Research · Leadership · Innovation

Wengelawit Yohannes Shewatatek

Aspiring Nutritionist · Youth Leader · Entrepreneur

Curious Enough to Question. Bold Enough to Build.

I nourish, build, and grow.

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Based in Hawassa, Ethiopia · Building impact across Africa

Evidence → action → impact

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About

Researcher, leader, and builder

Dedicated to nutrition science, youth leadership, and evidence-based impact across Ethiopia and Africa.

“

The story behind the work

I believe the best ideas create real change. As a nutrition student, researcher, and entrepreneur, I'm driven by curiosity, evidence, and a commitment to improving lives through research, technology, and collaborative leadership.

Purpose-led practice

Passion

I am passionate about nutrition, public health, research, and innovation. I enjoy exploring complex health challenges, leading meaningful initiatives, and creating practical solutions that make knowledge accessible and impactful. Continuous learning, collaboration, and service are at the heart of everything I do.

Career Goals

To become a leading researcher, entrepreneur, and industry voice at the intersection of nutrition science, public health, and agricultural intelligence—bridging evidence, policy, and community action.

Research Interests

Nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Dietary Behaviors and Food Environments Public Health Nutrition Maternal and Child Nutrition Food Security and Sustainable Food Systems Nutrition Education and Health Promotion Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence in Nutrition Community-Based Nutrition Interventions Health Policy and Evidence-Based Practice Agriculture–Nutrition Linkages

Impact garden

Growth you can measure.

Each number is a living system—research, people, and ideas growing stronger together.

Research projects

Evidence in motion

Organizations founded

Platforms for change

00+

Leadership experiences

Teams moved forward

Projects supported

Ideas strengthened

Students & communities

People reached

Startups

New systems growing

My journey

A life still growing

Not a résumé timeline—a living journey from roots of knowledge to branches of collective impact.

01 / ROOTS

Where knowledge took root

The academic soil that shaped my thinking across nutrition, food systems, and strategy.

Present

BSc Nutrition and Food Science

Hawassa University · Nutrition and Food Science

Developing expertise in nutrition science, food systems, and applied public health research.

Present

BSc Marketing Management

Infolink University · Marketing Management

Building business, marketing, and strategic communication capabilities to complement scientific training.

02 / STEM

Turning learning into practice

Research, public health, and entrepreneurial work translated into real-world contribution.

Present

Nutrition Intern

Black Lion Hospital · Ethiopia

Supporting clinical nutrition assessment and dietary management in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.

Present

Data Collector & Data Analysis Intern

Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) · Ethiopia

Supporting nutrition and public health research through field data collection, management, and analysis.

Student Researcher

Rural Food Systems and Nutrition Research, Sidama Region · Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Supported data management, analysis, and interpretation of nutrition-related findings in rural food systems research.

Present

Cofounder & Business Operations Lead

AgriData Connect · Ethiopia

Business Operations Lead for AgriData Connect, a data-driven agricultural intelligence platform supporting improved decision-making in Ethiopia's agricultural ecosystem.

2024-09-01 — 2025-09-04

Virtual assistant

Productive habesha · USA- Remote

Supported the daily operations of Productive Habesha by managing customer service, business transactions, payment processing through Chapa, market research, partnership outreach, and administrative coordination. Served as the primary contact for customer inquiries while providing operational support for the company's journal business and contributing to business growth initiatives.

03 / CANOPY

Creating room for others to grow

Organizations, coalitions, and student communities built through shared purpose.

2025 — Present

Founder & President

Hawassa University Nutrition and Food Science Students Association (HU-NaFSSA)

Established a student platform promoting nutrition advocacy, professional development, community engagement, and food systems awareness.

Present

Founding Coordinator

Ethiopian Nutrition and Food Science Students Association

Coordinate the establishment of a national network connecting nutrition and food science students across Ethiopia.

Present

Treasurer

African Association of Nutrition and Dietetics Students

Support organizational financial management and contribute to youth-led nutrition initiatives across Africa.

Present

Community Service Director

Rotaract Club of Hawassa

Lead community service planning, volunteer coordination, and implementation of projects addressing community needs.

2024 — 2025

Health Head

Hawassa University Student Union

Supported student health promotion activities and strengthened communication between students and university stakeholders.

Present

Secretary & Public Relations Officer

YCDF Hawassa Youth Coalition

Support youth coalition communications, coordination, and public engagement.

Research notes

Questions under investigation

A living research desk—studies designed to turn observation into evidence, and evidence into action.

