Speaking | My Site

YOUR STORY HAS THE POWER TO MOVE PEOPLE.

Semehar Ghebrekidan is a dynamic speaker, storyteller, and advocate who brings authenticity, insight, and purpose to every stage. From serving as a commencement speaker to presenting at statewide conferences, community events, and professional gatherings, Semehar has built her voice around connecting with audiences through stories that are personal, meaningful, and inspiring.

Her approach is honest, engaging, and deeply human. Whether speaking to graduates beginning a new chapter, professionals gathering around an important conversation, or communities working toward change, Semehar challenges audiences to think differently, see themselves and others with greater understanding, and recognize the power of their own experiences.

Because sometimes the story that changed your life can become the story that changes someone else's.

SKILLS

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

COMMENCEMENTS

CONFERENCES

KEYNOTES

PUBLIC SPEAKING

STORY TELLING

Education

MS in Sociology

Acculturation and Belongingness: The Keys to International Student Satisfaction. Open Prairie. 2018.

SOuth Dakota State University

2016 - 2018

BA in Global Studies with minors in Spanish & Non-profit management

South Dakota State University

2012 - 2016

Honors & AWards

Remarkable Women of Siouxland Award, Nextstar Media, Hollywood, CA. 2024.
Hero of the Heartland Award, Iowa Red Cross, Des Moines, IA. 2023.
Women of Excellence Award: Women Striving to Improve the Quality-of-Life Award, Women Aware, Sioux City, IA. 2023.
Employe of the Month, Siouxland Community Health Center, Sioux City, IA. 2020 and 2021.
HIV Medical Case Management Certificate Program, Cold Springs Center, Siouxland Community Health Center, 2020.
International Students and Mental Health, ACPA, The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. 2019.
Entering Mentoring Certificate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. 2019.
F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate Certificate, NAFSA, Regional Conference 4, Duluth, MN. 2018.
Women of Distinction: Student Category, Women Studies Program, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2018.
Graduate Teaching Certificate of Excellence, Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2017.
Senator of the Year Finalist, Students’ Association, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2017.
Sankofa Award. Multicultural Center, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2016.
Presidential Service and Leadership Award. Multicultural Center, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2016.
Senator of the Year Finalist. Students’ Association, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2016.
Deans List. College of Arts and Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. Fall 2016
Presidential Service and Leadership Award. Multicultural Center, South Dakota State University, Brookings. 2015.
Best Educational Program Runner Up: Dear White People. Student Engagement, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 2015.