Meet Eden Yohannes Yoseph, Founder of EmpowerHer
“Fail fast- fail forward.”
Eden Yohannes is an international development project manager from Addis Ababa, now based in Düsseldorf. Her work sits at the intersection of international development cooperation, social justice and gender equity, with a focus on Africa–Europe cooperation. She is the founder of EmpowerHer: Women Network in International Development, connecting experienced women leaders with emerging professionals from Africa and the diaspora through mentorship, skills-building and community.
“My goal is to unlock pathways to leadership for African women and all those who have been excluded, and to make global development more inclusive and effective.”
The problem she refused to ignore
EmpowerHer grew out of Eden’s own experience working in international development as an African woman navigating global spaces. After moving from Ethiopia to Europe, she saw how crucial mentorship is, and how few women, especially African women, had access to it. She had mentors who guided her, opened doors and helped her build confidence, yet she met many talented women who did not have the same support or networks.
“I founded EmpowerHer to bridge that gap: to create a space where women can access mentorship, community, and opportunities that help them grow into leadership and shape more inclusive development solutions.”
The moment that shifted her focus
The turning point came when she moved from working in Ethiopia to the international development sector in Europe. She saw how differently women’s careers progressed based on access to mentors. She had supportive mentors who shaped her path, but many talented African women did not have the same opportunities.
“That contrast made me realise how critical structured mentorship is and inspired me to build EmpowerHer to close that gap.”
Why EmpowerHer is different
EmpowerHer is built from someone who was inside the international development sector and shaped by the lived experience of African women. It combines targeted mentorship for African and diaspora women with skills training, community and cross-continental networks. The aim is to turn representation into leadership and impact.
How she leads
“My leadership is shaped by empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to see others grow,” Eden said. She leads by listening first, creating space for different perspectives and building trust. These values guide her in creating supportive, inclusive environments, especially for women navigating complex international development spaces.
Her approach is collaborative and human-centred; it shapes the way she builds EmpowerHer, with compassion, accountability and a deep belief in community.
What she’s building right now
Eden is launching the first EmpowerHer mentorship cohort, pairing emerging women professionals with experienced leaders in international development. She is also building the community through intentional activities. One of the first is a Pilates and Leadership session, combining wellness with conversations on confidence, career growth and women’s leadership.
“These early initiatives capture exactly what EmpowerHer stands for; community, shared growth and supportive space.”
Founderland and finding her people
“Being part of Founderland means joining a community where support, connection, and shared growth truly matter.” Founderland gives her a sense of belonging, inspiration and practical support as she builds EmpowerHer. It is a space where community fuels confidence, and where women lift each other into leadership.
Her biggest challenge—and how she moved through it
“One key challenge I faced as a founder was securing seed funding to launch even basic setup activities, such as registration and a website.” To overcome this, she initially self-funded essential costs and mobilised volunteer support from the community. People contributed time and skills out of shared belief in the mission.
“This lean, community-driven approach allowed us to get started, demonstrate commitment, and build early momentum while preparing the venture to pursue future funding opportunities.”
Advice to her past self
“If I could give my past self one piece of advice, it would be to start earlier and lean more confidently into the community.” She learned that launching requires creating space for people to contribute and grow together.
“The community is not just an audience or beneficiary, it is the foundation for starting, learning, and scaling.” Trusting that collective energy earlier would have accelerated progress and strengthened ownership.
Who inspires her
“I am most inspired by leaders who live authentically and remain grounded in their values, even when challenged.” From them, she learned that real leadership is about consistency between what you believe and how you act. Staying true to one’s values builds trust, clarity and long-term impact, especially in moments of uncertainty.
“I try to lead in the same way, making decisions that align with my principles and not being shaken by external pressure, because authenticity is what sustains both people and purpose over time.”
How she stays grounded
“I stay creative, motivated, and resilient by focusing on the impact and on what I’m building.” Knowing that this work creates what her past self once needed keeps her grounded, inspired and committed through challenges.
A mantra she lives by
“Fail fast- fail forward.”
Follow Eden’s Journey
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