Social Worker Serving Refugee Women and Families, New York City

“Behind every strong woman is a tribe. A tribe of other women who support her and love her and push her to be her absolute best but stick by her even when she’s at her absolute worst. A tribe of other women who could choose to compete, but take the higher, better road of collaboration instead.” - sent for inclusion by Ms. Yodit Amaha.

It is beautiful to hear Ms. Yodit Amaha trace her history back through the matriarchs in the family. Their images, included in this feature, profoundly tell a story of strength, pain, heartache and pride. Unsurprisingly, generation after generation of Yodit’ clan has persevered and thrived, women at the helm taking up arms, defending their families and freedoms, leading others into victory (personal and via revolutionary uprising). Women defying the odds and expectations. Through it all, Ms. Amaha is vocal on the toll such events took and the lessons learned in a hard, and oftentimes, costly way.

1. Name.

Yodit Amaha.

2. Where is your hometown?

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but currently living in Philadelphia, United States.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with domestic and refugee women and families.

Each morning, I center my energy with a prayer and breakfast followed by identifying and executing on my daily priorities. I balance Zoom meetings and collaborative problem-solving throughout the workday. After 5 pm, I eat dinner with my family, including our dog Montana, then engage with various volunteer endeavors to close out the evening.

4. What did you study in school? 

During my undergraduate study, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Psychology at Hellenic College. Shortly after, I enrolled in a graduate study at the Boston College obtaining a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Community Organization. Additionally, I earned a certificate in Leadership from Bryn Mawr College.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are in life and career-wise? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career ) that set you on the current path in life?

As a child and an early adolescent, life’s unpredictable turns greatly impacted my development. Pivotal events in my life were often outside of my control; whether empowering or challenging.

My childhood was the embodiment of ‘the sky is the limit’. Hailing from one of Ethiopia’s most prominent families, I inherited and witnessed the legacy of contributions that continue to leave a mark in history.

Members of my family were highly educated, warriors, government officials, and philanthropists who served as change agents in the modern Ethiopian society . At the height of my family’s reign, a Communist Revolution known as “The Red Terror” occurred in 1974, shaking the only foundation I’ve ever known. I was twelve years old at the time. I experienced the imprisonment of my father who served (9) years due to his relations with the Royal Family and position as a government official. My extended family and other government officials were also incarcerated, executed, and some went into exile. Everything we owned was confiscated and we were left in a dire situation.

As a result, my high school years were very traumatic. My hopes and dreams were shattered, and my daily life was filled with uncertainty. My parents divorced when I was very young and I was raised by my grandmother, who was a patriot during the Italian and Ethiopian War of 1936  Her ability to model inner strength, unwavering faith, and solid fortitude in the face of a revolution was my anchor. Surviving through the cruel and inhumane acts of the Communist Regime presented difficulties in the ways I processed and understood life.

I was intrigued by the motives behind actions people take within different contexts and the power of the brain to adapt accordingly.

Throughout my teenage years, I spent most of my free time talking to different people and interviewing them about their life journey. Without realizing, I believe this was my way of exploring human behavior. When I came to America, I was exposed to collegiate-level Psychology courses that gave me insight and skills to explore my interest further. My internship experiences influenced my decision to pursue a Master’s in Social Work which presented the opportunity to engage more deeply with families and their environments.

For the last 30 years, I have been working in various child welfare programs as a Direct Case Manager and later served in senior management positions. Outside of my professional life, I am involved in volunteer work serving individuals and NGO’s. My goal, and what gives me a sense of accomplishment, is to help people build and maintain their inner strength as a foundation for leading a purposeful life. In all my work , I focus on individual’s strength to build their resilience, tenacity and perseverance.  

Throughout my life, strong women across the world have influenced the way I give and receive support. Having met so many women who have experienced trauma, I act on the belief that, given the right support, resources, compassion, and empathy, resilience can redirect the course of one’s life. I am inspired by my clients’ tremendous capacity to love, nurture, and guide each other and the world around us in the face of social, emotional, and economic challenges. In observance of their selfless character, I adopted a purpose of facilitating this self-realization of potential in others.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Before reaching 20 years of age, I have already experienced a multitude of trauma and was looking for a way to unpack it. My interest in counseling was clear and innate. I believe continuing to choose this path allows me to unpack my own trauma, and serves as a vessel for others to unpack theirs.

My path truly manifested in the way I envisioned it in my twenties and even more so now. Not only do I have the privilege of working with women and families, I also have been blessed to be able to grow my own relationship with my husband, my four children, and our cherished dog Montana, all resilient and courageous.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

The Revolution (Ethiopian Civil War) continues to be the single most pivotal and impactful event in my life. I owe a great deal of respect and honor to the matriarchs of my family who steered our legacy amid the imprisonment of their male counterparts. Duly noted, I also ascribe my journey to self-discovery to the threat of losing my Ethiopian identity and survival tactic of assimilation to American cultural norms. These times have taught me to be disciplined in my faith and trust in the wise words of the strong women before me in order to overcome challenges.

