Written by Hannah Birru

Thumbnail Photo by Elfinesh Zewde

After migrating to Canada from Kenya as an Ethiopian refugee, Elfinesh Zewde attended classes on her second day in Canada. Quickly advancing her education, within the following year Elfinesh graduated from Halifax Business Academy with a Business diploma.

After a few months working in the insurance industry, Elfinesh registered as a part-time student at Saint Mary’s University in the Bachelor of Commerce Accounting and Finance Program. When asked why she chose to study Accounting, Elfinesh recalled her earliest memories of helping her father in the family-owned pharmacy corner store stating, “There was a chance given to choose a major of study (either Accounting or Engineering) in grade 7 for students [with] over 85% mark[s], back home in Ethiopia. I took that opportunity and chose Accounting so that after finishing school I could help my Dad with the business”. Initially working and studying part-time, Elfinesh transitioned into a full-time student after a year in the program. However, studying was not her only focus; Elfinesh had her first two children while completing her degree at Saint Mary’s. She was pushing herself by enrolling in 3-4 courses while simultaneously raising two young boys. Elfinesh recalled how challenging it was to focus on her studies while she had a newborn at home, “Feeding, changing diapers, books on the nightstand, studying every single second.”

Elfinesh stressed the importance of working hard through university, developing a strong work ethic, and effective time management: a lesson she learned while completing her studies as a new mother. Fiercely determined, Elfinesh graduated with an Accounting and Finance degree from Saint Mary’s University. She later pursued her CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CGA (Certified General Accountants) professional designations, and also had the honour of being selected as valedictorian. Elfinesh landed her first job as an Accountant with Air Nova, “It felt good to be using my skills, doing my best to contribute. Air Nova was a good stepping stone, a good start, and the beginning for experience”. From Air Nova, Elfinesh has worked with The Business Initiative, Air Canada, and Clearwater, and now WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia). Initially starting as a financial analyst, Elfinesh has now moved to the position of Senior Financial Reporting Accountant with a specialty in enterprise risk management. When asked why she stayed at WCB, Elfinesh credits the company culture; “I love the work, It doesn’t feel like it's been 20 years, most importantly I get to work with caring compassionate people every day. I truly love it. It’s the best place to work”.

On top of her career, Elfinesh is also an avid community member. Elfinesh is one of the founders, former chair, and former treasurer of the Ethiopian Association of NS. The Ethiopian Association of NS connects fellow Ethiopians across the province through annual festival events, fundraising, and social gatherings.

Photo by Elfinesh Zewde. Care for Refugees volunteers collecting donated furniture for refugee settlement.

Elfinesh is also the founder of Care for Refugees, having sponsored over 200 refugees over 25 plus years, with most being sponsored in the last 6 years. She describes how unsettling it was for her after migrating to Canada to think of all the people back home who are not able to reach their potential. Inspired by her own experiences as a refugee, Elfinesh founded Care for Refugees: “I came here as an immigrant. When I was a refugee in Kenya, I was lucky to have found a sponsor. I had a privileged life in Kenya, taking courses and keeping active. Unfortunately, this was not the ordinary life of a refugee. Refugees while waiting for sponsorship applications are idle for years with not much to do''. After settling in Canada and working for a couple of years, Elfinesh sponsored her mom and her four siblings from Ethiopia, as well as two of her brothers from Kenya. In 2018, Elfinesh initiated a project to sponsor big families with local community partnerships, sponsoring 35 refugees, with a record of 27 arriving in one flight. Elfinesh also organizes different programs and events to aid in the settlement of the refugees. Throughout 2020, in partnership with the Red Cross, Elfinesh, with Care for Refugees and volunteer support, distributed grocery store gift cards to refugees, provided training on basic computer literacy, hosted parental training classes and personally led a financial literacy program using her insights from being a CPA.

When asked what motivates her, Elfinesh describes her driving force in seeing people's lives changed. Witnessing a refugees life changed makes her want to do more and more, “When I see myself, I was sponsored, and I was blessed with the privilege to have my life changed to come here, Why should I not do that for others? Why not me, they changed me and gave me the privilege, so why should I not do that for others by paying it forward, and encouraging others to do the same, and empowering others to sponsor[?]”

Elfinesh Zewde’s journey is a path paved in determination, resilience, and strength. She has changed her reality from spending her teenage years as a refugee in Kenya to being an accomplished Certified Public Accountant and a devoted leader in her community. She is now empowering others to do the same; through her years of relentless dedication and determination, Elfinesh has made an impactful change to the Ethiopian community and beyond. She has dared to dream and has achieved her goals and beyond. Her story and success are a great inspiration.

Alumni Highlight: Elfinesh Zewde

FOLLOW US