Hilina Belete, born in Addis Ababa, is currently the Operations Director at Hilina Enriched Foods Plc.

This young woman is responsible for the smooth operations of a large scale industry. As Operations Director, her duties include and are not limited to:

• Managing the smooth operation of the organization’s manufacturing
• Overseeing the tasks of Logistics, Procurement & Sales
• Capacity Building of the Operations department
• Designing new business lines & its operations
• Liaising with customers regarding requests & negotiations, complaints & forecasts
• Managing the cash flow of the company in close relation to the Finance Department
• Seeking new growth opportunities for the business

AWiB asked Hilina to answer some questions to learn more about this young rising star who was also a guest during the May 2013 forum.

What jobs have you been engaged in before and with what organizations?

I have only worked in Hilina Foods except for three months internship in Nutriset, France in different posts

What charitable and philanthropic endeavors are you currently engaged in? In the past?

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society since 2011

What organizations and associations have you founded or co-founded and what was your aim in doing so?

I have co founded Bless Agri Food Laboratory along with our family. The aim was to fill the gap in the market where Ethiopia had no accredited reliable testing facility for its Agricultural outputs. Ethiopia’s economy mainly being led by agriculture and seeing this gap led us to decide in establishing this organization. Ensuring food safety & helping government institutions to monitor imported goods against food safety was the other reason to establish this organization.

How do you give back to the community?

Creating jobs, supporting the community development (building schools, roads, water well etc)

What is your most important accomplishment?

I was selected to testifying about the role of our company in the fight against malnutrition in Ethiopia in the First Ladies meeting of Africa and our company’s model was recommended to be replicated by all African countries.

What leisure time activities are you involved with?

Swimming is one of my favorites.

What have you learned over your lifetime that you’d like to share with the younger generation?

I believe everything is the sooner started the better. There are many opportunities for the youth of Africa. All eyes are on the youth of Africa. Tapping into the opportunities is our responsibility!

What are you most grateful for in your life?

My family

What other information would you like to share about yourself that you believe will inspire readers?

I have had the opportunity of meeting Secretary of State H.E Hillary Clinton with regards to her initiative of African Women Entrepreneurship Program. I have also had the exposure of meeting brilliant minds of the world and visiting the largest consumer food manufacturing companies in the world due to mine & company’s success in the industry.

AWiB wishes Hilina much success in her endeavors.

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