Discover the inspiring story of Dejene Hodes, a man whose life journey is a testament to the power of resilience and vision. From a challenging start in Ethiopia, he's become a driving force, dedicated to showcasing his country's rich culture and untapped potential to the world. Explore how personal hardship fueled his ambition to build impactful businesses while striving to ignite an Ethiopian renaissance and create opportunities for future generations.Early Childhood
Early Childhood
"My journey began with humble beginnings in Ethiopia," shares Dejene, marking the start of his life in a village near Addis Ababa. His early years were shadowed by "darkness and uncertainty," as his father left before he was born, and his mother struggled to provide a stable income. He spent his childhood between his mother and grandmother, finding joy in the simplicity of rural life, like playing in open fields and imagining a world without limits. At the age of five, his life took a drastic turn. Dejene developed tuberculosis of the spine, which restricted his movement, and within a year, he faced the devastating loss of both his mother and grandmother. This left him moving between relatives, facing countless hurdles with no immediate family able to take him in, eventually, an aunt took a leap of faith to give him a chance at life. This chapter of his life emphasizes the profound adversities he faced, setting the stage for his later resilience and ambition.
Major Health Challenges & Abandonment
Major Health Challenges & Abandonment
Facing "what seemed like insurmountable challenges," Dejene's aunt made the difficult decision to leave him at a church in Addis Ababa, hoping for the kindness of strangers, which he relied on. This period of health struggles and abandonment, where he eventually was found severely ill and taken to Mother Teresa's Mission for the Sick and Destitute. This marked his "lowest point," but also the turning point, where he encountered an American doctor who would become his adoptive father. This transformative period underscores the importance of compassion and second chances in Dejene's life. This moment served as the catalyst for a major change in direction and opportunity.
Adoption and Life-Changing Surgery
Adoption and Life-Changing Surgery
"Life has a way of surprising you," Dejene states, reflecting on his encounter with Dr. Rick Hodes, an American doctor who opened his heart and home to him. This marked a significant turning point; He was accepted for a high-risk surgery at Scottish Rite in 2002. "My life changed forever," he says, highlighting the impact of this event, which not only healed his physical ailments but also broadened his horizons. After a successful surgery he returned to Ethiopia six months later, starting a new and promising chapter. This marks his first major achievement, turning a major hurdle into a catalyst for transformation. Read more on Dejene's own words or at thelinknewspaper.ca, jpost.com, Algemeiner.com, mylife.com, and blacktiemagazine.com.
Educational Journey and Return to Ethiopia
Educational Journey and Return to Ethiopia
Following his surgery and recovery, Dejene completed his schooling, embarking on a period of traveling between Ethiopia and Dallas, Texas, for the next decade. He shares that this period of his life, roughly from 2002 to 2012, was a “mosaic of learning, from the intricacies of business to the depth of personal relationships, each experience enriching my resolve to contribute to my homeland’s narrative”. This stage was crucial for him to transition from a life marked by loss and uncertainty into one of education, opportunity, and self-discovery and it prepared him for his next major life goal.
Building a Multi-Faceted Brand & Personal Content Creation
Building a Multi-Faceted Brand & Personal Content Creation
Dejene states he's "expanding my travel agency into a full-service, high-end concierge, tour, and travel company that offers unique and immersive experiences". He uses his YouTube channels—Dejene Ethiopia Tours, Dejene Hodes, and the Next Question show— "to weave a narrative of inspiration, showcasing the multifaceted allure of Ethiopia, from its art to its entrepreneurial spirit." This period, from the early 2020s into the present, emphasizes his growing influence as a storyteller and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of personal branding in his larger vision. He says "My mission is clear – to illuminate the myriad opportunities that Ethiopia offers, from its art and coffee to its untapped business potential". This all reinforces his intention of showcasing Ethiopia's greatness.
