THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

ATHENA & TELEMACHUS ALUMNI

ZEBURA KEMAL

Zebura is from Ethiopia and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Hydraulic and Water Resource Engineering and Marketing Management. She is a visionary and empathetic professional who believes deeply in the transformative power of resilience and hope. Zebura serves as a Master Trainer at the Ministry of Peace, where she empowers young people through entrepreneurship and leadership development. She also designs inclusive programs for persons with disabilities at STEM Power Inc.

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

I'm Zebura Kemal Dawud from Ethiopia. I grew up in a small rural community where life was simple, and people relied on one another. My family taught me the importance of honesty, hard work, and education, even though opportunities were limited. One experience that shaped my life happened when I was twelve years old. There was no secondary school in my hometown, so I had to leave my family and move to another town to continue my education. Living alone at such a young age was challenging, but it taught me independence and resilience. Looking back, I believe those experiences helped me become stronger and appreciate the value of education. Today, I work with young people and communities through training, coaching, and entrepreneurship programs. Seeing others gain confidence and create opportunities for themselves brings me great joy and gives meaning to the work I do.

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

Like many countries, Ethiopia faces several challenges. Youth unemployment is one of the biggest. Many young people have talent, ideas, and dreams, but they do not always have access to the opportunities and resources they need to turn those dreams into reality. Women and people living in rural areas also face barriers to education, technology, and economic opportunities. However, I am encouraged by the determination and creativity I see among young people. Their energy and hope inspire me and make me optimistic about the future.

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

Leaving home at the age of 12 to continue my education was one of the biggest challenges I faced. Being away from my family taught me how to rely on myself and adapt to new environments. Later in life, balancing studies, work, and personal responsibilities was not always easy. There were times when I felt uncertain or overwhelmed, but I learned to take things one step at a time. I found strength in staying focused on my goals, continuing to learn, and believing that difficult moments do not last forever.

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

I believe mentors help us see possibilities that we sometimes cannot see ourselves. A mentor provides guidance, encouragement, and a different perspective that can make a big difference. I have been fortunate to have Hiba as my mentor through the Global Thinkers Forum Mentoring Programme. From the beginning, we built a relationship based on trust and open communication. Together, we set goals and worked consistently toward them. I am grateful that we were able to achieve what we planned, and I truly appreciate the support and wisdom she shared throughout the journey. Beyond the goals themselves, our conversations helped me grow in confidence and think more clearly about my future.

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

Life has taught me that our beginnings do not determine our destination. No matter where we come from or how difficult the journey may seem, perseverance and continuous learning can open doors we never imagined. I have also learned that growth takes time. Sometimes progress is slow, but every small step matters. Most importantly, I believe that kindness and helping others always leave a lasting impact.

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! 

One organization that I deeply admire is Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Ethiopia. I have had the privilege of working with DOT in various roles, including Community Facilitator, Trainer, Coach, Business Advisor, and Digital Entrepreneurship Trainer. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand how DOT empowers young people and women with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. Beyond the impact it has on communities, DOT has had a profound impact on my own journey. It has helped me grow professionally and personally, strengthening my confidence, leadership, and ability to support others. DOT believed in my potential and equipped me with the skills and experiences that have shaped who I am today. What inspires me most about DOT Ethiopia is its commitment to creating opportunities for young people to become innovators, leaders, and changemakers in their communities. I believe its work is transforming lives and contributing to a more inclusive and hopeful future for Ethiopia.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in Ethiopia still face challenges related to economic opportunities, leadership representation, and social expectations. Many women carry multiple responsibilities while trying to pursue their education and careers. At the same time, I have seen encouraging changes. More women are taking leadership roles and becoming entrepreneurs. Different organizations and institutions are creating opportunities through education, training, and mentorship. These efforts are helping women become more confident and independent and are creating hope for future generations.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

"Never stop learning, and always lift others as you grow." This reminds me that success becomes more meaningful when we use it to support and inspire others.

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

I would create a center that provides training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support for young people and women, especially those from underserved communities. I know what it means to grow up with limited opportunities, and I would like to create a place where people can discover their talents, develop skills, and turn their ideas into reality. My dream is to help others believe in themselves and create opportunities that can transform families and communities.

Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?

Technology is becoming increasingly important in Ethiopia. Digital platforms are helping people access information, education, and financial services. Social media is also being used to raise awareness and connect people from different backgrounds. Although there are still challenges in access and digital literacy, I believe technology has enormous potential to create opportunities, promote inclusion, and bring communities closer together.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I'm deeply grateful to the Global Thinkers Forum for creating opportunities that bring people from different backgrounds together. Being part of this mentoring programme has been a meaningful experience, and I have learned a great deal from it. I am especially thankful to my mentor, Hiba, for her encouragement, support, and thoughtful guidance. Looking back, I feel proud of what we achieved together. More than reaching the goals we set, this journey reminded me that growth happens through meaningful relationships and shared experiences. I hope to continue learning, serving others, and creating opportunities for young people and communities. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that even small acts of support and encouragement can change someone's life.