AMF was established in 2020 to honor the memory of her late father, the former president of the Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Through AMF, Meaza’s goal is to honor her father’s memory by helping build a generation of leaders who will contribute to the future of Ethiopia.
Her academic background in development drives her passion for sustainable development and social change. In addition to her work at the foundation, Meaza also serves as a researcher at the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), contributing to the Behind the Scene Project, which focuses on youth empowerment and gender-based inequities in Africa’s creative sector.
Meaza holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea.
The Leader in Me
My life began in the core of Addis Ababa, a setting that instantly immersed me in a culture defined by unity, religious diversity, and mutual accommodation. This exposure coupled with regular interactions between my urban neighborhood and visitors from rural areas afforded me an understanding to accept and appreciate multiple cultures.
The cornerstone of my personal identity is the powerful tradition of female leadership established by my family. Growing up surrounded by dominant, independent women including foremothers who were community leaders with substantial resources and power. I was never given room to feel inferior. Instead, I developed a strong pride in my identity and purpose. As a mother of two sons, I am dedicated to passing this perspective forward by involving them in household duties and modeling leadership. I am ensuring they develop a positive, respectful outlook on women, raising them to be good partners and allies in the future.
Academically, a university education was my childhood aspiration. I am grateful to have fulfilled this dream at Addis Ababa University, achieving both my BA and MA in my desired field. Right now, I am pursuing a career in peacebuilding, which is both incredibly challenging and deeply satisfying. My work is hands-on; I am directly involved in designing, carrying out, and assessing projects. My overall leadership responsibilities include setting clear goals, building strong teams, fostering resilience, and leading with conviction and commitment. This work is a realization of my childhood vision: a desire to see a peaceful and unified Ethiopia. In the future, I plan to dedicate my efforts to the area of women’s well-being. I want to contribute to the growth and development of women, families, and communities, especially those facing difficult circumstances across Ethiopia.
I am currently focusing on learning and developing the skills needed to make my life purpose a reality. I recognize now more than ever that I am in charge of my own life and accountable for the decisions I make. I also deeply value networking and partnerships, understanding that when we work together, we leverage our diverse strengths. I aim to create a positive impact in my leadership roles, believing that leadership is an ongoing journey of growth, not a final destination, and every step along the way is worth celebrating. Through all of this, I know that maintaining a balanced mindset and taking care of my personal well-being is the crucial secret to staying productive and effective.