Aster Asfaw Demissie

Independent

Trainer

Aster Asfaw Demissie is a highly accomplished Certified Executive Leadership Coach, trainer, and mentor with over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles at national and international levels. She is skilled in strategic planning, governance, leadership development, financial management, and social development. With a career spanning diverse sectors, she has been instrumental in coaching and mentoring leaders, facilitating organizational growth, and advocating for child and youth development.

Core Expertise:
- Leadership development & training
- Coaching & mentoring
- Strategic planning & governance
- Financial management & budgeting
- Team building & change management
- Child rights & protection
- Board governance & risk management

Professional Experience: freelance leadership coach, mentor, trainer, and consultant (2023 – present). Aster provides executive coaching, leadership training, and consultancy for organizations, including:
- AHope Ethiopia – led a three-year strategic plan and trained board members on governance.
- Ethiopost – conducted mentorship and leadership training for senior leaders and employees.
- AWiB Ethiopia – delivered workshops on authenticity and emotional intelligence for emerging women leaders.
- Dashen Bank, Habesha Brewery, and The Talent Firm – trained professionals on women in leadership, emotional intelligence, and team excellence.
- Institute of Directors, Chamber of Commerce – conducted training on corporate governance for women in finance.
- Various NGOs and private companies – facilitated strategic planning, group coaching, and leadership retreats.
- SOS Children’s Villages International (2014 – 2023) – international representative.

- Led strategic planning across multiple countries.
- Served as a Board Member in 10+ African countries, guiding governance structures.
- Developed fundraising proposals and facilitated high-level policy engagements.
- SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia (2000 – 2014) – Country Director & Program Development Director
- Designed and implemented national strategies for child development.
- Managed human, financial, and capital resources to ensure program excellence.
- Established strong partnerships and networks.

Previous Roles:
- Christian Aid - country administrator.
- ACORD Ethiopia & MSF-Belgium - finance & admin officer.
- Addis Ababa City Administration - accountant.

Education & Certifications:
- Global Diploma in Executive Leadership Coaching – CDI Africa, Kenya
- Master’s in Organizational Leadership – Azusa Pacific University, USA
- BA in Sociology & Social Administration – Addis Ababa University
- Diploma in Accounting – Addis Ababa Commercial College

Board Memberships & Recognition:
- Board member of AHope Ethiopia, AWiB Ethiopia, YEP Ethiopia
- Gold Ring of Honor (2014) for outstanding service at SOS Children’s Villages
Aster is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations by fostering leadership, strategic vision, and professional growth.