Meet Ermias Hagos

We recently connected with Ermias Hagos and have shared our conversation below.

Ermias, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

The optimism that I now have for life, comes from multiple things. When I was in my junior year of high school, I realized just how short life is for us all. My grandmother had passed away and I was torn up on the inside. That event, while saddening, inspired me to live each day as if it were my last because we dont know when our time will be up. Therefore, why not live each day with a hope and belief about life? My optimism also comes from my mother and her continued confidence in any situation she is in. Despite how she may be feeling, I’ve always seen her be willing to take on the day with a great attitude and confidence. Lastly, my optimism comes from God. My belief in Jesus has played a big role in my life. When you have a reassurance that there is a higher power, someone who knows your life timeline and makes everything happen for a reason, you cant help but live life boldly and with a certain optimism that you then want to share with others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Ermias Hagos. I was born in Asmara, Eritrea and came to the states with my mom at the young age of three. I fell in love with engineering at a very young when I saw all the tall buildings and large structures in downtown Seattle. While in pursuits of my engineering degree in college at Western Washington University, I wanted to leave an impact on my campus. One way I did this, was becoming the Black Student Union president in fall 2021. It was the first quarter back, after more than a year of online classes. People were craving for human to human connections and I couldn’t have been more happier to help lead in making that happen. The following year I stepped down to focus more on my studies, but a thought quickly came to mind not to long after. Attending WWU was a joy, however one thing it lacked was diversity. I realized of the countless black mentors I had that helped me navigate my freshmen year and help establish a community for me. I wanted to do the same for the younger students to come. I wanted to put the countless stories, success journeys and advice those that went to WWU had on a platform for current and future students and staff to listen to and get inspired. The Black Experience would be born in October of 2022. Fast forward to almost two years later and 74 episodes, my podcast is now live on multiple platforms including Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. I’ve broadened the scope to those living in the Pacific Northwest and plan on continuing that scope.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first one is the power of positivity. The ability to be positive in both good situations AND challenging ones has allowed me to overcome life’s challenges. In addition, this quality of mine is contagious and can inspire people to be positive amidst the ups and downs of their lives. Secondly, the phrase, “You can only control what you do,” has allowed me to focus less on what’s not in my control which is other people’s actions or words and more so on what I do have control over which is my actions and words. This skill saves you lots of stress and headaches and gives you a certain hope for the future. Lastly, the phrase, “This too shall pass,” has been influential in my life. Especially when I’m feeling anxious about a certain situation, saddened about something or someone or any other negative emotion I remember this phrase to remind me that this moment and season will pass eventually. As does any other thing in life.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Im currently looking for anyone willing to come on to The Black Experience podcast and share their story, how they’ve navigated life being black here in the United States, how they found success and what advice they’d give to the younger generation who inspire to pursue their own interests and carve their own path. By doing this, I have no doubt in my mind of the impact that our conversation will make on whoever listens and the many conversations it will inspire others to finally start having with each other. In addition, by coming to my podcast, I will shoutout the amazing work/brand that you or your organization is doing and share with my audience. Anyone who is willing to sponsor my podcast as well and be willing to support me any way they can would be amazing! Feel free to contact me at ermiashagos46@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos