At EnCompass, we take pride in our role as a host organization for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This flagship program brings together some of Africa’s brightest young leaders for an immersive U.S.-based experience, offering them opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. This August, we had the privilege of hosting Fasika Teferra, the co-founder and CEO of Beteseb Group, a local company based in Addis Ababa, dedicated to transforming lives in Ethiopia through sustainable innovation in food production, women’s empowerment, and healthcare. Her reflection on her time with EnCompass underscores the profound impact of this exchange.
Teferra, with a background in medicine and a deep commitment to driving positive change, transitioned to entrepreneurship to uplift her community. Her innovative approach blends technology, tradition, and sustainability, creating impactful solutions such as generating job opportunities for women to help them earn a fair wage and support their families, revolutionizing traditional injera (a staple Ethiopian food) production to improve food security and ensure greater access to nutritious meals, and using technology to transform healthcare access. Her professional development experience with EnCompass has been a profound one: “Reflecting on my time with EnCompass LLC, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.” EnCompass’ innovative spirit and commitment to impact deeply resonated with her, fueling her passion for making meaningful contributions in her projects.
A standout aspect of Teferra’s time here is the connections she’s made with our diverse and talented team. “These interactions have enriched my perspective on International Development and expanded my network,” she notes. The relationships she forged have offered valuable insights and inspiration, helping her view challenges from new angles and approach solutions with fresh ideas. These connections are now an integral part of her professional journey, and she looks forward to nurturing them as she continues to grow. 
As Teferra prepares to return to Ethiopia, she is enthusiastic about applying the lessons she’s learned at EnCompass to her business ventures back home. The skills and knowledge she has gained will be instrumental in driving the growth and impact of her projects. “I am eager to apply these insights to enhance my business strategies, foster innovation, and contribute to the economic development of my community,” she says.
Teferra’s experience with EnCompass is a powerful reminder of the impact of cross-cultural exchange and the value of purpose-driven work. We are proud to be part of her professional and personal development and look forward to witnessing her continued success and contributions to her community.
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