My story spans continents, identities, and unimaginable transitions; from being orphaned at five in Ethiopia, to becoming a pregnant refugee at seventeen, to immigrating to the U.S. and building multiple businesses as a single mother.
It is a story that challenges audiences to confront adversity honestly, draw strength from within, and re-imagine what is possible beyond survival.
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rphaned at the age of five, Shegitu has known tragedy first hand. In the 1980s as war raged in Ethiopia, Shegitu fled to neighboring Kenya where she lived in a refugee camp. Three and a half years later she immigrated to the United States.
Kebede started several successful businesses and philanthropic ventures centered around empowering women, who like herself, were subject to vulnerabilities. Shegitu has devoted her life to making a difference in her local and global community.
In 2012, Kebede founded Women at the Well International, a humanitarian organization aiming to improve the livelihood of refugees and bring awareness of the plight of the refugees around the world.
Since 2017, Shegitu has travelled to Ethiopia to launch a center where women in poverty receive vocational training and a micro-loaning program for women interested in entrepreneurship. She also raises funds to provide for the needs of orphans in Ethiopia.
Dedicating her time to sharing her story and advocating for the vulnerable, Shegitu speaks on TV, at conferences, churches, university lectures and news interviews on topics ranging from immigration and refugee issues, faith, business and politics.
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When the American Revolution began we didn't have assets of our own or funding for a military, we didn't even have a central government. The bravery of our men and women in our nation at the time was evident, as they didn't give in to their fear. In 1775 George Washington, as the Commander of the Continental Army, commissioned six ships to prepare for battle against the greatest nation on the earth - the British Empire. This newly commissioned Naval Fleet was required to fly flags to identify our small but brave nation in the making. George Washington's choice was a white flag bearing the image of a Pine tree at its center and over it, the inscription "Appeal to Heaven"
My American Heritage is the story of a young Ethiopian-Eritrean girl who lives in the United States of America. She introduces concepts of immigration, diversity, and citizenship as she celebrates her heritage and identity as an African-American while learning and highlighting other hyphenated American identities.
My American Heritage is the story of a young Ethiopian-Eritrean girl who lives in the United States of America. She introduces concepts of immigration, diversity, and citizenship as she celebrates her heritage and identity as an African-American while learning and highlighting other hyphenated American identities.
My African Heritage is the story of a six year old Ethipoian-Eritrean girl who lives in the United States of America. She introduces her heritage through the various practices of her parents in the United States. The traditions of singing, roasting coffee and New Year's celebrations are highlighted in this story. Kebede wrote this story to keep her children and others from Africa connected to their traditions. She also wrote this story to share with others some of the rich culture of Africa.
