Tsedale Kinfu: From Resilience to Leadership

Tsedale, born and raised in Addis Ababa, is the fourth of six children in a close-knit family. Her father, a conservative man, held her in special regard because she resembled his own mother. Her mother, a housewife with basic literacy skills, believed strongly in the transformative power of education, even though she had no formal schooling.

Despite their modest circumstances, her parents ensured Tsedale and her older brother attended a reputable public school. Living near the school, they were sent promptly as the bell rang and expected home immediately afterward, limiting Tsedale’s exposure to the outside world. This sheltered upbringing, while providing material needs, lacked guidance and mentorship. Looking back, Tsedale often wonders how different her life might have been if her mother had received formal education and could offer a broader perspective. This realization fueled her lifelong belief in the importance of education for women, who she sees as the pillars of any family.

A bright student, Tsedale’s academic journey hit a major hurdle when she failed the 12th-grade national exam. Disappointed but undeterred, her brother recognized her potential and enrolled her in Kotebe Metropolitan College. This was a turning point in her life, even if she did not realize it at the time.

Tsedale’s hard work paid off as she graduated with great distinction. The experience taught her that failure is not the end but rather an opportunity to explore new paths. After graduation, she secured a teaching job at a private school, which reignited memories of her childhood. Observing the stark differences in privilege between private and public school students, she determined to bridge the gap through education.

Although teaching wasn’t her initial ambition, Tsedale discovered her passion and purpose in it. Determined to advance her education, she joined Addis Ababa University’s extension program while continuing her teaching job. During this time, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature. However, realizing her true interests lay elsewhere, she later earned another bachelor’s degree in social anthropology.

Balancing work, studies, and family life was no small feat. Despite societal expectations and pressures, Tsedale prioritized her education and self-reliance. She believed that fulfilling her own potential would ultimately enable her to support her family and community better.

A significant milestone in Tsedale’s journey came when she received a scholarship for a master’s program at Addis Ababa University in collaboration  with the University of Bergen, Norway. The program required travel and full-time commitment, prompting interviewers to question whether her husband would allow her to participate. Her confident response—“This is my decision to make”—highlighted her determination to challenge societal norms about women’s independence.

Throughout the program, Tsedale continued to work, demonstrating resilience and a steadfast commitment to her career. She completed her master’s without compromising her professional responsibilities, a testament to her unwavering drive.

Her work is deeply personal. As a child, she lacked the guidance to discover her passions and navigate her future. Today, she strives to provide that support to children and mothers. “If children know what they want and who they are early on, their journey becomes much easier,” she explains. Empowering mothers is central to this vision. She believes that an empowered mother creates a strong family, which in turn builds a resilient community.

Tsedale’s professional journey had not been without its challenges. Early in her career, she has served as a Director for an CSO where she was the only woman among five co-founders. When disagreements arose, she was told that she had been brought into the team not for her leadership potential but because she “just a woman” and that they simply wanted her to serve as a female figurehead. This experience became a defining moment. She refused to let those words limit her potential and instead used them as motivation to forge her own path.

After years of teaching and working with CSOs, Tsedale co-founded the New Bright Community Development Center, where she now serves as the Director. The center focuses on education, youth development, women’s empowerment, and gender equality. Tsedale’s leadership involves strategizing, mobilizing resources, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve the organization’s vision of a self-confident, empowered, self-reliant society. 

Her current organization 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.” By addressing barriers such as lack of education, financial struggles, and societal perceptions, New Bright helps individuals realize their capabilities and pursue their goals.

Tsedale’s work extends beyond her organization. She mentors university students, sharing her experiences to prepare them for the professional world. Despite her demanding schedule, she finds immense joy in seeing young women grow confident and determined through her guidance.

Looking ahead, Tsedale envisions becoming a dedicated advocate for education and women’s empowerment. Inspired by models like Lebawi International School, she dreams of creating platforms where children can discover their passions alongside academics. “If schools focused on nurturing children’s dreams, we could shape a generation of self-confident leaders,” she says.

Amid her achievements, Tsedale remains deeply grateful for her family’s support. Her husband’s encouragement and her children’s resilience inspire her to keep striving. However, she acknowledges the need to balance work and family life better.

For Tsedale, leadership means positively influencing others, fostering their growth, and unlocking their potential while continuing to grow herself. She believes challenges are essential for growth, describing them as the “spice of life.” Her advice to women facing obstacles is simple yet profound: “Shut out the noise, stay determined, and believe in your potential.”

Tsedale expressed deep appreciation for AWiB, acknowledging its significant role in pushing women beyond their comfort zones and fostering personal and professional growth. She emphasized the importance of expanding AWiB’s reach throughout the nation, highlighting the potential for a significant positive impact.

Tsedale advocated for the expansion of programs like the MERI Mentorship Program, recognizing its potential to empower younger generations and cultivate a future pipeline of talented and empowered individuals. By reaching a wider segment of the population, AWiB could create a larger community of individuals who embody its values and contribute to positive societal change.

Tsedale, a participant in the Haset Women Leadership Program, expressed her gratitude for being part of this transformative initiative. The program initiated by the Packard Foundation, developed by Emerge Plc, and implemented by AWiB, Haset aims to empower women by addressing the gender gap in CSO leadership through networking, sisterhood, visibility, communication, and self-promotion. 

Tsedale chose Haset over an Indian training program she had the opportunity to attend at the time. She highlighted her decision given the program’s immense value despite its demanding schedule. She emphasized personal and professional growth in sessions like Time Management that she has gained since joining the program. Tsedale witnessed its impact in the strong network of inspiring women she built.  Recognizing that Haset’s impact extends beyond professional development, she expressed confidence in the second cohort’s ability to benefit greatly from the learnings and experience of the first. 

AWiB extends HER heartfelt gratitude to Tsedale for her inspiring journey of resilience and unwavering commitment to empowering women and wishes her continued success in her endeavors to create a brighter future for generations to come.

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