For Dr. Hanna, resilience was not a choice, it was a way of life. Born in Wollega, in the small town of Ayira Guliso, she spent her earliest years in the peaceful countryside with her grandparents. At the age of three, she began traveling with her parents as their work took them across Ethiopia, an experience that shaped her adaptability and curiosity from a young age. By seventh grade, she had lived in several towns, learning to adjust to constant change.

Being the first child and only daughter came with great responsibility. She helped raise her younger siblings, managed the home, and carried the weight of being a role model while her parents traveled. Her childhood may not have been filled with carefree play, but it instilled in her a profound sense of purpose and accountability, the foundation of her strength.

After completing high school, she did not achieve the grades required for university entry, yet she refused to let that define her. Instead she took a different route and she joined  Kotebe College of Teacher Education (KCTE) for a one-year teaching certificate and passed with distinction which helped her to pursue college education up to PhD in Applied Psychology, specializing in Knowledge Management. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with postdoctoral studies, deepening her expertise and expanding her impact.

During her undergraduate studies, she gave birth to her first son, a moment that could have discouraged her but instead strengthened her resolve. “I wanted to show him that he was a blessing, not a setback,” she recalls. To support herself and her child, she taught during the day and sold fruits, vegetables, and eggs to make ends meet. Every challenge became a stepping stone toward something greater.

Her career began teaching children with special needs as her educational background is — English Language and Special Needs Education. As the situation had it, not many children with special ED were enrolled in many school systems.  She was led to teach English against her true passion. To fulfill her dream of working in special Ed she started tutoring kids with special needs, including students from the International Community School (ICS). Her dedication impressed parents, and their recommendations led to an official role at ICS. Hanna also continued her tutoring.

One encounter, however, would change her life. One of the students she tutored was Chinese, which created an opportunity for her to meet the Chinese ambassador at an event. When he asked her about her dream, she boldly replied that she would want to excel as an educator and to improve the quality of education in Ethiopia. That conversation led to a scholarship in China, where she completed her PhD and postdoctoral studies and she also earned a  recognition of “highly talented foreign scholar”.

When she came home for a break, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, preventing her from going back. At this time a reporter discovered her through her Facebook posts about completing marathons, which led to a TV segment titled “The Doctor Who Runs Marathons”. Introducing her to a wider audience eventually led to her appointment as Head of Arada Sub City. Though politics had never been her ambition, she embraced the role as a way to serve.

As a leader, Dr. Hanna prioritized accessibility and empathy. “I didn’t have security guards at my office because I wanted people to feel welcome,” she says. Under her leadership, Arada Sub City launched pioneering initiatives, including the youth mindset training program “Kininet le Aradinet”, held every Sunday, which allowed her and her volunteer team to mentor many young people. During her tenure as Bureau Head of Women and Social Affairs, she spearheaded early childhood development programs, meal initiatives for pregnant women and mothers with children under three, and established centers to support mothers and children. In addition, she personally conducted women empowerment training, reaching more than 10,000 women across 11 sub cities. “Leadership is about learning, being empathetic, and helping others grow,” she reflects..

Beyond public service, Dr. Hanna continues to inspire through her work as Managing Partner and Program Director at Mindset Solutions, alongside Dr. Mehret Debebe. Her mission is to help others transform their mindsets, strengthen their purpose, and build meaningful lives. She also teaches for free each semester at Kotebe Metropolitan University, mentors young people, and supports children in need. “Education should benefit the community,” she says. “It’s not about collecting degrees; it’s about serving others.”

Her philosophy is rooted in gratitude and growth. “I am grateful for every breath, for my achievements, my family, and the chances God gave me,” she reflects. “I’ve worked hard, but I’ve also been blessed, and I don’t take any of it for granted.”

Dr. Hanna sets big goals, breaks them into smaller steps, and celebrates every milestone. “Every day is a celebration,” she says. “I might not have reached the big goal yet, but every little step gets me closer.” This mindset has guided her through every chapter of her life—from student to scholar, mother to leader.

She believes that empowerment begins within. “There’s nothing we can’t do if we set our minds to it,” she says. Once convinced she could not run, she completed several half-marathons and even inspired her mother to start 10 km races at the age of 50. Her journey continues to motivate women and girls to challenge their limitations and embrace their power.

For Dr. Hanna, legacy is not about titles or recognition—it’s about the women she inspires along the way. “Legacy is built every single day,” she says. “I want to see women who know who they are and where they’re going.”

In her free time, she enjoys long walks and heartfelt conversations with her oldest son, and playful moments with her youngest. These quiet times, she says, bring her true joy.

Her message to AWiB captures the spirit of her journey:

“I’m so grateful for what AWiB is doing. To have a community of women supporting each other is a gift. Women’s biggest challenge is that we don’t network enough. AWiB creates a space where we can connect, share, and grow together. You are touching lives without even realizing it. Keep going.”

Dr. Hanna’s story reminds us that resilience, purpose, and service are powerful forces—capable of transforming not just one woman’s life, but generations to come.

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