“UoPeople Is Helping Me Learn While Leading My Business,” Says Gizeshwork B., MBA Student

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gizeshwork B. has built her life and career around resilience, leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning. Growing up in a society where women often face additional social and economic challenges, she learned early to view obstacles not as limitations, but as opportunities for growth.

Gizeshwork earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Addis Ababa University. Balancing her education with real-world responsibilities strengthened her discipline and reinforced her belief in lifelong learning.

More than 25 years ago, she founded GIZE PLC, a logistics and business services company based in Addis Ababa. Building and sustaining a company in a challenging economic environment required perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Today, as Founder and Managing Director, Gizeshwork continues to oversee the company’s strategic planning, operations, and organizational development.

Her work has also extended beyond her business. She has participated in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. She is also actively involved in national development efforts, including serving as the spearhead of the fundraising committee for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which she views as a symbol of national pride and long-term development.

Despite more than two decades of professional experience, Gizeshwork believes there is always more to learn. This desire for continued growth led her to pursue an MBA at University of the People.

“I chose UoPeople because it aligns perfectly with my belief in accessible, high-quality education and lifelong learning,” she says. “As an entrepreneur with more than 25 years of professional experience, I understand the importance of continuously strengthening my academic foundation.”

UoPeople’s flexible online model allows Gizeshwork to continue her education while managing her professional and community responsibilities. She also values the university’s global learning environment, where students from different countries and professional backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to discussions and peer learning.

“The global learning community at UoPeople allows me to engage with students from different cultural and professional backgrounds,” she explains. “It enriches my perspective and strengthens my ability to contribute meaningfully at both local and international levels.”

For Gizeshwork, her MBA is an opportunity to complement decades of practical experience with advanced academic knowledge. She is developing her understanding of global business practices, financial management, organizational leadership, and ethical decision-making—skills she hopes to apply directly to her organization and future ventures.

“While I have many years of practical business experience, I believe that combining hands-on knowledge with advanced academic training will allow me to make better-informed decisions and lead more effectively,” she says.

The online learning experience has also challenged her to become more disciplined. Balancing coursework and deadlines with professional responsibilities requires careful time management. Yet Gizeshwork sees these demands as opportunities to strengthen her independence and perseverance.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her business initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to sustainable economic development. She also wants to use her experience and education to mentor young professionals and support women entrepreneurs.

For Gizeshwork, education is ultimately about more than advancing her own career. She sees it as a way to share knowledge, empower others, and contribute to responsible leadership and inclusive growth.

As she continues her MBA journey, Gizeshwork is building on more than 25 years of experience to create an even greater impact through business, mentorship, and lifelong learning.