8. Advice for other women?

Women are the epitome of strength, love, sacrifice and courage. Our role has changed tremendously from being domestic mothers in the household to occupying seats in the political and corporate world. Our varying societal roles continue to serve as the foundation for our core values. I really believe, regardless of how society tries to define our roles, God has bestowed a special and unique gift on us. My advice to women is to champion their power, beauty, and creativity to be an agent of change in the face of problems. As women, our worth derives from a mutually strong sense of independence and support system. As hard and complicated as life can get, learn how to balance, and foster self-prioritization while being in service of others. And, most importantly, practice mindfulness, self-awareness, and master self-care. Legacy is all the life we touch. We are what we believe, not what people say about us. Always try your best.

9. Knowing what you know now in a current political climate, can women be “all that we can be” in today’s world? What is the way forward, as you see it,  for “feminist values”?

I grew up surrounded by very strong women. Single grandmother, single mother, and single great aunts who knew their worth, and used their position in this world to march forward regardless of how many times they were knocked down. I tried my best to instill this leadership qualities in my four children who are now in adulthood.

I believe wholeheartedly that we can be “all that we can be” with the understanding that there will be sacrifices, struggles, obstacles, and challenges along the journey. The way forward is education, awareness, and a pursuit of freedom to be whomever you want; uninfluenced by societal and patriarchal roles. I see today’s political climate as supportive and allowing of women to drive these principles forward thanks to the milestones achieved in the past.

10. Where in the word do you feel “tallest”? Where is your happy place?

It is when I am surrounded by family and friends and sharing a meal. I also enjoy the beach.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of ?

I used to enjoy horse back riding. Now, I enjoy reading, exercising, hanging out in coffee shops and collecting historical pictures and artifacts from Ethiopia. These activities have contributed to my self-care routine, identity development, and sense of exploration.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals and challenges?

I would like to build my knowledge base around Non-Western practices in Social Work that primarily focus on the regional socio-political climate and locally cultivated wisdom. I see this as a greater opportunity to marry my Westernized lens with practices deemed effective in Non-Western society in order to develop a culturally sensitive curriculum that drives professional development and empowerment for women, both nationally and in Ethiopia.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

People in my life have named my untapped potential as an opportunity for growth. At times, I am fearful of not meeting that potential.

14. Anything you’d do differently, if you had another go at life?

As I reflect on my incredible journey thus far, I can say I am truly grateful for all my blessings. Until my father’s passing in 2003, I was able to bear witness his release from political imprisonment and make new memories in America. I reunited with my mother in 1980, after 15 years of separation, and build a beautiful relationship with her. I have been in a marriage with a wonderful man for over 30 years with whom I raised four intelligent and compassionate children.  I have led a professional career and volunteer life in Social Work making a difference in the lives of women and families for almost 30 years. Regardless of the trials and tribulations, I count my blessings one by one and would not change my journey as it has shaped me to be who and where I am today.

15. What inspires you?

I am inspired by the visionaries who are led by a clear sense of direction and purpose.

16. What are you hopeful about?

A world where there is peace, respect, and dignity for human life.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Balancing the five areas in one’s life:

Spirituality ; Relationship with family and friends; Health; Nutrition; and Finance. 

19. What advice would you give your 14 years old self?

Regardless of all the support and encouragement from my family, I really did not believe the atrocities and cruelty of the Communist Government in Ethiopia was going to end. I would advise my 14-year -old self to embody the statement, “this too shall pass.” 

20. What are you reading now? What books do you gift most and what are your favorite reads?

I give as gift these two books: Leaving, Loving and Learning by Leo Buscaglia (published 1982) and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

I am currently reading “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson  to understand the root of American Racism.

21. Who is WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three or more women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

At the age of 24, my grandmother assumed the role of a resistant military leader for two years following the murder of her husband in the Ethio-Italian War. After successfully leading the country to victory, she raised three accomplished men and displayed unwavering faith, strength, and encouragement during the onset of the Communist Revolution. She continues to symbolize a beacon of hope for me and others. 

At the same age of 24, my mother defied social patriarchal norms by pursuing a nursing degree following her divorce with my father. By the age of 50, she enrolled in a graduate study earning her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and served the Greater Boston community as a Psychotherapist until her recent retirement. Throughout her life, she has overcome many adversities and obstacles to become the focused, successful, and tenacious self-made woman she is today. She is my role model, not only in the professional sense, but in her determination to pursue her dreams and embodying limitlessness in age and beauty.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the women, in my life and around the world, for showing us what resilience looks like and for proving to us that society’s gender roles do not define us. With faith, determination, and hard work, we can be what we set out to be. I am honored and motivated by all of the women around the world who are trailblazers. Women, who continue to pave the way and reach out across borders.

22. Where can others find you/your work?

You can find me on LinkedIn, by email, or on Instagram.