DEREJE FEREDE

Dereje Mulat Ferede is a lecturer in University of Gondar, ERP project coordinator, Sr. Business Analysts, and IT specialist. He received his B.Sc. degree in Information Science from Jimma University, and M.Sc. degree in Information Systems from Addis Ababa University. Currently, he is a PhD student in the field of Information Systems at Addis Ababa University. He got numerous certificates in training completion from well-known international technology companies such as Cisco, and IBM.

“Embrace the Journey”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!

I was a lecturer in University of Gondar, ERP project coordinator, Sr. Business Analysts, and IT specialist. I received my B.Sc. degree in Information Science from Jimma University, and M.Sc. degree in Information Systems from Addis Ababa University. Currently, I am a PhD student in the field of Information Systems at Addis Ababa University. My research interest areas are Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems Security, Digital Strategy and Transformation.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

Climate Change, Global Health, Political Instability, Education and Skills Gap.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

One of the challenges occured in the process of conducting my research. There was funding constraints, unavailability of data, and balancing work-life.

I applied different approaches to overcome these challenges. For instance, demonstrating resilience, seeking mentorship and guidance, collaborating with peers and continuously developing my skills and knowledge.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

For guidance, contextual understanding and overall advice.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

Professional development, adaptation to change, connection and empathy.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

Ethiopia Commodity Exchange

Q: Share with us a motto you live by.

"Embrace the Journey".

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?

If I had the necessary resources to launch the project of my dreams, I would focus on advancing the field of AI and its applications in ways that benefit society. For instance, providing awareness training to health professionals on adopting and using AI technologies in the healthcare sector to eliminate digital divide and unequitable health access.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add? 

Thank you!