Addis Ababa · Ethiopia

Ms. Yemisrach Elias

Strategic Initiatives & Community Development Leader

I am passionate about creating positive community impact through strategic initiatives that empower women, youth, and underserved communities. With a focus on digital innovation and sustainable development, I work to build stronger, more resilient communities across Ethiopia and beyond.

About Me

Hi there! I'm Yemisrach Elias

Leadership & Program Development Professional

A results-oriented leader with experience across the non-profit, development and private sectors. I map stakeholders, build multi-departmental networks and coordinate community-led initiatives — turning strategy into field execution. My work spans capacity building, Training of Trainers facilitation, and data-backed operational planning for youth and community programs in Ethiopia.

Based in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: +251 910 972 786
Email: yatielias80@gmail.com
Education: MA Organizational Leadership
Languages: Amharic (Native), English (Expert)
Availability: Open to consulting & advisory roles

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Expertise

What I Do

Five areas where I do my strongest work.

Program & Project Coordination

Timeline tracking, administrative management and field execution from plan to delivery.

Stakeholder Outreach

Mapping and managing networks across government, CSOs, TVETs and the private sector.

Capacity Building

Training of Trainers facilitation and community empowerment frameworks that outlast the project.

Strategic Planning

Data-backed operational strategy, market assessment and field intervention design.

Experience

Where I've Worked

Most recent first.

May 2025 — Present · Part-time

Representative of Ethiopia, Advisory Committee

African Institute for Development Policy — Nairobi, Kenya

Map key institutional stakeholders across government agencies, CSOs, private sector and TVETs to streamline program entry.
Build and manage a network spanning distinct government departments to create an enabling ecosystem for program delivery.
Review research findings and recommend actions that elevate youth-centered community and policy solutions.
Facilitate capacity-building work, including Training of Trainers, to strengthen grassroots partner autonomy.
Take part in high-level policy debates, dissemination forums and outreach engagements.

Sep 2024 — Present · Part-time

Program Manager

Thriving Solutions — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organize training initiatives centered on sustainable livelihoods and digital literacy.
Coordinate logistics and volunteer teams for community outreach events in urban and peri-urban centers.

Education

MA in Organizational Leadership

Unity University — Addis Ababa

SEP 2018 — NOV 2020

BA in Computer Science

Addis Ababa University — Addis Ababa

OCT 2013 — JUL 2017

Leadership

Volunteer Leadership

Boards, initiatives and youth-led work.

NOV 2025 — PRESENT

Vice Board President — Rural Youth Empowerment Initiative

Coordinating regional networks to distribute teaching aids and deploy psychosocial and economic support structures for youth in rural areas.

SEP 2022 — PRESENT

Board President — Yene Ethiopia

Volunteer board leadership for a non-profit organization based in Addis Ababa.

FEB 2019 — PRESENT

Co-Founder — Thriving Minds Ethiopia

Directing youth-led project teams focused on peacebuilding, awareness programs and regional development initiatives.

SEP 2020 — PRESENT

Active Member — Yene Ethiopia

Supported 150+ young graduates in launching their careers through an immersive career-building bootcamp.

Languages & Tools

Languages: Amharic (Native), English (Expert)Management: MS Project, Asana, TrelloData & Research: KoboToolbox, SPSS, ExcelCommunications: Zoom, Teams, Canva

Credentials