Some of our current execs have tried to write out what they have learned from ESAI, what it has meant to be part of ESAI, their dreams, aspiration, what they have been able to accomplish and not. This is so that it will help all of you gain an insight of what being an exec means, and remember you can always make it much more than it's meant to be! Please reply to thread if you have any questions


Ramala Andemariam - President

From the time my Team and I took over ESAI, I believe we've implemented massive changes to ESAI that will work as a framework for the expansion of ESAI. From incorporating ESAI as a non-profit, to making it a 501c(3) tax-exempt organization, and from raising funds to announcing summit hosts a year ahead; I believe our work will have a long lasting positive effect for ESAI.
My point right now will not elaborate on these aspects, but instead on what I have gained from being the President of ESAI. Before becoming the president, I had many thoughts in my head about this role. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility at hand. I was in doubt on whether or not anything I have done in the past had prepared me for this. After so much thought and encouragement from everyone around me, I decided I will step up to the plate and do my best to sustain and grow ESAI. After getting to know the rest of my team and working on a few projects at the beginning, I realized that this was the best choice I have made.
As the President of ESAI, I have gone through so many exciting, depressing, frustrating, learning, amazing, and unexplainable moments. Working with the most passionate and exciting fellow Executives and Advisors gave me pride and joy beyond belief. These were the most amazing people I have came in contact with. So many of the people that are part of ESAI are just unbelievable. There is something about ESAI that will change you forever.
Because of my role in ESAI, I have become a better person overall. I have learned how to deal with different situations. I have learned to work with many people regardless of their physical location around the world. I have learned to handle criticizm and listen to other people's point of view. I have also learned that no matter how much I believe my solution to be the best, there is always a possibility that someone will have a better one.
This position not only helped me become better overall, it also gave me opportunities to meet prominent people in the Ethiopian community. From high school kids to professionals, I had an opportunity to meet different people ONLY because I was part of ESAI.
I have learned that if I have the passion and support, I can accomplish things which might seem impossible and become successful at them.

I encourage everyone to become part of this life changing experience. You too could be part of the best organization in the world. You too could overcome your fears and accomplish so much. You too could help fellow Ethiopians at home and abroad. You too could be a leader of ESAI. NOMINATE, RUN, VOTE!

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Melhik Gebremichael - External Affairs Secretary

In the last few months that I have had the honor of serving as the ESAI External Affairs secretary, I have had numerous opportunities of working with organizations that have done various works in Ethiopia. Starting with putting together a database of NGOs operating in Ethiopia, which was started under our previous External Affairs Secretary Tsega Belachew. Again, building off of what was previously started, I have worked with the Ethio-NSBE chapter in helping them make networks in Ethiopia, and from that possibly having a strong ESAI base in Ethiopia in the near future, which I hope future Execs will overlook.

Our team also worked on the Angel Tree project, which as an External Affairs secretary I was responsible for contacting the organization and getting all important information for the successful completion of the project. I’ve also had an opportunity to work with the Publication division to put together the Gizyachin magazine for our 10th summit, and overlooked the inception of the ESAI blog as a venue for creative but well thought out articles. I am now working on a very exciting project on Microfinance Initiatives, which is a practical application of my formal education, and which I hope many more students will imitate and build off-of by using ESAI networks to practically apply their knowledge on projects or research in Ethiopia.


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mdg (Melhik)