Student Spotlight

Student Leader Spotlight: Ruth Tekleab Mekbib MPA ’25

Posted Apr 11 2024
Ruth Tekleab Mekbib MPA ’25

Ruth Tekleab Mekbib MPA ’25 is originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Prior to coming to SIPA, Ruth worked as a communications officer for the first female Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia for three years. Ruth enjoys storytelling through her podcast Internationalie by Ruth where she interviews and discusses the experiences of international students in college. She also loves photography and you can check out  Ethiographer where she displays some of the pictures she's taken throughout the years. 

Advice to SIPA students: Be empathetic. I believe that it is important to be kind and treat everyone with respect because you never know what someone is going through. As we plan to become future policy makers, it is imperative that we become leaders who are compassionate to those around us and to the people we will serve one day.

  • SIPA Campus Involvement/Leadership Position(s): Copresident of SPAN (SIPA Pan-African Students Network)
  • Degree: MPA (Master in Public Administration)
  • Concentration: EPD (Economic and Political Development)
  • Specialization: TMAC (Technology, Media and Communications)