Yodit Sahelu Seyoum, MSc
Yodit Sahelu Seyoum
Founder & President, Kindova Humanitarian Organization
Yodit Sahelu Seyoum is an accounting and finance expert, and the Founder and President of Kindova Humanitarian Organization, a nonprofit devoted to empowering communities in need and fostering sustainable change. With more than a decade of experience in international finance, accounting, and nonprofit leadership, Yodit has transformed her professional expertise into a powerful vehicle for positive change, leading with compassion, purpose, and vision.
Driven by a deep passion for social impact and inspired by the resilience of communities in need, Yodit founded Kindova as a platform for meaningful and lasting support to vulnerable populations in Ethiopia and beyond. Under her leadership, Kindova has focused on helping young girls stay in school, advancing women’s empowerment, and uplifting communities in need, all grounded in the organization’s guiding philosophy: “Empowering lives through kindness.”
Throughout her distinguished career, Yodit has held pivotal roles at globally recognized institutions, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Open Technology Fund. She also served as Director of Affiliate Accounting at ACDI/VOCA, one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting economic growth and resilience in developing countries. These experiences provided her with a unique perspective on the design and implementation of large-scale development initiatives, further strengthening her commitment to building a humanitarian organization rooted in transparency, accountability, and sustainable impact.
Yodit earned her Master of Science in Accounting and Controlling from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. This strong academic foundation, complemented by her international experience, has shaped a leadership style that seamlessly blends financial expertise with empathy, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Today, Yodit continues to inspire through her unwavering dedication to fostering resilience, rebuilding lives, and creating pathways to self-reliance for those most in need. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of kindness, and the extraordinary impact one woman’s vision can have in changing countless lives, proving that when compassion meets action, true change follows.
• De Haagse Hogeschool / The Hague University of Applied Sciences - MS
• Full Scholarship for Master's Degree Programme (Master in Accounting and Controlling)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the invaluable experiences I’ve gained through my work with the United Nations, the IMF, and in my current role as Director of Affiliate Accounting for Kindova. Each opportunity has strengthened my commitment to global collaboration, financial integrity, and meaningful impact. I am most proud of everything I am part of today—especially the work that allows me to inspire others through dedication to sustainable development and the creation of resilient pathways for those in need. At the heart of everything I do is a core value: empowering lives through kindness.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with purpose and integrity, and to never lose sight of the “why” behind what I do. A mentor once told me that success isn’t defined by titles or achievements, but by becoming better every day and learning something new. That wisdom has guided me from my first job at the United Nations to my current work with Kindova Humanitarian Organization. Staying grounded in my values, leading with kindness, and embracing growth have been the keys to meaningful success and lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to lead with your heart and stay true to your purpose. This work has to come from within, it’s not something anyone can do, because it requires genuine compassion, resilience, and dedication. It can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Never hesitate to seek advice and learn from others who are doing similar work. Collaboration and shared wisdom make us stronger and amplify our impact. Believe in yourself, trust your purpose, and let your passion and partnerships guide you forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the humanitarian field today is sustaining long-term impact in the face of growing crises and limited resources. Many organizations work tirelessly to meet immediate needs, but true change requires sustainable solutions that empower communities to thrive independently. At the same time, there’s a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we collaborate, bridging local knowledge with global support and using innovation to make humanitarian work more efficient and inclusive. I believe that by working together with transparency, compassion, and purpose, we can turn today’s challenges into opportunities for lasting progress.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—both personally and professionally—are compassion, equity, and empowerment. Through my work with Kindova Humanitarian Organization, I am deeply committed to helping young girls stay in school, providing clean water, and supporting communities in need. I believe that if we all do our part, we can go a long way — lasting change begins with opportunity, care, and kindness. Outside of my professional work, I find balance and inspiration in spending time with my two children, ages five and seven. We love traveling together—especially our visits to Ethiopia.