UPG Viewer

32 Years Old

Ethiopia

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am a sustainability advocate and leader with a passion for driving impactful change in communities. My journey began with a strong foundation in Information Technology, culminating in a B.Sc. from Mekelle Institute of Technology. During my academic journey, I developed an Arduino-based GSM waste bin monitoring system, sparking my commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable solutions.
Over the years, I have expanded my contributions through various roles, including being an ESRAG Solar Panel Champion, where I promote renewable energy adoption and community empowerment. My dedication to sustainability deepened through a short online course by Florida south west University, which equipped me with practical skills to tackle pressing environmental challenges effectively.
I’ve also had the privilege of participating in transformative leadership programs such as the Netsebrak Leadership Conference 2024, organized by Inspired Development and AFLEX, where I enhanced my leadership capabilities and strengthened my network. As an active member and volunteer with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) and the Enfluencers(Youth print) Community, I’ve worked on initiatives that integrate sustainability with youth empowerment by participating in pre and post COP forums .Notably, I lead the Green Cycle Initiative, focusing on responsible e-waste and medical waste management within a circular economy framework, directly addressing global sustainability challenges.
These experiences, coupled with my entrepreneurial involvement in the Safe Light Initiative and projects under Reach for Change – Ethiopia, have shaped me into a leader who values collaboration, innovation, and action. My journey reflects a relentless drive to build a sustainable and equitable future, leveraging my technical expertise and leadership skills to inspire meaningful change in communities worldwide

Collaborative Leadership, Innovative Thinking ,Community Engagement ,Resilience and Determination, Strategic Vision, Environmental Advocacy, Research and Development Expertise ,Effective Communication, Entrepreneurial Mindset ,Adaptability.

Collaborative Leadership

During the development of the Green E-Cycle Initiative, I relied on my collaborative leadership skills to address critical challenges in e-waste management. Recognizing that tackling this issue required diverse expertise and resources, I brought together key partners, including Reach for Change, Mellela Partners, and iceaddis.
This approach was greatly influenced by my experience at the Netsebrak Leadership Conference, organized by Inspired Development. There, I learned about the principles of servant leadership as emphasized by the conference’s main organizer, the founder of Inspired Development. The concept of servant leadership reinforced the importance of prioritizing collaboration and empowering others to contribute their strengths toward a shared vision.
Applying these insights, I facilitated open discussions, ensured that every stakeholder’s perspective was valued, and aligned our collective efforts toward shared goals. This collaborative environment enabled us to design a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for recycling e-waste, secure funding, and increase public awareness about e-waste challenges.
The results were transformative: we developed an innovative recycling framework, strengthened partnerships, and positioned our initiative for long-term sustainability. This experience reinforced my belief that true leadership lies in serving others, fostering collaboration, and uniting efforts to achieve something greater than any individual contribution.

Yes, I have extensive experience as a volunteer.
As a member of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Volunteer Corps, I organized workshops and events to equip young people with teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Through this, I fostered personal growth and inspired collective action within my community.
Additionally, with the Enfluencers /youth print Community, I have supported sustainability-focused initiatives that integrate environmental advocacy with human rights. This involved leading awareness campaigns and promoting community-based solutions to environmental challenges.
From these experiences, I’ve learned the principles of servant leadership, the value of collaboration, and the critical role of empathy in addressing societal needs. These lessons have deeply shaped my commitment to sustainability and community-driven change.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project, I would focus on a community-based e-waste recycling and awareness initiative. The project would educate local communities about the environmental impact of e-waste and provide accessible recycling solutions. With the increasing reliance on electronic devices, the improper disposal of e-waste is a growing concern. By establishing a recycling program, I would not only help reduce waste but also create job opportunities in the recycling sector. The project aligns with my passion for sustainability, circular economy principles, and my goal to promote responsible e-waste management practices within my community.

Awareness and Engagement: Many people may not understand the importance of proper e-waste disposal, or they may not be motivated to change their habits. To overcome this, I would conduct awareness campaigns through social media, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. This will help communicate the project’s value and build momentum.

Logistics and Infrastructure: Establishing a recycling system requires proper infrastructure and logistics. Securing funding, sourcing recycling equipment, and setting up collection points may be difficult. I would address this challenge by collaborating with local governments, businesses, and NGOs to share resources and access grants.

Behavioral Change: Encouraging people to adopt responsible disposal habits can be difficult. I would overcome this challenge by providing incentives, such as discounts or rewards for recycling e-waste, and by making the recycling process as simple as possible.

About 100 people

Yes

SafeLight Initiative,GIL (Green Innovation Lab)-Reach for Change,ALX-Ethiopia,Ice -addis, The youth print ,AFLEX (African Leadership Excellence Academy) and Inspired Development, ..

SafeLight Initiative: As a graduate of its Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy, I have access to its resources and network to coordinate logistics and promote the session to youth-focused participants aligned with SDGs. GIL (Green Innovation Lab) Program – Reach for Change: Through this program, I can utilize expert guidance, training tools, and outreach channels focused on innovative sustainability solutions. The Youth Print: As a team member involved in pre- and post-COP forums, I can leverage their climate change expertise and youth network to engage participants and enrich the content of the mini-training. Their reputation in climate action ensures the program resonates with young climate advocates. ALX: As a graduate of the 2024 Entrepreneurship Class, I can access their alumni network, which provides credibility and connections, and potentially use their resources for logistics or promotional support. AFLEX (African Leadership Excellence Academy): They can offer strategic leadership guidance and facilitate connections with stakeholders interested in sustainability projects. Ice Addis: My training with Ice Addis equips me with the skills to create engaging digital content for t

I was unable to create a dedicated 2-minute video for this application due to time constraints. Instead, I am submitting the link to my project pitch video from the Reach for Change event at Skylight Hotel. For the pitch, I chose to present in English, selecting it from the available options of Amharic or a mix of both languages. My presentation begins at the 25-minute mark in the video and effectively highlights my project’s vision, goals, and potential impact. It demonstrates my ability to communicate ideas clearly to a diverse audience, aligning with the application requirements. Along with the video, I have included a photo of the event link for additional context. Thank you for considering this as part of my application.

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