Research record

WY–01 / CURRENT STUDY

Completed

Current study

Title

Rural Food Systems and Nutrition Research — Sidama Region

Sidama Region Research Collaboration

Abstract

Research supporting the understanding of rural food systems and nutrition outcomes in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia.

Field note · Public health evidencePage 01

Research record

WY–02 / CURRENT STUDY

Ongoing

Current study

Title

Public Health Nutrition Evidence Generation — EPHI

Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)

Abstract

Internship-based contribution to nutrition and public health research through field data collection and analysis at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.

Field note · Public health evidencePage 02

Research record

WY–03 / CURRENT STUDY

Ongoing

Current study

Title

AgriData Connect — Agricultural Intelligence for Food System Resilience

AgriData Connect

Abstract

Entrepreneurial research-and-product initiative building a data-driven agricultural intelligence platform for Ethiopia.

Field note · Public health evidencePage 03

The work

🌾 Seeds I’m Growing

Ideas are not finished products. These are living ventures—planted with intention, strengthened through collaboration, and cultivated for lasting impact.

SEED / 01Cultivating now

AgriData Connect

A data-driven agricultural intelligence platform supporting improved decision-making in Ethiopia's agricultural ecosystem. Connects agricultural data, market information, and risk insights to strengthen smallholder farmer support and food system resilience. Selected Top 20 of 375+ applicants in the ATI Innovation Competition.

What feeds this seed

Agricultural DataBusiness StrategyMarket IntelligencePartnership Development

SEED / 02Cultivating now

HU-NaFSSA Platform

Founded a student association platform at Hawassa University to advance nutrition advocacy, professional development, community engagement, and food systems awareness among Nutrition and Food Science students.

What feeds this seed

LeadershipCommunity EngagementNutrition AdvocacyProgram Design

SEED / 03

National Nutrition Students Network

Founding coordination of a national network connecting nutrition and food science students across Ethiopia to promote collaboration, leadership, research, and advocacy.

What feeds this seed

Network BuildingAdvocacyResearch Engagement

Certifications

Continuous learning

Professional credentials across nutrition, leadership, digital tools, and marketing.

Climate Smart Agriculture

UNITAR

Sustainable Diets & Food Waste

UNITAR

Virtual Assistant Training

ALX

Social Media Management

Kihilx Academy

Canva for Work

Canva Academy

African Youth Leadership Forum — Participant

African Young Leaders Foundation (AYLF)

December 2025

Youth Leadership Management & Life Skills Training

Leadership Program

Digital Marketing Certificate

Rhobot

Gig-101 Certificate

Training Program

International Black Belt Certificate

Taekwondo

Awards

Recognition & milestones

Honors that reflect entrepreneurial ambition and community contribution.

Top 20 Startup — ATI Innovation Competition

ATI Innovation Competition

AgriData Connect selected among the Top 20 startups from more than 375 applicants for its potential to address agricultural and food system challenges.

Certificate of Appreciation

Community & Professional Engagement

Recognition for contributions to community and professional initiatives.

Volunteer

Service to community

Volunteer leadership and mentorship across Rotaract, education, sports, and professional societies.

Community Service Director

Rotaract Club of Hawassa

Present

Lead community service planning, volunteer coordination, and project implementation.

Former Assistant Director, International Service

Rotaract Club of Hawassa

Supported international service initiatives and club coordination.

Volunteer & Youth Organizer

Rotaract Club of Hawassa

Organized youth engagement and volunteer activities.

Sunday School Youth Organizer

Community Faith Program

Youth organizing and mentorship within Sunday School programs.

Teaching Assistant — Begena Class

Community Education

Assisted instruction and mentoring in Begena class.

Taekwondo Instructor

Community Sports

Instructed and mentored students in Taekwondo.

Volunteer Participant

Ethiopian Great Run

Community participation and volunteer support.

Member / Engagement

Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia

Professional community engagement in food and nutrition.

Gallery

Moments & milestones

Professional portraits, conferences, community work, and research in the field.

Blog

Thoughts & reflections

Writing on nutrition, youth leadership, food systems, and community impact.

Jul 26, 2026

Why Youth Leadership Matters in Africa’s Food Systems

A short reflection on why young nutrition professionals must help shape food systems transformation across Africa.

LeadershipFood Systems

Read article

The philosophy behind the work

I nourish.I build.I grow.

From evidence to organizations, and from young ideas to resilient systems—every project begins with care and grows through collective action.

Contact

Let's connect

Open to collaborations, research opportunities, speaking engagements, and meaningful partnerships.

Get in touch

Whether you're exploring a research collaboration, leadership initiative, or entrepreneurial partnership, I'd love to hear from you.