Meheret is a dedicated humanitarian leader with over a decade of experience in development and humanitarian programs. She is a Director of Education in Emergency, managing projects for 14 partners, and earlier as a Chief of Party, where she led a national Early Childhood Development program across five Ethiopian regions, improving learning for children affected by conflict and drought.
She also directed a humanitarian, multisectoral program funded by various donors; engaged in MEAL and multisectoral national program coordination with diverse stakeholders, including CSOs, government, donors, and UN agencies.
She holds a BSc, MPH, MA in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, and an MBA from the University of East London. Meheret empowers young leaders through mentorship and volunteers at an orphanage.
The Leader in Me
Over the years, I have come to understand that my passion for humanitarian work is inseparable from my calling as a leader. This realization emerged gradually, shaped by my experiences responding to crises and supporting communities in need. I often found myself stepping forward—coordinating partners, guiding teams, and creating clarity in moments of uncertainty. Yet true leadership, I learned, requires more than responsibility. It requires purpose, self-awareness, and continuous growth. My journey through development and humanitarian programs, especially in roles such as Director of Education in Emergency and Chief of Party, has given me countless opportunities to refine these qualities while serving children and families affected by various adversities, as- conflict and drought.
One of the most transformative lessons I have embraced is the power of authentic leadership. In managing national and multisectoral programs—engaging CSOs, government leaders, donors, and UN agencies—I discovered that transparency and integrity build the trust necessary for meaningful change. Leading authentically has allowed me to stay grounded in my values, especially when navigating complex humanitarian environments. It reminds me that leadership is not about authority but about showing up with honesty, consistency, and compassion for the people we serve.
I have also grown deeply committed to transformational leadership. Whether overseeing 13 partner organizations through education-in-emergency initiatives or guiding an Early Childhood Development and multisectoral program across various Ethiopian regions, I have learned that effective leadership means inspiring collective purpose while supporting individual growth. I strive to create spaces where teams feel empowered, motivated, and connected to the vision we share—where their contributions lead not only to program success but also to personal development.
As a woman in leadership, I feel a profound responsibility to uplift and mentor others. My academic journey—earning a BSc, an MPH, an MA in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, and an MBA—has equipped me with knowledge, but mentoring young leaders and volunteering at an orphanage have given my leadership a heart. I want to ensure that women and young professionals have the guidance and support that were once difficult for me to find.
Leadership, for me, is an evolving journey of service, resilience, and empowerment. With each step, I remain committed to leading with integrity, driving positive change, and inspiring others—especially women—to rise, lead confidently, and transform their communities.