Meet Beirut Abafogi

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Beirut Abafogi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Beirut below.

Hi Beirut , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from a blend of personal and professional experiences that have continuously challenged and shaped me. Professionally, my resilience has been forged through overcoming challenges at every stage of my journey. I earned my law degree at Addis Ababa University and later worked with the UNHCR, traveling through refugee camps in East Africa, experiences that demanded courage and adaptability. Moving to the United States, I had to adjust to an entirely new social and political landscape, navigating the complex world of political campaigns as an immigrant woman. My work in public policy and now philanthropy has further tested and strengthened my resolve. Each phase of my career has required me to embrace change and confront obstacles head-on, continuously building the resilience that defines who I am today. On a personal level, I faced significant hardships, such as balancing solo parenting while pursuing my master’s degree and working a full-time job, all without a support system. These challenges forced me to develop a deep inner strength and a steadfast commitment to my goals. Ultimately, it’s this combination of overcoming professional hurdles and enduring personal hardships that has sculpted my resilience, empowering me to push forward no matter what comes my way.
Resilience, to me is the ability to transform adversity into strength, to turn obstacles into opportunities, and to emerge stronger with each challenge faced. It’s not just about enduring hardships, it’s about learning, adapting, and growing through them. True resilience is found in the courage to face uncertainty head-on, the determination to push forward despite setbacks, and the ability to find purpose in moments of struggle. It’s about embracing change with resolve, trusting in your ability to rise above challenges, and using those experiences to fuel personal growth and positive impact.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I work at the intersection of political strategy, public policy, and philanthropy. Today, in my current role with the JD Graves Foundation, I am focused on empowering communities by bridging resource gaps, fostering collaboration, and driving initiatives that promote economic stability and inclusion. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to turn community voices into meaningful action , creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding this impact by championing innovative solutions, amplifying marginalized voices, and building sustainable pathways for growth. Expect to see me continuing to lead with purpose, investing in community-driven change, and working to create a more inclusive, equitable future. I believe that true progress happens when public, private, and nonprofit sectors come together to co-create solutions that are both people-centered and policy-driven.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Identifying My ‘Why’:

Understanding the deeper purpose behind what I do has been crucial. It provides clarity and drives every decision I make, ensuring that my work is aligned with a mission that resonates both personally and within the communities I serve.

2. Empathetic Listening:

Being fully present and genuinely attentive to the needs and experiences of others has enabled me to create initiatives that are truly responsive. This quality not only builds trust but also lays the foundation for meaningful, community driven change.

3. Strategic Adaptability:

Navigating the ever-changing landscapes of public policy, Politics and philanthropy demands flexibility. Moving across continents taught me to adapt to diverse cultural contexts and shifting environments. I embrace change wholeheartedly, continually refining my strategies to effectively meet evolving challenges.

For those just starting out, my advice is to first take the time to uncover your own ‘why.’ Let that purpose guide you. Cultivate the habit of truly listening to those around you, this will inform your strategies and reveal areas for growth. Stay adaptable; the journey will always present unexpected challenges, and flexibility is essential. Finally, prioritize building collaborative relationships. The power of collective effort is often the catalyst for the most significant change.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

The past 12 months have been both one of the most difficult and the most rewarding periods of my life. I faced profound personal challenges, my mom’s serious diagnosis and the passing of my beloved grandmother, who raised me, in what felt like an unending storm of loss and responsibility. Amid this heart-wrenching turmoil, I became the primary caregiver for my mom, the sole decision-maker, and took on every role necessary to keep our world intact. I was the driver, the cook, and the steadfast rock that held everything together, even as grief threatened to overwhelm me.

Yet, through every trial, I refused to let my responsibilities falter. I continued to show up for work, never missed my child’s recital classes, and remained committed to every obligation. It was in these dark moments that I discovered an inner resilience I never knew I possessed. I emerged from the experience as a fully-fledged human being, mentally stronger, more empathetic, and resolute in my determination to ensure that the system I built would never crumble. This journey of personal evolution coincided with a major professional milestone: earning a leadership role on one of the most significant senate campaigns. Through empathetic and empowering leadership, I transformed my struggles into a beacon of resilience for others, proving that even in our most trying times, we can grow and inspire lasting change,

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Eef2r86bm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/beirut-abafogi-55589b167