Meaza Haregewoin Fiseha

Ethiopian architect and MSc student championing sustainable development

I'm an Ethiopian architect and MSc student who is a passionate advocate for sustainable development. Despite a challenging background, I leverage my roles at Turner and Townsend, multiple youth organizations, and international summits to champion renewable energy, education, and social justice. As a first-generation college graduate, financial health is especially important to me—it empowers me to pursue my passions without constant financial worries and helps me break the cycle to build a secure future for my family.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

— Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse grounds me in every decision I make—financial and otherwise. It reminds me that while I work hard and plan carefully, there's something bigger guiding my path. Financial health isn't just about control; it's about trust, wisdom, and faith that the right choices will lead to the right outcomes.

Personal Philosophy

What does being financially healthy mean to you?

Financial health, to me, is feeling secure and empowered by my finances. It's having enough to cover my essential needs and some wiggle room for unexpected costs. It's also about feeling confident in my ability to plan for the future, whether it's a dream vacation, a down payment on a home, or simply having a safety net for emergencies. It's not about having an exorbitant amount of money, but about having control over my finances and feeling peace of mind knowing I'm making smart choices for my future.

What motivates your work in financial health?

As a first-generation college graduate, financial health is especially important to me. Growing up, I may not have had everything I wanted, but I never wanted to feel like a burden on my family. Now, with my own goals and aspirations, financial health empowers me to pursue them. It's about breaking the cycle and building a secure future, not just for myself, but for my family, and any future family I may have. It's the freedom to focus on my passions—like sustainable development—without constant financial worries.

Current Goal

Build a solid emergency fund. As a young professional, unexpected events can be particularly disruptive. Having an emergency fund would provide me with peace of mind and the ability to handle unforeseen circumstances, like medical bills or car repairs, without derailing my long-term financial plans. This buffer would also allow me to take calculated risks, like pursuing relevant professional development opportunities that might require upfront costs. Ultimately, a strong emergency fund is a stepping stone towards achieving my broader financial goals for the future.

Meaza Haregewoin Fiseha

What does being financially healthy mean to you?

What motivates your work in financial health?

Join the movement for financial health equity.

Join the movement for
financial health equity.