Mrs. Ethiopia Tilahun Abebe is Head of the Institute of International Education (IIE) Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where she provides strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of programmes advancing girls' education, women's empowerment, leadership development, higher education, and scholarship and fellowship management.

With more than 20 years of experience working with young people, and over 15 years as a trainer and facilitator in leadership, mentoring and life skills development, Ethiopia has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities and promoting equity for women, girls and young people across Ethiopia and the wider African continent. Before joining IIE, she served as Branch Manager at Save Your Generation Ethiopia, leading youth leadership initiatives and delivering training programmes in partnership with organisations including UNDP, CAFS and YMCA.

A passionate advocate for inclusive development, Ethiopia believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting social change. She has strong professional ties to Gondar, which she considers her second home, and is committed to supporting St George's School in providing high-quality education and opportunities for future generations.L.