I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am the Director of UK Welcomes Refugees. Prior to that, I worked at Citizens UK as a community organiser and senior project manager.

My Fellowship was focused on refugee sponsorship and the role of civil society in that. I have been involved in the Refugees Welcome movement for a long time, but 2015 was a turning point as the crisis went from bad to worse. As I was travelling across UK, I had opportunities to meet people that were keen to welcome refugees and to help them integrate. Hence, I started to develop interest in refugee sponsorship in late 2015.

My Fellowship to Canada was to see refugee sponsorship in action and the role of civil society, universities, businesses, individuals and others. The organisation I am the director of is now promoting community sponsorship of refugees and is the perfect opportunity to implement what I have acquired through the Fellowship. I often say that the Churchill Fellowship was a life-changer for me, as it has helped me to think outside the boxes and see my dreams realised.

I have an active presence on social media and often write about Ethiopia.