Spotlight

For Mihret, advocacy is not just a profession—it’s a way of life. She consistently challenges organizations to be more inclusive, asking the critical question: “How do you include people with disabilities in your work?”.

Helen grew up in the village of Haromaya in eastern Ethiopia, the fourth child among five siblings. While the community of the area is known for its laid-back lifestyle, her mother was a firm believer in the power of education and ran a strict household, ensuring that the education of her children was a priority.

Tsedale co-founded the New Bright Community Development Center which has impacted over 7,000 women, youth, and children in just eight years. “This is not charity,” Tsedale emphasizes. “It’s about supporting others to unleash their potential.”

AWiB is turning heads and making waves. HER music wakes you from nightmares and inspires dreams to come true. AWiB provides the platform, support, tools and safe space for self-reflection, self-expression and inspiration so that women stand strong on their ground and make their dreams come true.

It’s not often that a leader counts “moving on” as a definitive sign of success. But for Misrak Makonnen, Ethiopia Country Director of Amref Health Africa, the largest African-led NGO, a field visit to a thriving young women’s cooperative crystallized why she got into the development sector.

Emebet Melese (PhD), the newly appointed President of the Ethiopian Development Bank was born the sixth child in a family of seven in Hosana, 230 km south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Netsehet Workneh, the 6th child among 7 siblings, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a loving family. Growing up, Netsehet enjoyed various outdoor games. Her Education started at German School in Addis Ababa which closed under the Derg regime and subsequently had to switch to Kidanemihret Primary School and later to Nazareth School for her high school education until she left for Germany at the age of 16. Netsehet moved to Germany following her mother’s appointment at the Ethiopian Embassy in Berlin.

Tigist Ambaw: The Purpose-Driven Leader Tigist Ambaw was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is the third child in a traditionally structured Ethiopian family that deeply values cultural

Hanna, the eldest of six siblings, was born and raised in Addis Ababa. Hanna’s childhood was marked by peace…