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Eliel Tekka Gebru

(she/her)
Senior Associate

I have always been fascinated with how things work or do not work, and how to make them work better. This began at the age of four, when I dismantled my father’s prized radio, looking for the talking man who had to be inside. When I discovered I could have a career in research, evaluation, and learning, with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to building a just society and dismantling systemic oppression, it was a natural fit for me. At every turn of my professional life in the United States and abroad, I have been fortunate to partner with incredible individuals, organizations, and communities at the center of social change, learning from and supporting them in telling their stories of impact.

Although research, evaluation, and learning are powerful tools for catalyzing and strengthening important and impactful work, they have also been a source of anxiety and unease for many, sometimes perpetuating existing inequities and uneven power dynamics. At Informing Change, I see my role as laying the foundation for meaningful collaboration through centering narratives, perspectives, ideas, and practices from those that are often excluded from the decision-making process while encouraging or challenging those in decision-making roles to think differently.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, usually with great food and a fine cup of coffee. I love to travel and stay active.

EXPERTISE, PASSIONS, AND PURSUITS
  • Critical social science research
  • International development
  • Child and adolescent development
  • Mixed-methods research
Prior Experience
  • Research & Evaluation Consultant, Informed Change
  • Learning and Evaluation Officer, Colorado Health Foundation
  • Research and Development Associate, Search Institute
  • Research and Evaluation, University of Minnesota
Education
  • Master of International Development Practice, University of Minnesota
  • MBA, University of St. Thomas
  • BS, Management Information Systems, University of Northwestern – St. Paul

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