Vision for Ethiopia's Future & Adulis Capital
Vision for Ethiopia's Future & Adulis Capital
Dejene is driven by his belief that "Ethiopia has the potential to rise again as a great and powerful nation" and that it can become a global leader like the Axumite Empire of the past. This drives his ambition to "build billion-dollar companies in Ethiopia," and he chose the name "Adulis" for his company to reflect this aspiration, inspired by "the ancient port of the Axumite Empire". He states that just like Adulis was a "gateway to a flourishing civilization, I want my companies to serve as gateways to a brighter future for Ethiopia, creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and contributing to the nation’s growth.” This vision is ongoing, starting in the present day, showcasing his future goal of achieving great things and making a major impact in Ethiopia.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
"My journey began with humble beginnings in Ethiopia," shares Dejene, marking the start of his life in a village near Addis Ababa. His early years were shadowed by "darkness and uncertainty," as his father left before he was born, and his mother struggled to provide a stable income. He spent his childhood between his mother and grandmother, finding joy in the simplicity of rural life, like playing in open fields and imagining a world without limits. At the age of five, his life took a drastic turn. Dejene developed tuberculosis of the spine, which restricted his movement, and within a year, he faced the devastating loss of both his mother and grandmother. This left him moving between relatives, facing countless hurdles with no immediate family able to take him in, eventually, an aunt took a leap of faith to give him a chance at life. This chapter of his life emphasizes the profound adversities he faced, setting the stage for his later resilience and ambition.
Major Health Challenges & Abandonment
Major Health Challenges & Abandonment
Facing "what seemed like insurmountable challenges," Dejene's aunt made the difficult decision to leave him at a church in Addis Ababa, hoping for the kindness of strangers, which he relied on. This period of health struggles and abandonment, where he eventually was found severely ill and taken to Mother Teresa's Mission for the Sick and Destitute. This marked his "lowest point," but also the turning point, where he encountered an American doctor who would become his adoptive father. This transformative period underscores the importance of compassion and second chances in Dejene's life. This moment served as the catalyst for a major change in direction and opportunity.
Adoption and Life-Changing Surgery
Adoption and Life-Changing Surgery
"Life has a way of surprising you," Dejene states, reflecting on his encounter with Dr. Rick Hodes, an American doctor who opened his heart and home to him. This marked a significant turning point; He was accepted for a high-risk surgery at Scottish Rite in 2002. "My life changed forever," he says, highlighting the impact of this event, which not only healed his physical ailments but also broadened his horizons. After a successful surgery he returned to Ethiopia six months later, starting a new and promising chapter. This marks his first major achievement, turning a major hurdle into a catalyst for transformation. Read more on Dejene's own words or at thelinknewspaper.ca, jpost.com, Algemeiner.com, mylife.com, and blacktiemagazine.com.
Educational Journey and Return to Ethiopia
Educational Journey and Return to Ethiopia
Following his surgery and recovery, Dejene completed his schooling, embarking on a period of traveling between Ethiopia and Dallas, Texas, for the next decade. He shares that this period of his life, roughly from 2002 to 2012, was a “mosaic of learning, from the intricacies of business to the depth of personal relationships, each experience enriching my resolve to contribute to my homeland’s narrative”. This stage was crucial for him to transition from a life marked by loss and uncertainty into one of education, opportunity, and self-discovery and it prepared him for his next major life goal.
Building a Multi-Faceted Brand & Personal Content Creation
Building a Multi-Faceted Brand & Personal Content Creation
Dejene states he's "expanding my travel agency into a full-service, high-end concierge, tour, and travel company that offers unique and immersive experiences". He uses his YouTube channels—Dejene Ethiopia Tours, Dejene Hodes, and the Next Question show— "to weave a narrative of inspiration, showcasing the multifaceted allure of Ethiopia, from its art to its entrepreneurial spirit." This period, from the early 2020s into the present, emphasizes his growing influence as a storyteller and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of personal branding in his larger vision. He says "My mission is clear – to illuminate the myriad opportunities that Ethiopia offers, from its art and coffee to its untapped business potential". This all reinforces his intention of showcasing Ethiopia's greatness.
Vision for Ethiopia's Future & Adulis Capital
Vision for Ethiopia's Future & Adulis Capital
Dejene is driven by his belief that "Ethiopia has the potential to rise again as a great and powerful nation" and that it can become a global leader like the Axumite Empire of the past. This drives his ambition to "build billion-dollar companies in Ethiopia," and he chose the name "Adulis" for his company to reflect this aspiration, inspired by "the ancient port of the Axumite Empire". He states that just like Adulis was a "gateway to a flourishing civilization, I want my companies to serve as gateways to a brighter future for Ethiopia, creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and contributing to the nation’s growth.” This vision is ongoing, starting in the present day, showcasing his future goal of achieving great things and making a major impact in Ethiopia.
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