my weaknesses, and everything in between. For the first time in my life, I’ve been able to say, “I am truly grateful for everything I’ve received.”

The journey hasn’t been easy; in fact, it’s been one of the toughest and most demanding chapters of my life. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding. Your belief in me gave me the push I needed to step into this space, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

I still remember my interview like it was yesterday. I was nervous, sitting in Nahu’s office while she touched up her lipstick. I asked if she wanted privacy, and she replied, “What does privacy mean? People need privacy when they’re doing something they’re ashamed of.” That moment stuck with me. The interview felt more like a reality check—maybe even a group therapy session! And that’s when the AWiB lessons began.

I’m beyond grateful for the people I’ve met along the way—the incredible women I work with, who I can trust, rely on, and learn from every single day.

Nahu I’m thankful to have come to know you. Thank you for being my “ምርኩዝ”—your grounding presence and unwavering strength held me through moments I didn’t know I could stand
Lidya the reason I’m here. Thank you for thinking of me and recommending me to AWiB, and thank you for being tough on me—for pushing me to rise higher when it got uncomfortable.
Betty your soothing voice calms the storms—thank you for your grounding energy.
Ephrathah our morning chats are little windows into new ways of seeing things—thank you for always offering a different lens.
Helina thank you for your steady calm and quiet strength that holds more than it shows.
Hana your honesty is refreshing and needed—thank you for always keeping it real.

This year has been full of lessons, laughter, discomfort (EXTREME!), and transformation—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Here’s to many more impactful years ahead—rooted in growth, grounded in teamwork, and driven by shared success.

Wishing you all a purposeful week and an extraordinary year! 🌟💪🏽🌱

Written by: Bethlehem Hailu (Bita)

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