About the Founder...
Welcome!
Deldeyoch—an Amharic word for "bridges"—reflects my personal journey, & my passion to serve using my success, gift & blessing interconnected. My path began early, inspired by my hardworking, spiritual, aware, complex & entrepreneurial family in Ethiopia & globally. They instilled in me the core values I live by, to be financial independence, discipline, resilience, private, sharp, and a deep sense of spiritual purpose. Growing up, I was encouraged to dream big and trust my intuition, which ignited a lifelong curiosity and a love for learning through spiritual exploration, books, travel, and diverse experiences. This journey has shaped my commitment to serving others authentically, whether I was navigating the fast-paced world of global finance or immersing myself in the rich heritage of emerging markets.
My pursuit of knowledge took me to an international school with 69 nationalities, to Addis Abeba University, a certification at University of Washington, and to pursue an MBA at Seattle University, as well as born, raised, educated and serving in Africa & America. This academic foundation, combined with my natural focus, allowed me to build a successful executive career in both what the world described as a 1st worked and emerging market. Thriving in the Pacific Northwest, I felt a strong inner calling to make a more significant societal impact. Driven by this voice, I diligently saved to invest in my vision of serving Africa, particularly my homeland, Ethiopia.
An unexpected opportunity arose during my MBA in Seattle: I was headhunted by a startup bank, being ready and at the right time & place, to be the first COO of a startup international innovative bank, Zemen in Ethiopia. This pivotal moment made me the youngest woman COO in a bank in the country. I took on the incredible responsibility of building the operations of the bank from the ground up, from its foundational policies to recruiting the senior management team. Despite numerous obstacles in the Ethiopian market, we successfully launched this innovative institution within a year. Remarkably, Zemen Bank achieved profitability in its first year—a rare feat in the financial world.
Following this intense experience, I embarked on a solo sabbatical across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the US, seeking clarity on how I could best contribute to Africa's progress. Witnessing the stark realities and the lingering effects of colonial policies deeply moved me. My travels also brought personal experiences of racial profiling and resistance when I spoke out against unethical practices. These moments, though challenging, solidified my commitment to using my diverse background, skills, and life lessons to serve those less fortunate with genuine and impactful leadership. My core vision was to serve where I can to be my authentic self, becoming an advocate for financial inclusion, building policies & capacity within MSME, being part of the digitalization of the private sector, trade not aid, self-sufficiency not handout, changing mindset about the continent & ancient country that allowed me to set on tables with the wealthiest people in the world, as well as being the change I seeked by advocating facing our fears.
My fathers instilled in me the importance of self-sufficiency, authenticity, focus, discipline, and unwavering integrity, as well as seeking wisdom & service to honor God, and not temporary desire in survival, power & fame. My mother and family taught me to be sharp, patient, and kind while navigating social norms with discretion, inclusion and being sharp. This upbringing shaped my dream of empowering communities to move from reliance on aid to sustainable trade, leading by example, & embracing personal responsibility. In my success & learning the progressive values of the Pacific Northwest, particularly its support for entrepreneurs & environmental conservation, further inspired me, to leave everything familiar, and go to an unknown adventure of being an entrepreneur.
The formal launch of Deldeyoch was a heartfelt tribute to my fathers and a response to the concerns of my family and friends within often restrictive systems. My solo travels, extensive reading, strong faith, and navigating life's challenges have cultivated deep self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. I've gained firsthand understanding of the complexities of emerging markets, and these lived realities have become invaluable lessons.
Through Deldeyoch, my mission is to cultivate a vibrant network of conscious entrepreneurs dedicated to creating meaningful change through shared knowledge and community. My personal aspiration is to build a sustainable lifestyle that nourishes my spirit, health, and wealth while embodying service, gratitude, and compassion. By staying true to my core values, I hope to create an inclusive space where you feel genuinely valued, heard, and inspired to build upon the impactful legacy of those who came before us. I believe life is a sacred journey of service, humility, and kindness.
Our ancestors paved the way for us; the least we can do is generously share our unique gifts. Trusting life and my intuition, I'm committed to championing projects that break down barriers & contribute to a more conscious world. Celebrating Deldeyoch’s 15th anniversary fills me with gratitude for the incredible collaborations that have allowed us to complete over 20 impactful projects across emerging markets and travel to 30 countries, half within Africa.
I sincerely thank the countless individuals who have shared meals, conversations, travels, and even challenging debates that have shaped my path. It's often through failures, tests, and moments of brokenness that I've gained the most profound wisdom. Living a spiritually purposeful life is a deep connection to the universe, a connection I believe has historically protected Ethiopia. Even amidst current global challenges and the deep grief of my fathers' passing, my resolve in my core beliefs has only strengthened. We are all temporary beings with inherent worthiness, here to fulfill our unique spiritual purpose with focused intention and unwavering integrity. We are deeply grateful for the legacy of those who came before us, and we hold a fervent hope for a better future for generations to come.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve you with innovative and sustainable solutions designed to help you realize your unique vision of success.
Thank you for your invaluable support and insightful perspectives.
By Dutchess @deldeyoch.com
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill nothing but time.” ☆ Conscious Travel
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"Bridging the gap to enhance the business ecosystem by fostering inclusivity, driving innovation, creating impactful solutions, embracing digitalization, promoting sustainability, and ensuring profitability."
