Blen Eshetu

I work as Strategic Operations & People Lead, working directly with the CEO to build the systems, culture, and workflows that sustain a global creative agency. I coordinate multi-time-zone teams and streamline client operations across diverse accounts — from social enterprises to creative brands. My role spans project and people management, marketing and content workflows, and client onboarding structures. I’ve led the rollout of new operating systems, built cross-functional communication frameworks, and shaped client delivery strategies that improved turnaround times and reduced operational bottlenecks. Alongside backend operations, I also support branding and visibility initiatives, helping position Dada Dunia as a world-class partner for founders and scaling organizations.

I coordinate program operations and growth strategy, working with the founder to expand reach and impact across international cohorts. I develop onboarding processes, outreach systems, and admissions workflows to ensure a smooth participant experience. My role includes structuring marketing strategies, structuring outreach, and supporting communication, as well as building scalable processes for future cohorts. By combining operational rigor with creative alignment, I help position creative writing for social change as a global platform for writers using storytelling as a tool for social impact.

I served as the primary liaison for Practice Leads and Mentors, facilitating cross-continental collaboration and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. I organized seminars and initiatives that reached over 100 African women and underrepresented groups, and established an advisory board of globally competitive women to strengthen leadership and advocacy. Leading a diverse team of 15 professionals across Africa, I designed and executed mentorship and leadership development programs that expanded professional opportunities while driving efficiency. By implementing structured documentation and workflow systems, I improved operational effectiveness by 20%, positioning the program to scale its impact.

I spearheaded initiatives across five branches, ensuring the successful initiation, coordination, and timely delivery of various projects. Leveraging my expertise in project management, I carefully followed up on each project's progress, overseeing all aspects of implementation to guarantee alignment with organizational objectives. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in high-level strategic discussions and decision-making processes, contributing valuable insights and recommendations to drive the school's overarching vision forward. My multifaceted role required adept coordination with diverse stakeholders, effective communication, and proactive problem-solving to achieve optimal project outcomes and enhance operational efficiency across the school's branches.

I provide comprehensive support, manage schedules efficiently, and offer assistance to the General Manager. Additionally, I offer guidance and coordination to senior management during decision-making processes. I am tasked with monitoring and evaluating middle management performance to ensure timely task completion and optimal performance. Serving as the primary point of contact at the head office, I follow up on high-level tasks and conduct branch inspections. Moreover, I take charge of chairing meetings with middle management and support staff to ensure effective communication and collaboration across all levels of the organization.

In a virtual capacity, I played a pivotal role in the distribution of cell culture products, focusing on critical items such as sera, media, and serum-free systems. Through diligent attention to detail and proactive problem-solving, I ensured that clients worldwide received their essential cell culture products on time and in optimal condition, contributing to the success of scientific research and laboratory operations.

I actively engaged in the Y4P Africa Program, collaborating with the Youth Division, researchers, and youth organizations. Together, we conducted a methodological workshop aimed at identifying and refining concrete steps and guidelines for the implementation of a continental study. Our focus was on examining the roles and contributions of youth to Peace and Security in Africa, with the ultimate goal of finalizing the study's framework and approach.

I specialized in microbial culture interpretation, conducting bacterial identification tests, and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing to aid in the identification of bacteria responsible for infections.

Studied gender disparities in representation and career progression within STEM fields.