Bemnet Meshesha

Bemnet has lived in Dallas, Texas for most of her life. She has embraced the nuances of a hybrid identity rooted in the faith, culture, and traditions of the two worlds she constantly vacillates between. It is from this place her passion for fairness, justice, and equity, particularly for Black people, was born. Bemnet received her bachelor’s and master’s at Dallas Baptist University and the University of Texas at Arlington respectively, joining other social workers and community practitioners. A nonprofit professional, experienced in creating impactful programs, managing philanthropic dollars, and innovative large-scale projects, she is committed to sustainable community development. Her love for traveling, working with young people, and being a policy junkie is core to who she is. Bemnet is a respected facilitator, speaker, and researcher on topics of racial equity, Black identity, and immigrant experiences. Her writing can be found in national publications and academic journals like the British Journal of Social Work. Bemnet is proud of her community work, most notably her role as the first Black Immigrant President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals and as a founding member of HERitage Giving Circle, an organization dedicated to cultivating philanthropy among Black women. Bemnet currently serves on the Board of Directors at Social Venture Partners, on the Advisory Board for UT Austin, Dallas Engagement Center. She is also a graduate of the Dana Juett Residency, a Partner at Social Venture Partners, a 2020 Fellow, and a 2021 Dallas Public Voices Peer Coach for the Op-Ed Project.