Merit is the founder of SheBuilds International LLC, a platform committed to empowering women of color worldwide by fostering meaningful connections and bridging cultural divides. Her passion for creating spaces where women from diverse backgrounds can support one another grew from her recognition of the unique challenges faced by ambitious, educated women.

Originally from Ethiopia and raised in the United States, Merit’s life has been shaped by a blend of cultural perspectives, which fuel her unwavering commitment to social justice and women's empowerment. With degrees in Legal Studies and African American Studies, she leverages her deep understanding of marginalized communities to drive positive change.

Driven by a vision of global solidarity, Merit leads SheBuilds International with the goal of building a global community where women uplift, inspire, and support each other toward creating lasting impact in their communities.

Konah was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and moved to the United States in 2016 due to her father’s work as an environmental and human rights lawyer. This experience sparked a passion for social justice and advocacy, which continues to guide her path.

She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Journalism, and a minor in Information Technology. Konah works as a Research and Policy Fellow at the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, focusing on housing, transportation, workforce development, and cleantech research.

Outside of work, she enjoys long-distance running and writing poetry. She’s also preparing for law school, aiming to specialize in environmental law and advocate for sustainable, community-driven solutions. Konah is excited to join SheBuilds, where she looks forward to building bridges and contributing to impactful work that empowers others.

Yezena Degu Endeshaw, a trailblazer from Ethiopia, exemplifies resilience and determination. After overcoming immense hardship, she came to the U.S. as a teenager on a scholarship to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. Her dedication to education earned her the Ann and Andrew Tisch Scholarship at Barnard College, which supports women whose education has been disrupted by crises.

At Barnard, Yezena works with Access Barnard to help international, first-generation, and low-income students navigate higher education. She is a passionate advocate for empowering young women, especially Black girls, to succeed in challenging environments.

Currently an advocacy intern with She’s the First Foundation, Yezena strengthens campus chapters, manages social media, writes newsletters, and facilitates programs that empower young women. Growing up with five sisters, Yezena’s journey fuels her passion for mentoring and inspiring young Black girls to dream boldly and thrive.

Alexis, originally from Ghana, West Africa, relocated to the United States in 2017 with her family with the goal of seeking greener pastures. She earned her bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts in 2021 with a major in Legal Studies and minor in Philosophy. 

After college, she volunteered as AmeriCorps Legal Advocate of Massachusetts (Ala-Ma) where she saw first hand the disconnect between minority communities that desperately need resources and the lack of access. With a renewed passion in effectuating change in the legal field by bridging the gap between those who desperately need legal aid and lack of access to resources, she is currently earning her Juris Doctor at Northeastern University School of Law. 

As a current law student, Alexis joins SheBuilds to help bridge the gap between experienced professionals and emerging talent, to help create opportunities, foster connections, and make meaningful change.

Jennifer, of Angolan descent, was born and raised in Portugal, where her passion for community empowerment took root. Witnessing the challenges in healthcare in Angola led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in the same field, focusing on cardiac tissue engineering.

In her role at SheBuilds International, Jennifer employs her vision and expertise to support meaningful connections and develop programs that empower women. She was drawn to the organization’s mission because she believes in the transformative power of community and the necessity of a strong network of like-minded people.

Jennifer envisions a future where women from all walks of life can access the resources and networks needed to succeed. Her role at SheBuilds reflects her dedication to creating a brighter future, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Kwarkor is a driven individual with a diverse background shaped by her experiences in Ghana and the United States. Born and raised in Ghana, she relocated to the U.S in 2017 to further her education, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst. Her academic focus on public policy, comparative politics, local government, and economic development in the underdeveloped countries solidified her interest in community empowerment. This passion was further fueled by her service in the U.S Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate in the Operations Department. 

Kwarkor currently works at the Boston Immigration Court, where she meticulously reviews legal documents and manages case information. As someone deeply committed to helping underserved communities, she is eager to contribute her expertise and passion to SheBuilds International where she aims to empower communities through access to resources and opportunity.

Betelihem, born in Ethiopia and raised in the U.S., has been dedicated to social justice from a young age. She attended the ACLU Advocacy Institute as a teen and later co-led the BSU, Seacoast Youth Advocates, and helped establish the Civil Rights Team in her community. She has spoken at various events, including an NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and a Black History Month service at Hope Baptist Church.

She earned a B.A. in Africana and Gender & Sexuality Studies from Bates College, with additional studies in Community Applied Psychology at the University of Miami and Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. Passionate about fitness and wellness, Betelihem sees physical and mental resilience as key to empowerment. Through SheBuilds International, she is committed to uplifting underrepresented women and creating spaces for growth and support.