Biography

Meet Mekdelawit Birhanu Weldestadik
A vibrant young leader fueled by empathy, resilience, and service. From her childhood in Addis Ababa to her work in rural Ethiopia, she turns challenges into lessons—guided by her mother’s quiet strength. Mekdelawit was born on August 19, 2000, in Addis Ababa, a city celebrated for its rich history and dynamic culture. Her childhood home was a place of warmth and connection, where family members lovingly fed each other by hand a simple tradition that embodied empathy and nurtured deep bonds.
Driven by a passion for leadership and community development, Mekdelawit pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Management. Her professional journey began at GOPA Worldwide Consultants, where she started as an intern and quickly advanced to Project Assistant on a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) initiative which aimed to bridge gaps between the private and public sectors. Simultaneously, she earned a one-year certificate in software development, showcasing her adaptability and determination to broaden her skill set.
Public speaking once posed a significant challenge, yet Mekdelawit met each stumble with a growth mindset, reminding herself: “This is something that makes me learn.” This mantra encapsulates her belief that missteps are not failures, but essential steps toward confidence and growth. At the heart of Mekdelawit’s strength lies her mother, calm, patient, and unyielding in the face of adversity. From her, Mekdelawit absorbed a powerful truth: “Stressing changes nothing.” Instead, she learned to accept what she cannot control, adapt, and move forward with grace. These qualities of openness, empathy, and composure define both her personal values and the legacy she hopes to leave.
Now Mekdelawit starts her journey by joining CorpsAfrica as a Volunteer to be a part of empowering young Africans to lead community- driven projects.