Eliel Gebru, M.D.P, M.B.A
Consultant
One of my favorite childhood memories was watching the Sunday afternoon “Children’s Time” show in Ethiopia, hosted by one of the most respected storytellers and TV personalities of that era, Ababa Tesfaye. All the neighborhood kids would gather in front of the TV, transfixed and inspired by “Yeteret Abat” (Father of Storytelling). Unconstrained in our minds by a small black and white TV, he weaved vibrant tales and vivid illustrations. He had a unique talent of telling the same story through the eyes of many characters—protagonist and antagonist—indelibly underlining in our young minds the essential role different perspectives play in forming and cementing societal narratives.
My professional and personal journey has given me the opportunity to meet and work with so many incredible young people across the United States—and international borders—to share their stories, making visible hidden narratives and inviting new stories that allowed me to learn and also unlearn.
My experience in academia, nonprofits, and philanthropy includes applied research on domestic and international public policy. I am passionate about social justice research that empowers youth stories that are often overlooked in society. It has been my privilege to work to better understand the lived experiences of youth and the adults who support them.
I remain inspired by the potential of using research and data to tell stories that amplify narratives that have been silenced, and create unifying narratives to inform change.