From the president
A biology major and business administration minor at the University of Richmond, Bezawit “Beza” G. Mulatu is a visionary leader committed to seeking healthcare solutions and educational equity at home in Ethiopia and in Richmond, Virginia. At the University of Richmond, Beza is a member of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the University of Richmond Emergency Medical Services, a Richmond Scholar, and an Oliver Hill Scholar. In the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, she helps lead Pathway to A College Experience (PACE), a program that introduces the possibility of a college education to Richmond area middle and elementary school students by offering a comprehensive full-day or half-day tour experience on campus. In the Richmond community, in addition to serving as a Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad volunteer, Beza is a research intern at CARITAS, a nonprofit that provides a safe space for healing and recovery for people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction. She is also the co-founder of two nonprofits in Ethiopia, one working towards the eradication of trachoma, glaucoma, and other eye diseases and one focused on college access.
Personal Statement
I currently serve as a co-founder and active board member of non-profit organizations spanning three countries that focuses on improving the research and development landscape in East Africa, advocating for eye care, and providing free education consulting and opportunities, with a special emphasis on creating accessible libraries for visually impaired students in conflict-affected regions. As an aspiring healthcare professional with an interest in studying law, I am driven to comprehend the disparity between existing laws and policies intended to protect vulnerable communities, particularly those with disabilities, and the practical shortcomings in implementing initiatives for accessibility. In envisioning the goals of the work I aspire we can do as a community—identifying systemic gaps, analyzing legal frameworks, assessing impact, proposing solutions, and engaging with the community—I see a pathway to healing the pervasive injustice experienced by visually impaired individuals and other vulnerable communities. Recognized as a Global UN SDG advocate, I aim to integrate education for sustainable development, aligning with Newman Civic Fellowship's values. I am working collaboratively with my team in Ethiopia to publish multilingual Basic Life Support and First Aid guides in the aims to increase accessibility in medical information as well as to empower communities and foster inclusivity.