About the Founder...
Deldeyoch—an Amharic word meaning “bridges”—beautifully reflects the journey of our founder, and her unwavering commitment to service, impact, and spiritual purpose.
Born into a complex, entrepreneurial, and spiritually grounded family in Ethiopia, she was raised with core values that continue to guide her: financial independence, resilience, discipline, discretion, spiritual integrity, and a deep desire to serve authentically.
Her global path began in an international school with 69 nationalities, leading her to study at Addis Ababa University, earn certifications from the University of Washington, and complete her MBA at Seattle University. She has lived, learned, and served in both Africa and the U.S., thriving in the fast-paced world of global finance and development.
While working in Seattle, she was headhunted to return to Ethiopia as the youngest woman COO of an innovative startup, Zemen Bank. Tasked with building the bank from the ground up, she led it to profitability in its first year. This success deepened her calling to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s future.
She then took a transformative solo sabbatical across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., seeking clarity, witnessing the ongoing effects of colonial systems, and confronting personal experiences of racial bias. These challenges only reinforced her commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive development, and economic transformation rooted in African values.
Her career spans over 15 years of high-impact leadership roles, including:
- AVP at Sterling Savings
- Inaugural COO of Zemen Bank
- Founding CEO of Ethiopia’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre
- First GM of Ethiopia’s AI-powered uncollateralized digital lending platform
- Advisor & catalyst
Our vision at Deldeyoch advocate for:
- Financial inclusion & MSME capacity building
- Trade over aid, self-sufficiency over handouts
- Digital innovation & inclusive policy design
- Conscious entrepreneurship rooted in spiritual purpose
The founders unique ability to move between five-star boardrooms and grassroots communities is not just a skill—it’s a reflection of her lived experience, cultural fluency, and commitment to honoring all walks of life.
Inspired by an Ethiopian centered colourful culture, as well as both Pacific Northwest innovation and African ancestral wisdom, she launched Deldeyoch as a tribute to her late fathers and as a bridge for conscious, purpose-driven leaders across Africa and beyond.
To date, Deldeyoch has led 20+ impactful projects across emerging markets and traveled to 30 countries, half within Africa, building a trusted network of entrepreneurs, changemakers, and strategic partners.
“Our ancestors paved the way. The least we can do is generously share our unique gifts, & skills.”
Deldeyochs mission is to cultivate a global ecosystem of conscious entrepreneurs who are building sustainable, inclusive, and impactful solutions. We believes in service, alignment, & the power of intentional service.
Thank you for choosing Deldeyoch...
📩 Dutchess | @deldeyoch.com
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🧭 “Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill nothing but time.” ☆ Conscious Travel
"Bridging the gap to enhance business ecosystems by fostering inclusivity, driving innovation, promoting sustainability, & ensuring profitability."
