Meadna’s interview with Helen Woldeab

Meadna has been conducting a series of interviews with active young Eritreans who are striving to better their community, country and themselves through education and chosen career. Here is meadna’s interview with Helen Woldeab, an Eritrean from Columbus, Ohio.  Helen attended the 4th annual YPFDJ conference in Washington D.C, which was held from August 29, 2008. Helen earned her Bachelors of Arts in 2005 and is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration specializing in Marketing. Helen works for Pharmaceutical Company.  Meadna will bring you more interviews with the attendants of the 4th YPFDJ conference.

Meadna - Please tell us a little about yourself.

Helen - My name is Helen Woldeab from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in 2005 and am currently working on my Masters of Business Administration specializing in Marketing. Also I am a Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for a company called Shire Pharmaceuticals. Through my company, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Dawit Zemichael, a Psychiatrist based out of Tennessee who goes back to Eritrea twice a year to provide supplies, education and his personal assistance for people with any psychiatric issues. Although, I have been to Eritrea on two separate occasions after growing up in America , I would love to be involved in the trips that Dr. Zemichael takes to Eritrea twice a year because I will be able to use my education, as well as my work experience to change the lives of my Eritrean brothers and sisters.

Meadna - How did you become interested in the profession?

Helen - I became interested in the profession that I chose because I always knew that I had a gift to sell, so I wanted to take it to another level and challenge myself to sell products that will changes people’s lives. I work in the pharmaceutical industry, and I have the opportunity to see the lives of hundreds of patients being changed everyday.

Meadna - it was your first time to attend the conference, how did you find it and what kind of expectation did you have prior to attending the conference?

Helen - This was my first time attending a YPFDJ conference and I am very glad that I did. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when I was introduced to the idea of attending the conference. I had no expectations but to only learn something new that I didn’t know before. To my pleasant surprise, I learned so much more than I ever expected to in regards to the politics of Eritrea. Also, I was able to meet hundreds of new people that I now have the ability to call my friends.

Meadna- what are the benefits of the conference for the youth in general and individuals particular?

Helen - The YPFDJ Conference this year offered several benefits for the youth all around the world. I learned about politics in Eritrea, what it means to be Eritrean, how to understand my identity as an Eritrean American, how to turn a general idea into a movement, and so much more. Also, the youth that participated in the conference gained a sense of who we are as an Eritrean people and what the power of an idea can begin a movement that is unstoppable.

Meadna - what were the biggest highlights of the conference for you?

Helen - In my opinion, the biggest highlight of the conference was when the keynote speaker, Mr. Yemane Gebreab gave his presentation on cultural revival, economical and social development, regional and international cooperation, political democracy, national harmony, social justice, and many more relevant topics. 
Also, there were numerous great presentations from various YPFDJ chapters around the world that shared great ideas and stories of how to overcome weaknesses, what their strengths and objectives were. Another great highlight of the conference was the skit and dating show. The dating show was absolutely hilarious and everyone in the audience was enjoying it so much. Another highlight was the people who performed poems, sang and danced.
All of this and more is what energized the crowd and made it such a great conference.

Meadna - what is your future plan?

Helen - My future plans are to get involved with other community members across Ohio and create an idea of how we want to start the movement. I want to be involved in the YPFDJ organization as much as I possibly can and also get others to join the movement as well.

Meadna, what do you do in your spare time?

Helen - In my spare time, I love to travel. Anytime I get a chance to travel I do. This year alone, I have been to London UK, Italy, Philadelphia, PA, Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, Boston, MS, Chicago, IL,  Florence, KY, Dallas, TX and Denver, CO.
Also, I love to just chill, and relax every chance I get. When I have down time it is very rare, so I try to enjoy it as much as possible.

Meadna - Who are your Mentors or people you look up to?

Helen - As far as my mentors go, I would have to say two people I look up to the most are my parents. They are very inspirational in how they struggled to come from Eritrea, to Sudan and again to America, settling in Columbus, OH. They have not only inspired me to work hard and be successful, but they have also told me to never give up and strive for the best. They have been there for me, through thick and thin, and know I will always have their support. Another person who has motivated me is President Isaias Afewerki. I love his ambition, motivation, and drive to help Eritrea get back on its feet. I am very satisfied with what he has been doing in his overall efforts to develop Eritrea. One last person who has inspired me over the past few years is Senator Barak Obama.  I have had the pleasure of watching a black man, in the United States, change the way people think about minorities in America and at the same time, make a major impact on the economy, health care, and foreign affairs. He has inspired by showing that nothing will stand in his way from being the next president of the United States of America, and that shows me that I can do anything I set my mind to as well. In addition to these great leaders, I have been very inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was absolutely astonishing leader.