Makeda Yasenlul is a mother, writer, and entrepreneur of Ethiopian origin. She moved to the U.S. in her 20s, excited to experience a new place and all the possibilities that came with it. Along the way, she faced challenges that tested every ounce of her strength—most notably, a divorce that was both painful and transformative. Instead of letting the divorce define her, she turned her experience into Bigger Than Divorce, to help those coming after her rebuild with purpose.

Makeda believes in the power of books and writing to change lives. She founded her high school’s first newspaper and, at 14, wrote a short African version of Harry Potter (let’s not talk about it).

Fluent in Amharic and English, Makeda brings a multicultural lens to her work. She’s especially passionate about supporting women and single mothers, using her own journey as proof that healing and growth are always possible. These days, Makeda and her daughter can be found wandering through bookstores, maxing out their library cards, and making themselves at home in every public park they can find.