“Act on your passions and tackle any challenge with determination. The results will prove that your fears are outweighed by the impact you create.”
Hermon Afowork
2024 Top 30 Under 30
ABOUT
AGE: 23
PRONOUNS: She/Her
HOMETOWN: Edmonton, AB
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Edmonton, AB
ORGANIZATIONS:
- 1834 Foundation
- University of Alberta Women Empowering Women (WEW)
- Plan International Canada
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS I’M WORKING TOWARDS:
What specific issue(s) are you taking on, and what inspires you to do so?
The issues that I am taking action on are gender inequality, migration and racism. As a Black woman and a proud daughter of Ethiopian refugees, I have witnessed how racialized immigrants and refugees like my parents are faced with discrimination and become vulnerable when navigating the legal system. These experiences have ignited my passion to work on initiatives that lie at the intersection of these issues, with a particular focus on the Black community and women refugees. As someone in academic and political spaces, I remain committed to tackling these issues by using my voice to serve my community and by working towards a society that is equitable for all.
What does climate change or climate justice mean to you? To your work?
Climate justice to me is an interlink between human rights and environmental rights. We can’t address climate change without a human rights approach, for humans play an imperative role in our environment and vice versa. Therefore, climate justice is intertwined with all the work that I do since climate injustice can lead to a world full of inequalities.
What advice do you have for other young people looking to get involved in sustainable development?
You can simply start by joining a local club or organization that works on addressing key issues (ie. food hunger, women rights etc.). By partaking in these initiatives, you are already contributing to a more sustainable future.
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