Introducing Haregu Kidane, COO-RV Coordinator

Hello, my name is Haregu Kidane and I am the newest member of the Communities of Opportunity in the Rainier Valley

I have lived in Seattle for roughly 9 years; in that time, I attended Seattle University for my bachelors and then the University of Washington for my Master in Public Health. I’m excited to be working with community-based organizations again! My background and training as a public health practitioner has prepared me in ensuring that community voices are heard and incorporated into decision making processes. Seeing how the Rainier Valley and Seattle as a whole is in phase of hyper development thru gentrification and displacement, I think it’s important to ensure that vulnerable communities have cultural or community anchors that root them in the Rainier Valley. As more residents are being pushed to surrounding to suburbs and surrounding cities community centers and places of worship in south Seattle serve as one of the last frontiers of community connectedness for many communities.

Q: If you were a super hero, what powers would you have?

A: I would have the power to move at hyper speed so that I can get places quickly, beat traffic, and maximize my experience places.

Q: Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?

A: I  generally hate surprises! I’m kind of awkward so it’s hard for me to adjust to sudden changes. I do enjoy some surprises, for example, when someone brings donuts into the office unexpectedly or unexpected calls from loved ones.

Q: Would you rather work the perfect job or win the lottery?

A: I would rather work my perfect job! My dream job is to gather health history of immigrant families that are do not have access to past documentation to help them understand their family health history (no cause of death, no death certificates, previous diagnosis). Thankfully, my dream job pays me well and offers wonderful benefits for myself and loved ones. Additionally, this job would come with a 6-week sabbatical every year so that I can travel and visit with family and friends across the world.  =)

Q: What’s your favorite family tradition?

A: My dad used to take my sister and I out for breakfast Saturday mornings and he used to always cut up my sister and I’s pancakes. Eventually, he stopped cutting my sisters pancakes but he continued to cut mine even when I  grew old enough to do it myself. Both my dad and I are the youngest members of our immediate family and we always shared a special connection.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: My favorite book is Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I chose this book because it delves deep into the life and relationships of the main character, Janie Crawford. Their Eyes were Watching God touches on racism, sexism, gender roles, and social norms from the late 19^th century to the 20^th century.

Q: What makes you laugh the most?

A: Comedy shows! Doesn’t matter if its live or a Netflix special.

Q: How would you friends describe you?

A: My friends would say I am random, hilarious, dramatic, and talkative at all the wrong times!

Q: What would you sing at a karaoke night?

A:  I have a few favorites that I love doing friends. My favorites are: Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Shania Twain’s Man! I feel like a Woman, and Destiny’s Child’s Independent Women Part 1.

Q: What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?

A: The last movie that I saw in theaters was The Kitchen. The film depicts the lives of three woman who step into the role of their mobster husbands upon their arrests  I enjoyed the movie,  I hope that a part two is in the making.

Thank you for reading! I hope to see you in the community!

-Haregu Kidane