Professional Experience & Contributions
My experience brings together digital media, communication, technology, and more than 14 years of academic leadership. From supporting digital content, web, SEO, and technology projects in Canada to teaching journalism and communication, developing curricula, conducting research, and leading academic programs in Ethiopia, my career reflects a combination of creative, technical, and strategic communication experience.
📚Research & Publications
Research Projects and Scholarly Contributions
My academic work included research on media development, public communication, and community engagement. I contributed to and led research projects, presented findings at academic conferences, organized research forums, and supported student research through supervision and mentorship.
I also served as a journal article and research proposal reviewer and prepared and edited academic materials. My scholarly interests have explored areas such as media regulation, indigenous communication practices, conflict, development, and democratic governance.
📘Teaching Experience
Teaching and Mentorship
Over 14+ years in academia, I taught undergraduate courses in Journalism and Communication at three public universities in Ethiopia, with focus areas including Media Ethics, Communication Theories, Development Communication, and Digital Media.
I also served as an academic advisor and research supervisor, mentoring students through academic, internship, and final research projects. My teaching approach combined theory with hands-on media practice, community-based learning, and digital content production to prepare students for real-world communication challenges.
💻 Digital Media & Professional Experience
Digital Media, Technology & Marketing
Since transitioning into Canada’s digital media industry, I have expanded my professional experience across digital content creation, web design, SEO, social media marketing, graphic design, and technology support. Through professional roles, internships, apprenticeships, and collaborative projects, I have applied both creative and technical skills to real-world digital communication needs.
📑Curriculum & Program Development
Curriculum Design & Academic Innovation
I played a leading role in developing, reviewing, and updating Journalism and Communication curricula to meet evolving academic standards and media industry needs. At Wollo University, I established the department in 2018, adapted the national modular curriculum, and helped establish an educational media laboratory for practical training. At Dilla University, I co-founded the department and helped establish an educational media lab to support hands-on journalism education.
I also contributed to national curriculum reform initiatives organized by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education in 2008 and 2013, participating at university, cluster, and national levels. My contributions included course design, teaching-material development, and integrating digital tools into academic programs.
🏛️ Academic Leadership & Governance
Leadership and Coordination
Throughout my academic career, I held leadership roles in teaching, research, and community engagement. As a department head and coordinator, I managed academic teams, supported research projects, led outreach initiatives, and helped establish journalism student associations and extracurricular learning opportunities.
I also served on the boards of Amhara Media Corporation and Wollo University’s Community-Based Radio, contributing to institutional media initiatives, communication, and public education. These experiences strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and strategic communication skills.
🌍 International Exposure
Global Engagement & International Representation
I participated in the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – Research and Investigation, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The international exchange brought together media professionals to explore investigative journalism, press freedom, and the role of media in democratic societies.
I also represented Wollo University’s Journalism Department at the 2019 World Press Freedom Day conference in Addis Ababa, co-hosted by UNESCO and the African Union, where discussions focused on journalism, democratic development, and freedom of expression in Africa.
🫱🏽🫲🏿Volunteering & Community Engagement
Building Connections Through Community Engagement
My commitment to community engagement has continued throughout both my academic career and my professional journey in Canada. I currently volunteer with the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), connecting with Brampton’s creative community and supporting opportunities related to arts, culture, and community engagement.
Previously, I served as a Board Member of Medhanialem General Primary School in Dessie from 2019 to 2022 and participated in university and community initiatives supporting education and institutional development. I was also involved with the Ethiopian Teachers Association at Wollo University and the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia’s Northeast Area Office.
These experiences reflect my continued interest in contributing my communication, media, and professional skills to community-focused initiatives.